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Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
The Palantir job that grows startup founders
Palantir, the government-focused software giant run by Alex Karp, has emerged as one of tech's biggest talent factories. One role in particular, the Forward Deployed Software Engineer, is churning out our startup founders. Many Palantir alumni -turned-founders got their start in the role at the company — like Trae Stephens and Matt Grimm, two members of defense tech giant Anduril's founding team. When she was a college student at Harvard University, Lisa Vo wasn't interested in typical software engineering internships and jobs where she'd spend her time writing backend code in a quiet office. A position as a Palantir Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDSE), however, promised her something different. During her time as an FDSE and intern at Palantir, Vo worked directly with the company's clients and enjoyed a high level of autonomy when trying out different solutions and settling on the best possible fix. She said the job gave her a rare experience in software engineering: the chance to interact directly with people and make an impact. "For someone who enjoys software engineering not just as a practice but as a tool to work on interesting problems and to be able to make an impact, that was a perfect training because you got to marry the very fast-paced, evolving priorities of working for a client, with working on interesting and ever-changing issues," she told Business Insider. Vo spent just over a year total at Palantir before quitting to become a founder, and she's launched five startups since 2019. Her latest project, a dating app called LoveJack, where users select five words, launched in London in May with pre-seed funding from Harvard AI Institute founder Karim Lakhani. Vo said that being a FDSE fast-tracked the skills she needed to learn to run a startup successfully. "It's definitely founder preparation bootcamp," she said. "As a founder, you have to talk to investors, land partnerships, and be outward-facing, but you also have to put your head down, build a product, code, and be inward-facing. It's the same dynamic with being a Forward Deployed Engineer." On the computer and on the front lines Like any other company, Palantir has traditional software engineers who work behind the scenes on product development and infrastructure — they're referred to as "Devs." But Forward Deployed Software Engineers —also known internally as "Deltas" — are meant to be the tip of the spear. In addition to using their computer engineering skills, they embed directly with Palantir's clients — which means government agencies like ICE and the U.S. Army as well as large companies including United Airlines and General Mills — to implement and adapt Palantir's software and tools in real time. "You're there to engage with a hard problem and solve it with deep customer empathy and lots of ingenuity," said Barry McCardel, a former FDSE who went on to co-found the data workspace startup Hex with two other Palantir alums, one of whom was also a FDSE. McCardel told Business Insider that when embedding with a client, FDSEs were expected to iterate quickly and find creative ways to solve problems. "That dynamic is what you ended up doing when you're creating a new product as a founder," he said. "So many of the things you worked on didn't work, but that was okay, which is similar to the venture and startup mindset." Palantir's practice of embedding engineers directly with clients to solve problems eventually evolved into a core company ethos known as "Forward Deployed" — which essentially prioritizes speed and efficiency, taking definitive action, and working hand-in-hand with clients to see and solve problems up close. Although Forward Deployed Software Engineers are perhaps the most well known, Palantir has other forward-deployed teams throughout the organization, including a Forward Deployed Infrastructure Engineering team, also known as the Baseline team, that embeds with clients to provide support for the products FDSEs build. Gary Lin, co-founder and CEO of enterprise startup Explo, worked as an FDSE at Palantir from 2017 to 2019. He described the job as one where you needed to "move fast and break things" in order to succeed — and that it wasn't always important to have a perfect, polished solution in order to succeed. You just needed to give your client something that worked well, quickly, he said. "Our goal was, 'What does it take to win with respect to the client?'," he said. "We were building faster to meet timelines, and that made our priorities slightly different." From Forward Deployed to founder Representatives for Palantir did not respond to a request for comment for this story, so it's unclear exactly how many FDSEs the company has hired since the firm was founded in 2003 or how many currently work there. There are around 700 LinkedIn profiles that list themselves as founders and say that Palantir was their former employer. For Lin, being embedded with clients gave engineers a chance to practice translating vague customer feedback into workable software, which is a skill that's proven essential in his current role leading a startup. "Forward Deployed Engineers will actually build software themselves and parse signal to noise what a customer is saying and figure out what's doable and reasonable," he said. "The exposure they get to the business side teaches you the tradeoffs between business development and product development, and as a founder you lean when it's okay to cut corners from an engineering perspective, and vice versa." Eliot Hodges, CEO at fintech startup Anduin, was an FDSE from 2012-2014. He remembers a relentless focus on outcome and impact for the client, and those values have stuck with him more than a decade later, now that he's running a startup of his own. "The idea was to bring in really ambitious, smart grads out of college and set them loose to be entrepreneurial, technical people to go out and pursue their own hypotheses," he said, adding that unlike a traditional role at a consulting firm, forward deployed engineers had to have not only top engineering chops, but also the expectation to set up a solution — rather than just make a recommendation. "Why go to McKinsey spending weeks building a deck that's not going to change an outcome and move the needle and might just sit on someone's desk?"
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Tears at What Woman Gives up To Save Her Dog's Sight: 'Worth It'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A woman has moved millions online after paying thousands of dollars to restore her dog's vision. Patricia Vo (@patriciaivyvo), a 25-year-old photographer from Arizona, first noticed something off when she saw a tiny cloudy speck—smaller than a grain of rice—in her Yorkie, Chanel's eye. "I didn't want to worry my mom so I didn't raise her awareness to it for awhile. Then my mom eventually noticed it herself and was super worried that it could be interfering with her vision. I brought it up to her vet and they said it was some lipid or mineral deposits building up due to us feeding her somewhat of a higher fat diet," Vo told Newsweek. The vet prescribed eye drops to break up the deposits, and they cut fatty foods from the dog's diet—most heartbreakingly, her favorite treat: chicken skin. A split image of Chanel the Yorkie before and after surgery. A split image of Chanel the Yorkie before and after surgery. @patriciaivyvo/@patriciaivyvo Still, the family remained concerned and took her to a veterinary ophthalmologist. There, she was diagnosed with early-stage cataracts in both eyes, in addition to the existing mineral deposits. Since she was young at the time, surgery wasn't recommended right away. But as the years passed, the cataracts progressed and her vision began to deteriorate. "We noticed she was slowly losing her vision due to the cataracts building this cloudy film over her eyes. We knew the cataracts had taken over her eyes when she was unable to go downstairs by herself, couldn't hop off our bed by using the little steps we set up for her, when we threw her toy and it was somewhat close to her, she would have no idea where it was thrown. Her quality of life wasn't the same and she would just sleep so much throughout the day and not have much of her fun personality," Vo said. Eventually, they opted for surgery—an $8,000 procedure to remove the cataracts from both eyes. A video of the now 7-year-old Yorkie recovering and enjoying a dog-friendly ice cream post-surgery captured hearts on TikTok, where it has racked up 4 million views. "I'll definitely have to calibrate my expenses to make this work but it is definitely worth it to me since she's still very young and deserves the chance to enjoy more of her life," Vo added. According to PDSA, cataracts in dogs are a cloudy layer that forms on the lens of the eye, stopping light from reaching the back of the eye and leading to blurred vision or even blindness. Common causes include aging, diabetes, genetics, or trauma. In some cases, surgery can be performed to remove the cataract and insert a new lens to restore sight. Vo explained that prior to the operation, her dog required five different types of eye drops—two of which had to be applied four times daily, and another two, twice a day. After surgery, the drops had to continue. Her dog's facial hair, including eyelashes, was shaved, and surgeons made two small incisions at the sides of her eyes to access the retina. One eye received a lens implant to help her see up close, while the other was left without one, giving her distance vision of three feet and beyond. The dog also had to attend four follow-up appointments to monitor inflammation, and three weeks after the surgery, the sutures were removed, revealing her big, round eyes—just like when she was a puppy. Vo described that moment as very special. In reflecting on the journey, Vo said that while dogs can survive without sight and adapt well, she wanted her beloved companion to thrive. "In the grand scheme of things, she definitely could have survived without her vision and can adapt bc ultimately they just care about how much they love you and want you to be happy. But I wanted to do this for her even if it'll be tough financially for me for a while. She's the most obedient, gentle, and loving dog (compared to my boy dog, Louie). "Seeing her have the confidence to go down the stairs without hesitation, fight back for her toys from her little brother, not be trapped on our bed while needing to use the bathroom anymore—it's been incredibly fulfilling to see the surgery bring her personality and confidence back. I am confident that with this positive change, her quality of life will ensure that she's able to live longer since she's able to actually enjoy her life and see everything around her and not feel left out like before!" TikTok users were deeply touched by Vo's dedication. "There is a special place in heaven for you," one person wrote. "I had a yorkie and I got him the cataract surgery. He lives for three more years being able to see. Today is his three year anniversary of his passing. I'd like to think this video is from him," shared Leanna. "It's cool, just a grown man trying not to cry in front of his coworkers at lunch," added Eric. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
New York Post
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Equinox's new class has fitness freaks running up the Vessel
For tourists from around the world, the Vessel in Hudson Yards is a main attraction. They pay $10 a visit to climb to the top of the 16-story structure —which features 2,500 steps across 154 zig-zagging flights of stairs — and take in views of the city from 80 different landings. But for some local New Yorkers, the Vessel is just a huge piece of gym equipment. A just-launched Equinox workout class has fitness freaks paying $55 to run up and down the honeycomb-shaped structure four times in 45-minutes and complete a grueling upper body strength workout at the top. It's no walk in the park. Advertisement 9 A new Equinox class has fitness freaks running up and down the Vessel four times. Stefano Giovannini 'It was more challenging than I thought it would be,' said Edgar Irizarry, 32, who works in tech, lives on the Upper West Side and did the class Tuesday morning. 'You think you are full of energy but then when you start getting closer to the top your legs just start hurting and feel really heavy and you still have two flights to go.' The classes take place on Tuesday at 7 a.m. — for Equinox members only — and Thursday at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. for the general public. Reservations must be made in advance. Advertisement Andrew Slane, one of the instructors, said the class is even difficult for those already in good shape. 'It's very humbling,' he told The Post. 'Many of the people taking the class run marathons and they were like, 'This is hard.'' Christopher Vo, Director of Group Fitness Programming for Equinox, said it's uniquely challenging because of the climbing aspect, which strengthens the glutes and legs. 9 The 16-story Vessel has 2,500 steps across 154 zig-zagging flights of stairs. Stefano Giovannini Advertisement 9 'It's very humbling,' an instructor told The Post of the challenging class. 'Many of the people taking the class run marathons and they were like, 'This is hard.'' Stefano Giovannini 'A lot of times when we are in a group fitness environment we are able to do things front to back or side to side but rarely do we get to go vertical,' said Vo. 'It's also a great cardiovascular workout.' Equinox has been wanting to do a class at the Vessel since it reopened last October, following a three-year closure necessitated by a string of suicides. Vo said it's a truly unique fitness venue. 'To be in it and have the structure swirl around you, it's really special,' said Vo. Advertisement The class, which has 20 to 25 people, starts with a stretching session at the base. Then participants rum up the Vessel, back down, and up again. At the top they do upper body resistance movement with arm bands for about 10 minutes, before running down again and doing more exercises, such as mountain climbers and planks, at the base. Then they repeat the entire process — or at least some do. 9 The class, which has 20 to 25 people, starts with a stretching session at the base. Stefano Giovannini 9 At the top of the Vessel, participants do a grueling strength workout with bands. Stefano Giovannini 9 Back down at the base, participants do exercises such as mountain climbers and planks. Stefano Giovannini 'Some of the runners come down and never go back up,' said someone who works at the Vessel and has observed early classes. Shahar Ifrah, 24, who lives in the city and works at the Israeli consulate, said one of the advantages of the class is that you get to be at the Vessel hours before it opens to the public at 10 a.m. 'It was crazy intense, amazing, and so much fun to get to experience this without any tourists around,' said Ifrah, who participated in Tuesday's class. 'I absolutely want to do it again as many times as I can sign up.' Another advantage: she recorded herself running up the structure on her phone. Advertisement 'I'm definitely going to post these videos,' she said. 'Everyone is going to see that I did this.' 9 The class takes place in the early morning, before the Vessel opens to the public. Stefano Giovannini 9 Equinox's Nora Bisharat (left) and Andrew Slane lead the class. Stefano Giovannini 9 'To be in it and have the structure swirl around you, it's really special,' said Equinox's Christopher Vo. Courtesy of Vessel Advertisement But she had her limits. At the end of the class the instructors wanted to take a group photo back at the top of the Vessel. Although they told the group they could walk, not run, even that seemed like a stretch. Ifrah asked, 'Isn't the elevator working?'
Axios
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Metro leaders push for new policies after ICE raids
Metro Council members are pushing for more funding and new policies, including the display of signs listing immigrant's legal rights in government buildings, to support local immigrants following federal raids in Nashville. Why it matters: The wave of new policy ideas illustrates the pinch that local leaders feel as they lead a blue city in a deeply red state. Friction point: On one hand, the shock of the operation between the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents propelled Mayor Freddie O'Connell and Metro Council members to action. On the other hand, federal law grants expansive immigration enforcement powers to ICE, which enjoys broad political support from Republican leaders in the state government. Zoom in: At a specially called meeting last week in the wake of the raids, Metro Council members hinted at legislation and funding priorities on the horizon. Metro Councilmember Emily Benedict said she plans to request that $10 million be diverted from the $330 million police budget to pay for legal aid services for immigrants. Metro Councilmember Terry Vo pushed for the creation of a community safety plan, which she tells Axios would "not rely on traditional policing." Instead, she wants to see investments in civilian-led mobile crisis teams, licensed mental health clinicians and EMTs. Council members also discussed displaying a sort of immigrants bill of rights on government buildings so that Nashville residents know their legal protections and how to respond to immigration enforcement. What she's saying: Vo says she heard this week from a business owner in her district whose employees were afraid to come to work after the ICE raids. "I want to ensure that we're empowering our communities to shape their own vision of safety," Vo says. "I think a community safety plan includes all the various communities that are attacked, and makes sure we are centering their fears and concerns in how we address community safety." Zoom out: Council members also expressed concerns that Nashville schools could be targeted with ICE action. Metro Nashville Public Schools director Adrienne Battle sent an email to families this week explaining how schools would respond if ICE agents show up. In that scenario, principals don't let agents enter the school without "explicit legal authorization." No immigration enforcers have attempted to enter MNPS schools, according to Battle's email. "We are committed to ensuring that our schools will continue to be safe and welcoming places for every child, every day," she said. Catch up quick: ICE and DHS officers worked with Tennessee Highway Patrol to conduct about 150 traffic stops in south Nashville, which is home to many Hispanic residents, earlier this month. MNPD was not involved.
Associated Press
20-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Digital Business Training & All-In-One E-Com Platform For Beginners Announced
Entrepreneur, author, and Law of Attraction Transformational Life Coach Mina Vo, founder of Mina Happy Style, announces a beginner-friendly, low-cost e-commerce training program that includes flexible video training, peer mentorship, and one-on-one coaching to help aspiring business owners launch and scale a rewarding online business. Gatineau, Canada, April 20, 2025 -- Described by Mina Vo as 'A Digital Business for Everyone,' the program offers aspiring entrepreneurs a simple, easy-to-understand method for starting and growing a digital business, even if they have no prior technical or marketing experience. With a feature-rich, 'done-for-you' platform and step-by-step guidance, participants can build an online store or service of their choice while learning at their own pace. Mentorship from a community of experts and coaching from Mina Vo is also provided. More information is available at The 'Digital Business for Everyone' training program is designed to give aspiring entrepreneurs options. They can focus on creating a second income stream, use the business as an additional pre-retirement savings strategy or post-retirement side business, reduce debt, or adapt what they've learned into full-time digital entrepreneurship. As more people seek alternatives to traditional employment, Mina Happy Style provides a supportive, low-risk approach to greater financial freedom with a venture that can be run from anywhere in the world, offering store owners both flexibility and a healthy work-life balance. 'Being a Law of Attraction Coach, numerologist, and having the entrepreneurial gene, I love learning and sharing my knowledge with others,' says Vo. 'My dream is to be able to help others recognize their own potential so they can draw on their strengths to create and have full control over their dream life.' Included in the online business program is an all-inclusive platform fully configured and ready for launch. A user-friendly interface helps guide business owners as they personalize their business and target products or services. Integrated marketing tools include SEO, email marketing, and a customizable social media strategy. Online security is also provided, as is access to analytics and insights business owners can monitor to optimize their messaging and finesse their lead generation tactics. Online support continues after setup, giving business owners access to a technical support team, and a global community of peers and business mentors for real-time advice and strategizing. Mina Vo's video-based training and 'done-for-you' platform provides a low-cost, low-risk entry into e-com that is tailored to the types of products or services aspiring entrepreneurs are most passionate about, and easily scalable for long-term growth and profitability. Coral, a recent webinar participant, says, 'After an injury made desk work difficult, I was so fortunate to find this business. Now I work where I want, when I want.' Learn more by visiting Contact Info: Name: Mina Vo Email: Send Email Organization: Mina Vo Coaching Address: 84 Rue des Engoulevents, Gatineau, Québec J8R 2X2, Canada Website: Release ID: 89158071 If there are any deficiencies, problems, or concerns regarding the information presented in this press release that require attention or if you need assistance with a press release takedown, we encourage you to notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our diligent team is committed to promptly addressing your concerns within 8 hours and taking necessary actions to rectify any identified issues or facilitate the removal process. Providing accurate and trustworthy information is of utmost importance.
