Mykhailo Fedorov launches defence-tech company with Palantir CEO as lead investor

What's the deal? On 1 September 2026, former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo FedorovDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → announced plans to build a new Ukrainian defence-technology company. Alex KarpDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, chief executive of Palantir, will become its first lead investor. The announcement did not disclose the venture's name, legal structure, capital committed, valuation or a timetable for launch.

Operating model: Fedorov described an initiative that would combine investment with company creation rather than follow a conventional venture-capital model. The broader programme is intended to back existing Ukrainian defence-tech startups and build new companies around technologies considered critical to the battlefield. Discussions with potential investors, technology companies, experts and other project partners were under way during Fedorov's working trip to Washington.

Technology focus: The initial areas identified in the related announcement include battlefield robotics intended to reduce soldiers' exposure to dangerous areas; jet-powered interceptor drones designed to counter emerging aerial threats, including jet-powered Shahed drones; and low-cost missiles incorporating artificial intelligence. Fedorov said the objective is to attract international capital and expertise to develop technologies for successive technological cycles in Ukraine's defence.

Strategic context: Karp said he was pleased that Palantir could play a part in launching a company built around Ukrainian and allied knowledge of modern warfare. The partnership places a planned Ukrainian production and operating base alongside a US lead investor, making export controls, procurement rules, data governance and international commercialisation important considerations from the outset. These constraints are not yet described in a formal company plan, and Fedorov's precise operating role remains unconfirmed.

Status: The initiative remains at the formation stage. No formal company name, product portfolio, funding amount, launch date or additional investors have been announced. It should not yet be treated as a confirmed standalone Dealroom entity or as a completed financing round.

Read more: Mykhailo Fedorov on LinkedIn · tech.eu