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6/22/2025, 11:13:32 PM
Regarding family, Karp is a lifelong bachelor. In fact, he said that the thought of starting a family gives him hives. However, Karp is here because at least his parents had a different view of marriage and raising family.
Alex Karp was raised in Philadelphia by parents who he described as hippies. Karp studied law at Stanford University where Peter Thiel was his classmate. After completing his law studies, Karp pursued a Ph.D. in social theory. He was drawn to German thinkers and that led him to study the German language and then pursue a doctorate in Germany.
Karp’s parents participated in labor rights demonstrations and political protests and took their young son along with them. Karp’s father, Robert Karp, is a Jewish clinical pediatrician. Karp's mother, Leah Jaynes Karp, who is Black, is an artist. Karp understood from a young age that his mixed-race background made him somewhat vulnerable. In fact, Karp continues to live with that anxiety despite his current status. For example, Karp says that if the far-right came to power, there’s no doubt he would be among its first victims.
From going to labor demonstrations and political protests with his parents, Karp understood early the dangers of fascism and the importance of protecting civil liberties. These views have shaped Karp’s life and professional endeavors.
For example, Karp seeks to combat discrimination, which he learned from his mother. Karp considers himself a socialist and has described himself as a progressive warrior. While Thiel, who co-founded Palantir with Karp, backed President Trump in the 2016 presidential race, Karp voted for Hillary Clinton. Karp said that the rise of fascism is one of his greatest fears. The feeling of being vulnerable influences many of the decisions that Karp makes at Palantir.
Alex Karp was raised in Philadelphia by parents who he described as hippies. Karp studied law at Stanford University where Peter Thiel was his classmate. After completing his law studies, Karp pursued a Ph.D. in social theory. He was drawn to German thinkers and that led him to study the German language and then pursue a doctorate in Germany.
Karp’s parents participated in labor rights demonstrations and political protests and took their young son along with them. Karp’s father, Robert Karp, is a Jewish clinical pediatrician. Karp's mother, Leah Jaynes Karp, who is Black, is an artist. Karp understood from a young age that his mixed-race background made him somewhat vulnerable. In fact, Karp continues to live with that anxiety despite his current status. For example, Karp says that if the far-right came to power, there’s no doubt he would be among its first victims.
From going to labor demonstrations and political protests with his parents, Karp understood early the dangers of fascism and the importance of protecting civil liberties. These views have shaped Karp’s life and professional endeavors.
For example, Karp seeks to combat discrimination, which he learned from his mother. Karp considers himself a socialist and has described himself as a progressive warrior. While Thiel, who co-founded Palantir with Karp, backed President Trump in the 2016 presidential race, Karp voted for Hillary Clinton. Karp said that the rise of fascism is one of his greatest fears. The feeling of being vulnerable influences many of the decisions that Karp makes at Palantir.
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