Palmer Luckey’s career trajectory offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving landscape of technology innovation, spanning consumer virtual reality to advanced autonomous defence systems. His journey from the co-founder of Oculus VR to the leader of Anduril Industries reflects broader trends in the tech industry, where entrepreneurs are increasingly pivoting towards defence and security applications.
Early Career and Oculus VR
Palmer Luckey, an American entrepreneur, first gained prominence as the co-founder of Oculus VR, a company that revolutionized the virtual reality (VR) industry. At just 20 years old, Luckey launched Oculus through a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2012. The company quickly captured the imagination of tech enthusiasts and investors alike, leading to a landmark acquisition by Meta Platforms (then Facebook) in March 2014. The deal, reportedly worth around US $2 billion, was finalized a mere 601 days after the initial crowdfunding launch, as noted by TechCrunch. During his tenure at Facebook, Luckey played a pivotal role in the development and launch of the Oculus Rift gaming headset, a product that set new standards for immersive gaming experiences. He remained with the company until April 2017, during which time he honed his skills in both technology and business strategy.
Transition to Defence Technology
Following his departure from Facebook, Luckey shifted his focus towards the defence-technology sector, co-founding Anduril Industries in 2017. This move marked a significant departure from consumer electronics to military and security applications. Anduril Industries, based in Costa Mesa, California, specializes in developing autonomous systems, software platforms, and hardware solutions for defence and security purposes. The company’s mission is to tackle modern military challenges through software-defined, hardware-enabled autonomous systems.
Anduril’s leadership team includes co-founders Brian Schimpf, Trae Stephens, Matt Grimm, and Joseph Chen, several of whom have backgrounds at Palantir Technologies. Under their guidance, Anduril has developed a range of cutting-edge technologies, including the Lattice OS autonomous command-and-control platform, autonomous drones, underwater vehicles, and counter-UAS (uncrewed aerial system) solutions. The company has secured numerous contracts with US and allied defence organizations, positioning itself as a key player in the defence technology sector.
2024–2025 Developments
As of November 2025, Palmer Luckey’s net worth was estimated at $3.5 billion, according to Forbes. The year 2025 proved to be a pivotal one for Anduril, as the company achieved several significant milestones. One of the most notable developments was Anduril’s takeover of the US Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) programme. This acquisition marked a major step in the company’s expansion within the defence sector. Additionally, in September 2025, personal aviation company Jetson delivered its first Jetson ONE unit to Luckey, underscoring his growing interest in advanced mobility technology beyond defence applications.
Anduril’s collaboration with Meta Platforms in 2025 to develop a wearable system for the US Army, codenamed EagleEye, represented a notable reconnection between Luckey and Meta. This partnership followed earlier disagreements and highlighted the evolving nature of their relationship. However, Anduril has also faced scrutiny for its involvement in border-surveillance technology and broader debates surrounding the ethical use of autonomous systems in both civilian and military contexts.
What is Anduril Industries?
Anduril Industries, founded in 2017, has quickly established itself as a leader in the defence-technology sector. The company’s innovative approach to autonomous systems and software platforms has garnered attention from defence organizations worldwide. Anduril’s flagship offerings include the Lattice OS, a sophisticated autonomous command-and-control platform, and a diverse range of hardware systems designed for various military applications. These include autonomous drones, underwater vehicles, and counter-UAS solutions.
The company’s rapid growth is evident in its funding rounds, with a Series E round in December 2022 valuing Anduril at US $8.48 billion. This round raised US $1.48 billion and was led by Valor Equity Partners, with participation from prominent investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Lux Capital, and General Catalyst. Anduril’s success in securing substantial funding underscores the confidence investors have in its technology and future prospects.
Milestones and Controversies
Anduril’s journey has been marked by both significant achievements and controversies. The company’s collaboration with Meta Platforms on the EagleEye project represents a notable milestone, demonstrating the potential for synergy between tech giants and defence startups. However, Anduril has also faced criticism for its role in developing border-surveillance technology, raising