Trae Stephens is a former U.S. intelligence analyst and early Palantir employee who co-founded and serves as Executive Chairman of Anduril Industries while working as a partner at Founders Fund, giving him rare experience as both a defense-tech operator and investor. He champions pursuing "good hard quests" in technology and focuses on backing founders building at the intersection of AI, autonomy, and national security, often serving as a bridge between Palantir's approach and a new wave of defense companies. Trae Stephens is a former U.S. intelligence analyst and early Palantir employee who co-founded and serves as Executive Chairman of Anduril Industries while working as a partner at Founders Fund, giving him rare experience as both a defense-tech operator and investor. He champions pursuing "good hard quests" in technology and focuses on backing founders building at the intersection of AI, autonomy, and national security, often serving as a bridge between Palantir's approach and a new wave of defense companies.