Valar Atomics, a 2023‑founded startup focused on high‑temperature gas‑reactor (HTGR) technology, announced that it has closed a $19 million seed round on November 10, 2025. The round was led by Riot Ventures and included participation from AlleyCorp, Initialized Capital, Day One Ventures, and Steel Atlas. Lockheed Martin board member John Donovan also joined the round in a personal capacity.
The investment is notable because it brings Palantir’s chief technology officer, Shyam Sankar, into the mix. Sankar’s stake is a personal one and does not represent a corporate partnership between Palantir and Valar. However, the move signals Palantir’s continued interest in applying its data‑analytics and AI platforms to advanced energy and defense applications. Palantir’s separate partnership with The Nuclear Company to develop an AI‑driven Nuclear Operating System underscores the company’s broader strategy of integrating AI into complex, regulated industries.
Valar’s technology aims to mass‑produce small modular reactors (SMRs) that can deliver grid‑independent power for data centers, industrial clients, and hydrogen production. By providing a reliable, low‑carbon energy source, Valar seeks to address the growing power demands of AI workloads and the need for clean fuels. The seed funding will support prototype development, regulatory engagement, and early‑stage manufacturing planning.
The presence of high‑profile investors with defense backgrounds—Sankar, Donovan, and co‑founder of Snowpoint Ventures Doug Philippone—highlights the dual‑use nature of the technology. While Philippone’s role is limited to investment, his experience at Palantir and in defense procurement positions him to bridge the gap between nuclear technology and defense‑grade data analytics.
Overall, the funding round and Palantir’s personal investment illustrate a convergence of AI, data analytics, and advanced nuclear technology. The capital injection positions Valar to accelerate its SMR development, while Palantir gains a foothold in a sector where its AI tools can unlock operational efficiencies and new revenue streams.
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