Startup founders are increasingly pitching their companies as "Palantir, but for X," mimicking Palantir's model of embedding forward-deployed engineers (FDEs) within client organizations. This approach aims to create customized workflows and integrate disjointed systems quickly. Job postings for FDEs have surged, reflecting a broader trend where enterprises struggle to navigate the overwhelming array of AI products on the market. The promise of sending engineers directly into organizations to make technology work is appealing, especially for startups targeting seven-figure contracts. However, the article raises skepticism about the scalability of this "Palantirization" strategy. While Palantir excels in building integrated platforms, embedding elite engineers, and achieving success in critical government sectors, most companies can manage only one or two of these aspects. The article emphasizes that Palantir’s success stems from its ability to create intentional microservices that form a solid foundation for its offerings. In contrast, many startups are pitching lofty outcome goals without the robust structures and experiences that underpin Palantir's services. The challenges facing startups aiming to replicate Palantir’s model are significant. Many AI projects stall before reaching production, often due to messy data and integration issues. While some startups may land large contracts early on, they often do so by customizing solutions on the fly, making it difficult to establish a sustainable product. Furthermore, not every problem faced by potential clients is suitable for a high-touch Palantir-level solution. Founders must recognize these limitations if they want to avoid becoming expensive service businesses without a clear competitive edge.