Palantir CIO Jim Siders Takes Helm at Thrive Capital’s New IT Services Venture, Shield Technology Partners

Jim Siders, a long-time executive from the AI and data analytics firm Palantir, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Shield Technology Partners. This newly formed entity, backed by Thrive Holdings, aims to revolutionize the IT services sector by integrating cutting-edge AI, product development, and engineering capabilities with robust operational and M&A expertise.

Key Takeaways

• Jim Siders departs Palantir after over 12 years, most recently as CIO.
• Shield Technology Partners, a new venture by Thrive Holdings and ZBS Partners, focuses on growing IT service companies.
• The company leverages AI, product, and engineering expertise to enhance its portfolio businesses.
• Shield currently partners with seven IT service companies, serving over 1,500 customers.

A New Chapter for a Palantir Veteran

Siders brings over a decade of experience from Palantir, where he most recently served as Chief Information Officer. During his tenure, he was instrumental in overseeing global IT operations, business applications, and infrastructure, contributing to the company’s significant growth. His journey at Palantir began in an IT helpdesk role, showcasing a deep understanding of the IT landscape from the ground up.

Shield Technology Partners: Empowering IT Services

Shield Technology Partners was launched by Thrive Holdings, an investment arm of Thrive Capital, in collaboration with ZBS Partners. The venture is designed to acquire stakes in IT services companies, providing them with access to advanced AI technology, engineering talent, and strategic operational support. The goal is to help these businesses scale while preserving their unique brand identity and local leadership.

Anuj Mehndiratta, a founding team member of Thrive Holdings, highlighted Siders’ suitability for the role, noting his advocacy for direct engineer-customer collaboration and his intuitive understanding of client needs. "He has been in the shoes of our partners and understands intuitively what their customers want," Mehndiratta stated.

Leveraging AI for Growth

Shield is actively integrating AI into the operations of its partner companies. In conjunction with Thrive Holdings and OpenAI, Shield has developed two internal products, Sentinel and Spectre. These tools are designed to streamline IT support by automating the triaging and resolution of repetitive customer tickets, allowing IT engineers to focus on more critical tasks. This strategic use of AI aims to redefine service delivery economics within the IT services industry.

Currently, Shield partners with seven companies across the United States, collectively serving over 1,500 customers in key sectors such as construction, energy, and healthcare. The company has secured over $100 million in initial funding and is actively seeking to expand its portfolio.

Sources

• Palantir CIO Jim Siders leaves for Thrive Capital’s Shield Technology, CNBC.
• Shield Technology Partners Appoints Jim Siders as CEO, citybiz.
• Jim Siders Joins Shield Technology Partners as Chief Executive Officer, Business Wire.

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