把利润变成权利！搅动美国防务行业的“新钱”，既投向安杜里尔，也“投资”特朗普

Core Insights - The article discusses the emergence of a new group in the U.S. defense industry, referred to as the "Palantir Pack," which is linked to the influential "PayPal Mafia" led by Peter Thiel [3][4][20] - Palantir Technologies has seen a significant stock price increase of 340% in 2024, making it the best-performing company in the S&P 500, with a market capitalization surpassing many defense giants [3][8] - The interconnected network of venture capitalists and angel investors in Silicon Valley is fostering a robust investment-entrepreneur ecosystem, particularly in the defense sector [4][28] Group 1: Key Players and Companies - Peter Thiel is a central figure in both the "PayPal Mafia" and the "Palantir Pack," having founded Palantir and maintaining control through special voting rights [3][8] - The "Palantir Pack" includes numerous startups, with over 170 companies founded or led by former Palantir executives [3] - Anduril Industries, valued at $28 billion, has a high concentration of executives from Palantir, indicating the influence of the "Palantir Pack" [6][9] Group 2: Investment Trends - 8VC, founded by Joe Lonsdale, a member of the "Palantir Pack," has invested in several defense startups, including Epirus, which focuses on drone defense technology [15][17] - Y Combinator, led by Garry Tan, a former Palantir employee, made its first investment in the defense sector in August 2024, reflecting a growing interest in this area among Silicon Valley investors [17][20] - Notable venture capital firms like a16z and Valor have also participated in multiple funding rounds for Anduril, indicating a trend of increased investment in defense startups [25][28] Group 3: Political Connections - Members of the "Palantir Pack" have also engaged in political activities, notably supporting Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, which illustrates the intertwining of technology investment and political influence [20][30] - The relationships among key figures like Thiel, Musk, and Lonsdale highlight a network that not only invests in startups but also seeks to shape policy and regulatory environments favorable to their interests [20][30]