AI startup founders are increasingly adopting an approach inspired by Palantir, embedding themselves with clients to become 'forward-deployed engineers.' This strategy allows founders to write code, build fast demos, and effectively fine-tune their products on-site. Y Combinator partners emphasize that this hands-on technique is yielding results, with some founders securing hefty seven-figure deals. YC's CEO Garry Tan, a former Palantir employee, suggests that founders need a blend of technical skills and the ability to deeply understand their clients' needs to achieve success.
You want the person on the second meeting to see the demo you put together based on the stuff you heard, and you want them to say, 'Wow, I've never seen anything like that.' And take my money."
The term, popularized by Palantir, refers to engineers who embed themselves with clients to fine-tune the product on-site.
This strategy is taking off, and it's straight out of Palantir's early playbook.
Much of Palantir's success comes from its business with the US government.
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