AI Consulting Startup Founded by Ex-Palantir Employees Raises at $1.8 Billion Valuation

A raft of venture-backed startups are emerging to offer high-tech consultants for businesses needing help with artificial intelligence, posing competition for companies like Palantir and McKinsey & Co. that specialize in high-priced consulting services.

One is Distyl AI. The three-year-old startup provides companies like T-Mobile with what’s known as forward-deployed engineers and AI software that automates business processes such as analyzing customer data or managing HR functions. Founded by former employees at data analytics software-maker Palantir, Distyl has raised $175 million at a $1.8 billion valuation including the investment after a spike in contracts, according to CEO Arjun Prakash.