24. Alexander Karp

CEO, Palantir Technologies

Palantir Technologies, the data analytics company with deep ties to the CIA, recently raised $58 million during a funding round that is expected to top $100 million. From September to December, Palantir's valuation increased by 50%.

It's reportedly seeking a valuation of $9 billion. Although secrecy surrounding Palantir makes it difficult to pin down what it's doing at any given moment, the company focuses on using big data to find solutions to large-scale issues like preventing fraud in Medicare, taking down human trafficking networks, or preventing Ponzi schemes.