Seekr Bets on ‘Trusted AI’ with Ex-Palantir Exec, Eyes Growing Defense Market

Reston, VA – November 5, 2025 – Seekr Technologies, a provider of AI solutions for government and defense, has appointed Lloyd Cope as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), signaling a strategic push into the rapidly expanding market for ‘trusted AI.’ Cope, a veteran executive with extensive experience at Palantir Technologies and Altana AI, will spearhead Seekr’s go-to-market strategy, focusing on delivering secure, explainable AI to critical infrastructure and national security sectors.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment. While AI adoption within government agencies is accelerating, concerns surrounding algorithmic bias, data security, and the lack of transparency in AI decision-making are simultaneously growing. This has created a heightened demand for AI solutions that prioritize trust, explainability, and data provenance – a niche Seekr appears to be positioning itself to fill.

“There’s a real shift happening,” explains an industry analyst familiar with the defense AI space. “Agencies can no longer afford ‘black box’ AI. They need to understand why an AI system is making a particular recommendation, especially when those recommendations have life-or-death consequences. Transparency is no longer a ‘nice-to-have,’ it’s a requirement.”

A Veteran Navigates the ‘Trusted AI’ Landscape

Cope’s resume speaks to this trend. His tenure at Palantir, a company deeply embedded in the defense and intelligence communities, honed his understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of government AI deployments. He oversaw multiple contracts focused on delivering data-driven solutions for national security applications. “He's seen firsthand the complexities of building and deploying AI in high-stakes environments,” says a former colleague of Cope’s. “He understands the need for robust security, rigorous testing, and – crucially – explainability.”

At Altana AI, Cope focused on expanding the company’s commercial and defense sector sales, demonstrating his ability to navigate the competitive AI landscape and build strategic partnerships. His experience in both sectors positions him uniquely to lead Seekr's growth strategy.

The Rise of ‘Explainable AI’ & Government Demand

Seekr isn’t alone in recognizing the growing demand for ‘explainable AI’ (XAI). The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently released its AI Risk Management Framework, outlining best practices for developing and deploying AI systems responsibly. The framework emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and fairness – principles that align directly with Seekr’s stated mission.

“There’s a lot of discussion about the ethical implications of AI within government,” notes a government IT official. “Agencies are actively seeking solutions that can be audited, explained, and trusted. They need to be able to demonstrate that their AI systems are not biased and are making decisions based on sound reasoning.”

The demand for XAI is particularly acute in sectors such as defense, intelligence, and law enforcement, where AI systems are used to make critical decisions that can have significant consequences. For example, AI-powered systems are used for threat detection, fraud prevention, and predictive policing. In these applications, it’s essential to understand why the system is flagging a particular individual or event.

Competition Heats Up in Government AI

While Seekr is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for ‘trusted AI,’ it faces stiff competition. Palantir remains a dominant player in the government AI space, offering a comprehensive suite of data integration and analytics solutions. C3 AI and Booz Allen Hamilton are also actively competing for government contracts, offering a range of AI-powered solutions for digital transformation and operational efficiency.

“The government AI market is becoming increasingly crowded,” says an industry analyst. “Companies need to differentiate themselves by offering solutions that are not only powerful but also trustworthy and explainable.”

Seekr appears to be betting on its focus on XAI and its ability to deliver secure, reliable AI solutions for mission-critical applications. The company’s platform is designed to provide transparency and accountability, allowing government agencies to understand how and why its AI systems are making decisions.

Looking Ahead

With the appointment of Lloyd Cope as CRO, Seekr is signaling its commitment to becoming a leading provider of ‘trusted AI’ for government and defense. The company's focus on explainability, security, and reliability positions it well to capitalize on the growing demand for responsible AI solutions. As government agencies continue to embrace AI, the need for transparency and accountability will only become more critical. Seekr’s ability to deliver on these principles will be key to its success in the years to come. “The companies that can build trust with government agencies will be the ones that win in the long run,” says the government IT official. “And trust is earned through transparency and accountability.”

Ultimately, the success of Seekr, and other players in the government AI space, will depend on their ability to deliver solutions that not only meet the technical requirements of government agencies but also address the ethical and societal implications of AI.