Kenneth Howery
Howery functions as the direct financial bridge between the Thiel-Musk venture capital ecosystem and US diplomatic authority over Greenland and the Arctic, a geography where defense technology contracts, rare earth resources, and satellite communications in which his investment portfolio holds significant stakes are active policy issues.
Kenneth Howery is a co-founder of PayPal and Founders Fund, one of Silicon Valley's most prominent venture capital firms, with a disclosed net worth between $507 million and $1.08 billion 1. He currently serves as US Ambassador to Denmark, a post that encompasses Greenland and the Faroe Islands, confirmed by the Senate on October 7, 2025, by a 51-47 vote 2. This is his second ambassadorship under Donald Trump, having previously served as Ambassador to Sweden from 2019 to 2021 3.
Howery's financial disclosure reveals 314 assets spanning venture capital, cryptocurrency, real estate, and defense technology holdings, with carried interest positions across multiple Founders Fund vehicles and personal stakes in SpaceX, Palantir, Neuralink, and Tesla 4. His ambassadorial portfolio directly overlaps with Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, a facility central to the Golden Dome missile defense program, for which multiple Founders Fund portfolio companies are positioned as leading contenders, according to reporting 5.
His political contributions totaling over $1.5 million in the 2024 cycle included a $1 million donation to the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee on December 9, 2024, a timeline that drew public scrutiny given his Denmark nomination was announced thirteen days later 6. He is a participant in the Rockbridge Network, a conservative donor network co-founded by Peter Thiel ally JD Vance 7.
Career and Network Origins
Kenneth Howery was born in Texas in 1975 and graduated from Stanford University with a BA in Economics in 1998 8. At Stanford, he served as Editor-in-Chief of The Stanford Review, the conservative campus publication where he first worked alongside Peter Thiel 9. In 1998, he co-founded PayPal as its first Chief Financial Officer, helping raise over $200 million in private financing and managing the company through its IPO and subsequent $1.5 billion sale to eBay 8. He briefly served as Director of Corporate Development at eBay from July to November 2002 before joining Thiel's hedge fund Clarium Capital Management as VP of Private Equity in 2004 8.
In 2005, Howery co-founded Founders Fund with Thiel and Luke Nosek 8. Early investments by the firm included Facebook ($500,000, which grew to approximately $3 billion), SpaceX, Palantir Technologies, ZocDoc, and Stripe 8. Howery served as Managing Member of the fund's GP entities from inception through Fund VI in 2016, alongside Thiel, Nosek, Sean Parker, and later Brian Singerman, as confirmed by SEC Form D filings 10. After his 2019 confirmation as Ambassador to Sweden, Howery's name ceased appearing on new fund management filings, though he retained LP and carried interest positions 10.
LittleSis documents 23 relationships for Howery, including professional ties to Thiel, Elon Musk (described as a "close friend"), and participation in the Rockbridge Network, a conservative donor group co-founded by JD Vance and Chris Buskirk as a Trump-aligned alternative to the Koch network 9 7. Howery was named a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader in 2012 and serves as Senior Advisor to the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue 8 11.
Kenneth Howery
Financial Holdings and Asset Structure
Howery's 2025 OGE 278 financial disclosure for his Denmark ambassadorship lists a net worth between $507 million and $1.08 billion across 314 assets and 8 position categories 1. His Founders Fund carried interest positions span FF Management LLCs I through IV and Alpha Management LLC, with the largest single position in Lembas II LP at $250 million to $500 million 12. Additional venture holdings include Gigafund 0.2 LP ($250 million to $500 million), where he is one of only four investors in a SpaceX-focused vehicle managed by former Founders Fund co-founder Luke Nosek 13.
His personal equity positions include SpaceX ($100 million to $200 million), Palantir ($50 million to $100 million), Neuralink ($250 million to $500 million), and Tesla ($500 million to $1 billion across accounts) 1. Cryptocurrency holdings are extensive: Bitcoin ($500 million to $1 billion via Windward One LLC and Gemini wallets), Dogecoin ($250 million to $500 million), Ethereum, and positions in over 12 additional tokens, with total crypto exposure estimated at $750 million to $1.5 billion 14. He also holds positions in Polychain Fund I LP ($50 million to $100 million) and Meta Stable Edge LP ($250 million to $500 million), both crypto-focused funds 14. Analysis suggests these positions reflect a broader pattern of crypto-ecosystem exposure 15.
Real estate spans six jurisdictions through LLC structures: San Francisco ($250 million to $500 million), New York City, Eden UT, Las Vegas (via Object Dash LLC, including undeveloped land and commercial property), Miami (via BTC Wynwood I LLC), and Jalisco, Mexico 16. His liability profile shows eight separate Bank of America facilities totaling an estimated $2 billion to $4 billion, alongside JPMorgan Chase and Merrill Lynch loans 17. Analysis indicates the absence of UCC liens despite this leverage is consistent with margin or securities-backed lending 18. The broader corporate structure includes at least 16 numbered family trusts, five Global-series intermediate holding LLCs (Global B, D, S, F, Pegasus), and Tolkien-themed entities such as Lembas and Miruvor 19.
Founders Fund Corporate Architecture
Founders Fund maintains over 50 Delaware entities across nine numbered fund families (I through IX), four Growth funds (I through IV), an Alpha fund, and supporting vehicles 20. Each fund family follows a standard pattern of Fund LP, Principals Fund LP, Entrepreneurs Fund LP, and Management LLC. The newest vehicles are Fund IX (2023) and Growth IV (January 2026) 20. SEC Form D filings trace a generational transition in fund governance: Howery, Thiel, Nosek, and Parker managed Funds I through VI, while Fund VII onward is managed by Thiel, Singerman, and Keith Rabois, and Fund IX introduces Napoleon Ta and Trae Stephens with a new FF Upper Tier GP LLC structure 10.
The fund's defense and security technology portfolio includes Anduril Industries (Founders Fund led its $2.5 billion Series G at a $30.5 billion valuation with a $1 billion check, the firm's largest investment), Palantir Technologies (early investor), SpaceX, Boldend (a cyberwarfare startup sold to Raytheon partner SIXGEN in 2024), Carbyne (Israeli emergency response AI), and Varda Space Industries 21. Anduril holds $2.32 billion in USASpending government contracts across DoD ($1.43 billion), DHS ($862 million), and DOE ($25 million), and is positioned as a potential sole contractor for a $6 billion border security technology program 22. Founders Fund Growth Management LLC's 13F filing for Q4 2025 shows only one public equity holding, BitMine Immersion Technologies ($7 million), reflecting the fund's concentration in private companies 23.
Ethics Framework and Recusal Obligations
Howery's ethics agreement, dated April 25, 2025, establishes a two-tier system of required divestitures and permitted retentions with recusal 24. Required divestitures within 90 days of confirmation included Palantir (PLTR), Tesla (TSLA), Berkshire Hathaway, Planet Labs (PL), and Miruvor LP, with an additional 120 days for Entrepreneur First Next Stage LP and Valor Equity Partners IV-B LP 24. His ethics certification filed in December 2025 confirmed completion of the 90-day divestitures, with 120-day divestitures still pending at initial certification 25. A Certificate of Divestiture (OGE-2025-279-CDIV) permitted tax-deferred rollover of divested holdings into government-approved securities 26.
The State Department determined that recusal, rather than divestiture, was sufficient for several holdings: SpaceX/Starlink, Blockchain.com Group Holdings, Bacasable Global Limited, Gemini Astronauts Corps LLC (through which Howery retains ownership in Gemini Space Station LLC after resigning his consulting role in January 2025), Meta Stable Edge LP, Polychain Fund I LP, Initialized III LP, 500 Startups LP, and Founders Fund IV Principals Fund LP 27. All virtual currency holdings were also retained subject to recusal 28. In Senate Questions for the Record, Howery confirmed his commitment to recuse from any particular matter involving SpaceX/Starlink absent a written waiver 29.
Howery retains the right to a 3% interest in future Founders Fund vehicles, subject to divestiture if any such fund makes its first capital call during his tenure 24. Analysis of the ethics agreement indicates a potential gap: Anduril Industries does not appear despite Founders Fund's $1 billion investment in June 2025, two months after the agreement was signed 30. According to this analysis, Howery has no formal recusal obligation for matters affecting Anduril, a leading contender for the Golden Dome missile defense program with Arctic and Greenland components 30.
Denmark, Greenland, and the Arctic Portfolio
Howery's confirmation hearing on May 8, 2025, established three priorities for his ambassadorship: shared security and NATO burden-sharing, deeper trade and technology partnerships, and Arctic security focused on Greenland and Pituffik Space Base 31. He was introduced by Senators Cruz and Cornyn, both from his home state of Texas 31. The Denmark post places Howery at the center of the Trump administration's Greenland policy at a period of sustained diplomatic friction.
Danish intelligence service PET identified at least three Americans with Trump connections conducting covert influence operations in Greenland prior to Howery's confirmation, including compiling lists of pro-Trump Greenlanders for secessionist recruitment 32. The US charge d'affaires was summoned by Denmark in August 2025 over these reports 33. After arriving at post on November 5, 2025, Howery denied knowledge of the interference campaign 33. He was summoned a second time on December 22, 2025, after Trump appointed Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland 34.
Greenland banned Starlink in 2024, with the state telecom monopoly Tusass citing geopolitical concerns and describing SpaceX as a "foreign and unstable actor" 35. Howery retains his SpaceX holdings subject to recusal 27. Separately, Peter Thiel has backed Praxis ($525 million raised) to build a charter city in Greenland via Pronomos Capital, and other Silicon Valley investors have pursued critical mineral exploration on the island 36. Denmark has approved over $15 billion in US arms purchases since 2025, including $8.5 billion in Patriot missile systems and $4.5 billion for 16 additional F-35 fighters, amid the Greenland tensions 37.
Pituffik Space Base is undergoing modernization, with a $323 million Serco contract for power plant renovation and planned airfield upgrades, while USNORTHCOM has prioritized a new Network Operations Center at Pituffik for Golden Dome data throughput 38. The Golden Dome program, with $13.4 billion allocated in FY2026, is reported to call for 400 to 1,000 SpaceX satellites, Anduril autonomous systems, and Palantir Gotham as the command and control platform, according to media reporting and budget analysis 5. Howery has financial ties to all three companies through Founders Fund 1. Analysis of his financial disclosure indicates these ties create overlapping interests across the Golden Dome program's primary contractors 5.
Political Contributions and Network Alignment
FEC records show Howery's total political giving exceeded $1.5 million in the 2024 cycle 39. The largest single donation was $1 million to the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee on December 9, 2024, thirteen days before his Denmark ambassadorship was announced on December 22 6. Additional contributions included $150,000 to the Trump 47 Committee (three $50,000 donations on October 17, 2024), $125,000 to the MAHA Alliance PAC associated with RFK Jr.'s Make America Healthy Again movement, and approximately $9,900 to America PAC 40 41. His father, Charles Kenneth Howery, also donated $3,000 to America PAC 41.
All 50 FEC records for Howery use a single PO Box address (10796, Chicago IL) with alternating ZIP codes, which analysis indicates is consistent with trust administration or financial advisor routing rather than a personal residence 42. Howery is a participant in the Rockbridge Network alongside Peter Thiel associates, connecting Silicon Valley investors to the Trump political apparatus 7. Earlier political donations include $5,800 to Blake Masters' 2022 Arizona Senate campaign, contributions to the RNC, John Cornyn, and PayPal PAC 9.
Tech Diplomacy and the Sweden Precedent
During his tenure as Ambassador to Sweden from 2019 to 2021, Howery advanced two policy outcomes: Sweden approved a 40% increase in defense spending, the largest in over 70 years, and banned Huawei and ZTE from its 5G network, promoting Ericsson as the secure alternative 11. These outcomes aligned with US tech-diplomacy objectives of excluding Chinese telecommunications equipment from allied networks. Following his ambassadorship, Howery became Senior Advisor to the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue, which frames technology as a tool of statecraft 11.
Between his ambassadorships, Howery served as a consultant to Gemini Space Station LLC (the Winklevoss brothers' cryptocurrency exchange, later IPO'd on Nasdaq in September 2025 at a $3.3 billion valuation) from November 2021 to January 2025 43. His ethics agreement permits retention of ownership in Gemini via Gemini Astronauts Corps LLC despite his resignation from the consulting role 44. According to public records searches, no federal litigation names Howery as a party, and no FARA registrations, LDA lobbying disclosures, or OffshoreAlert records exist for him or Founders Fund 45 46 47 48.
All Connections
22 total
All Connections
22 totalFounders Fund co-founders; Howery is Amb. to Denmark holding Founders Fund, Palantir, Neuralink, Tesla
Co-founders of Founders Fund. Howery holds carried interest in FF Management LLCs I-IV, Alpha Management. Thiel network placed Howery as Ambassador to Denmark.
Howery holds major positions in Musk ecosystem: SpaceX $100M-200M, Tesla $500M-1B, Neuralink $250M-500M. PayPal co-founders. Both part of Thiel network. Howery ambassador to Denmark where Greenland is key Musk/SpaceX interest.
PayPal co-founders, Founders Fund co-founders. Nosek left FF 2017 to start Gigafund (SpaceX-focused). Howery holds promissory notes from Gigafund Management Company LLC and Gigafund 0.2 LP $250M-500M.
LittleSis: close friends. PayPal co-founders. Both participated in Rockbridge Network. Howery's Denmark ambassadorship aligns with Musk interests in Arctic resources.
Both Partners at Founders Fund. Stephens co-founded Anduril Industries (defense AI, valued at $30.5B). FF led Anduril's $2.5B Series G with $1B check. Direct pipeline between FF venture capital and defense contracting.
Howery is LP investor in Gigafund 0.2 LP (1 of 4 investors, 250M-500M position) managed by Oskoui and Nosek
Both Managing Members of FF Management LLCs III-VI (2010-2016); Singerman continues as managing member through Fund VIII
Co-founder of Founders Fund which led Anduril's $2.5B Series G with $1B check (June 2025). Anduril frontrunner for Golden Dome program with Arctic/Greenland components. Howery oversees Greenland as Denmark ambassador.
FF invested $500M+ in SpaceX. Greenland banned SpaceX Starlink in 2024 for geopolitical reasons, choosing Eutelsat. Howery as ambassador has diplomatic leverage over country that rejected FF portfolio company. SpaceX is Golden Dome frontrunner.
Howery is early personal investor in Palantir. Palantir Gotham is central C2 platform for Golden Dome missile defense. Palantir has billions in federal IC/DoD contracts. Greenland's Pituffik is critical Golden Dome node.
As Ambassador to Denmark, oversees Pituffik Space Base (stated priority #3). Pituffik NOC upgrade for Golden Dome data throughput. Primary US diplomatic channel for Greenland infrastructure decisions.
Connected through Rockbridge Network (Vance co-founded with Chris Buskirk in 2019). Howery is a participant/donor. Network serves as Trump-aligned alternative to Koch Network linking Silicon Valley to MAGA politics.
Howery donated $5,800 to Blake Masters' Senate campaign (2022). Masters is Thiel's former COO at Thiel Capital, co-author of Zero to One. Connects Howery to Thiel political operation beyond Founders Fund.
Both Stanford contemporaries (Rabois attended around same time). Rabois was Partner at Founders Fund 2019-2024. Both part of PayPal extended network and Thiel orbit. Rabois also a prominent Trump-supporting tech figure.
Parker is Executive General Partner at Founders Fund. Both connected through PayPal network and Silicon Valley political circles.
Asparouhov is Partner at Founders Fund and co-founded Varda Space Industries (space manufacturing). Both in FF orbit. Varda has attracted DoD demand alongside pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Both at Founders Fund. Boyle is known for her 'American Dynamism' thesis promoting defense tech investment. Key ideological driver of FF's defense portfolio strategy.
Both Managing Members of FF IX Management LP (Fund IX, 2023/2025)
Lembas Capital LP (now Lampa Capital) managed by Constable; evolved from FF Lembas vehicles Howery co-managed
Both connected to Musk/Thiel network. Gracias's Valor portfolio includes Anduril and SpaceX. Gracias served on DOGE. Howery's direct Valor M33 III LP holding claimed but unverified from open sources.
Gabbard's DNI collection emphasis message on Greenland complements Howery's ambassador role; both serve as instruments of Greenland acquisition policy
All Findings
85 total
All Findings
85 totalfinancial (47)
Howery 2025 OGE 278 disclosure for Ambassador to Denmark: net worth $507M-$1.08B+. 314 assets across 8 positions. Major holdings: Founders Fund entities (Principals Funds I-IV, Management LLCs I-IV, Alpha Management), Lembas II LP ($250M-500M), Gigafund 0.2 LP ($250M-500M), Tesla TSLA ($500M-1B across accounts), Bitcoin ($500M-1B via Windward One LLC/Gemini wallets), Dogecoin ($250M-500M), Neuralink ($250M-500M), Palantir PLTR ($50M-100M), SpaceX ($100M-200M), Airbnb ABNB ($50M-100M). 16 family trusts, 43+ bank accounts, 21+ brokerage accounts, real estate in SF/NYC/Las Vegas/Eden UT/Jalisco Mexico. BofA liabilities $1.5B-3.5B+.
Howery holds 8 position/trust roles: Trustee of Family Trust 1 (Revocable, since 11/2013), Family Trust 3 (since 6/2021); Distribution Committee Member Family Trust 12 (3/2019-12/2024); Trust Advisor/Remover for Family Trusts 4, 15, 16 (power to remove/replace trustees); Consultant Gemini Space Station LLC (11/2021-1/2025). Resigned from Founders Fund LLC, Management LLCs I-IV, Alpha Management LLC, and Gemini Space Station LLC upon nomination. Family trust structure spans at least 16 numbered trusts (1-16) plus intermediate holding LLCs: Global B, Global D, Global S, Global F, Global Pegasus.
Howery's defense/tech conflicts of interest: holds $50M-100M Palantir (PLTR, major DoD/intelligence contractor), $100M-200M SpaceX (NASA/DoD contractor), $250M-500M Neuralink (DARPA-adjacent neurotechnology), $500M-1B Tesla (TSLA, Musk company with government contracts), plus $5M-25M Planet Labs (PL, satellite imagery for DoD). All while serving as Ambassador to Denmark, a NATO ally hosting US military at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. These holdings create structural conflicts when US-Denmark defense cooperation involves Thiel/Musk portfolio companies.
Howery's crypto holdings are extraordinary for a US ambassador: Bitcoin $500M-1B (across Windward One LLC and Gemini Wallet), Dogecoin $250M-500M, Ethereum $5M-25M+, The Sandbox $5M-25M, plus smaller positions in Civic, Decentraland, Ethereum Classic, Filecoin, PlotX, Polygon, Somnium Space Cubes, Solana, Wrapped Ethereum, Zcash. Also holds 12+ Bitcoin fork tokens (Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, Bitcoin Diamond, etc.). Crypto wallet via Gemini (Winklevoss exchange), BitGo Trust Company, CoinList, and Blockchain.com (Cayman). Total crypto exposure estimated $750M-1.5B. He also holds BIG3 Basketball NFTs ($5M-25M) and Somnium Space Land NFTs.
Howery's real estate portfolio: Residential property SF CA ($250M-500M), Real Property SF CA LLC #4 ($100M-250M), Real Property NYC LLC #1 ($100M-250M), Real Property Eden UT LLC #3 ($100M-250M), Real Property Jalisco Mexico LLC #2 ($100M-250M), Object Dash LLC Las Vegas ($100M-250M with undeveloped land parcels + commercial/industrial RE), BTC Wynwood I LLC Miami ($100M-250M commercial RE), Pacific Stables LLC SF ($5M-25M), Jackson Kearny LLC SF ($50K-100K), Hope Management LLC Napa vineyard ($15K-50K). Also Howery personal property LLC #1 and #2 ($100M-250M each). Multiple property management LLCs suggest estate planning sophistication.
Howery has massive Bank of America liabilities: 7 separate loans from Bank of America N.A. ranging $50M-100M to $250M-500M each, plus Banc of America Leasing & Capital LLC $250M-500M loan. Also JPMorgan Chase loans ($1M-5M and $5M-25M), Merrill Lynch $50M-100M. Total disclosed liabilities estimated $2B-4B+. Combined with net worth $507M-1.08B+, suggests extreme leverage. The BofA concentration (8 facilities) indicates a deep banking relationship that itself could create conflicts with any State Department matters involving BofA.
Howery's Founders Fund carried interest positions reveal his GP-level partnership stake: FF Alpha Management LLC carried interest for Lembas II LP ($250M-500M), FF Management LLC carried interest for FF LP ($1M-5M), FF II Management LLC carried interest for FF II LP ($1M-5M), FF III Management LLC carried interest for FF III LP ($50M-100M), FF IV Management LLC carried interest for FF IV LP ($50M-100M). Also holds FF LLC investment management position ($250M-500M), Founders Fund LLC (investment management) partnership distributions of $2.15M. Plus TFF Growth II Employees LP and TFF VIII Employees LP showing continued employee fund interests, and FF VIII Entrepreneurs Fund LP ($5M-25M).
Howery disclosure reveals non-obvious venture entities: Polychain Fund I LP ($50M-100M, crypto fund), Meta Stable Edge LP ($250M-500M, crypto fund), Valor Equity Partners IV-B LP ($1M-5M) and Valor Equity Partners III-A LP ($5M-25M, Tesla-linked fund) and Valor M33 III LP ($250M-500M), Crystal Towers Capital Fund TI B LP ($1M-5M x2), Addepar Inc ($1M-5M, investment management tech), Entrepreneur First Next Stage LP ($1M-5M), sp0n Inc ($5M-25M social media safety plus $100M-250M in call warrants), CuraPatient Inc ($5M-25M AI health), Blockchain.com Group Holdings Cayman ($5M-25M). Also: Carpe Diem Holdings Ltd ($100M-250M), HG Films LLC film financing for Hollywoodgate ($5M-25M), X Shore AB electric boats, Cloud9 Esports, IvyConnect social network, Upstart Holdings (UPST), LendingClub (LC), Porch Group (PRCH).
Founders Fund defense/security tech portfolio includes: Anduril Industries (led $2.5B Series G at $30.5B valuation, largest FF check ever at $1B), Palantir Technologies (early investor), SpaceX, Boldend (cyberwarfare startup that claimed to hack WhatsApp, $10M FF investment, sold to Raytheon partner SIXGEN in 2024), Carbyne (Israeli emergency response AI, FF led $15M Series B, founded by IDF veterans, backed by Ehud Barak), Varda Space Industries (space manufacturing, FF Partner Delian Asparouhov co-founded), Moon Express (lunar mining). Trae Stephens, FF Partner, co-founded Anduril.
Founders Fund complete Delaware corporate structure: 50+ entities across 9 numbered fund families (I-IX), 4 Growth funds (I-IV), Alpha fund, and supporting vehicles. Each fund family follows pattern: [Fund LP + Principals Fund LP + Entrepreneurs Fund LP + Management LLC]. Fund IX (2023) and Growth IV (2026-01-28) are newest. Total DE entities: Fund I-IX (main funds), Growth I-IV, Alpha, plus Lembas II/III, SpaceX Fund, and FF Upper Tier GP LLC. All at One Letterman Drive Building D, 5th Floor, San Francisco CA 94129.
Full list of Delaware entities by fund family: FUND I-IX (main fund LPs), each with Principals Fund LP, Entrepreneurs Fund LP, Management LLC. Growth series: Growth LP, Growth II LP, Growth III LP, Growth IV LP (newest, inc 2026-01-28), each with Management LLC and Principals Fund LP. Alpha Management LLC (inc 2007-11-26). Special vehicles: Lembas II LP (inc 2009-04-17), Lembas III LP (inc 2010-08-23, managed by same team as FF III), FF SpaceX Fund LP. Also Lembas LLC (2007), Lembas Capital LLC/LP (2018), Lembas Capital GP LLC (2021), Lembas Fund LLC (2022), Lembas Research LLC (2022). Growth Management LLC (CIK 1853431) files 13F-HR showing public equity holdings including BitMine Immersion Technologies.
Howery's role evolution at Founders Fund via SEC Form D filings: Managing Member of FF Alpha Management (SpaceX Fund 2009, with Thiel/Nosek/Parker), Managing Member of FF III-VI Management (2010-2016, with Thiel/Nosek/Singerman). ABSENT from Fund VII (2019), Fund VIII (2022), Fund IX (2023/2025), and all Growth funds. Fund VII-VIII managed by Thiel/Singerman/Rabois; Fund IX by Thiel/Napoleon Ta/Trae Stephens with new FF Upper Tier GP LLC. His departure from management coincides with his 2019 confirmation as Ambassador to Sweden. Retained LP/carried interest positions but no longer a managing member of new funds.
Chronological role timeline from SEC filings: 2009 SpaceX Fund: Howery/Thiel/Nosek/Parker. 2010 Fund III/Lembas III: Howery/Thiel/Nosek/Parker. 2014 Fund V: Howery/Thiel/Nosek/Singerman. 2016 Fund VI: Howery/Thiel/Nosek/Singerman. 2019 Fund VII: Thiel/Singerman/Rabois (NO Howery - confirmed as Ambassador to Sweden). 2020 Growth Fund: Thiel/Singerman/Rabois. 2022 Fund VIII: Thiel/Singerman/Rabois. 2023/2025 Fund IX: Thiel/Napoleon Ta/Trae Stephens (Rabois also gone, replaced by new generation). New structural element in Fund IX: FF Upper Tier GP LLC as GP of the GP. Neil Pai (General Counsel) signs 13F filings.
Gigafund 0.2 LP (CIK 1738772, DE #6747952): VC fund raising $100M, $51M sold as of May 2018 with only 4 investors. Managed by Luke Nosek and Stephen Oskoui as Managing Members of the GP of the GP, at 1200 Seaport Blvd, Redwood City CA 94063. Gigafund family has 80+ Delaware entities (0 through 0.28+, plus Gigafund 1 LP). Gigafund 1 LP (CIK 2085918) files SC 13G/Form 3 for Angel Studios Inc. Nosek/Oskoui are the principals. Howery's $250M-500M position in Gigafund 0.2 LP as 1 of only 4 investors means he holds 25%+ of this SpaceX-focused fund.
Gigafund was founded by Luke Nosek after he left Founders Fund in 2017. It focuses on long-term concentrated positions, heavily in SpaceX. The Delaware corporate registry shows 80+ Gigafund entities (0, 0-A, 0.1 through 0.28+, plus Gigafund 1 LP and associated GP structures), indicating prolific SPV creation for individual investments. The naming convention (0, 0.1, 0.2, etc.) suggests individual deal vehicles under a master fund structure. Howery as 1 of 4 investors in the 0.2 vehicle with $250M-500M exposure represents extreme concentration. First sale date: 2018-04-25.
Lembas entities are Founders Fund co-investment/carry vehicles with Tolkien naming: Lembas LLC (DE 2007), Lembas II LP (DE #4678059, 2009), Lembas III LP (DE #4863415, 2010, CIK 1503830). SEC Form D for Lembas III confirms Managing Members are Ken Howery, Luke Nosek, Sean Parker, Peter Thiel via FF III Management LLC. Separate Lembas Capital LP (CIK 1755925) is a hedge fund at 64 Bleecker St #339, NYC, managed by Lucien Constable via Lampa Capital LLC/GP, $13.6M raised, 22 investors - this appears to be a distinct vehicle that evolved from the original Lembas structure but is now independently managed.
The Lembas family spans 8 Delaware entities: Lembas LLC (2007-04-17, original vehicle), Lembas II LP (2009-04-17, on Howery's OGE 278 at $250M-500M), Lembas III LP (2010-08-23, SEC-confirmed FF principals vehicle), Lembas Capital LLC (2018-09-30), Lembas Capital LP (2018-09-30), Lembas Capital GP LLC (2021-02-01), Lembas Fund LLC (2022-06-27), Lembas Research LLC (2022-06-27). The 2018+ entities (Lembas Capital) appear to be a spin-off hedge fund now renamed Lampa Capital, managed by Lucien Constable at 64 Bleecker Street NYC. The original Lembas II/III are GP carry vehicles for FF Alpha and FF III respectively.
Updated FEC: Howery political contributions total $1.51M (not $103K as previously reported). Major donations: $1M to Trump Vance Inaugural Committee, $150K to Trump 47 Committee, $125K to MAHA Alliance (RFK Jr), plus $10K each to 13+ state Republican parties, $7K to Whatley for Senate, individual contributions to Rubio, Todd Young, Never Surrender Inc. All 2024-2025 cycle. Self-described as INVESTOR/SELF-EMPLOYED on most filings, but also listed US DEPARTMENT OF STATE/AMBASSADOR. Contribution addresses: New York NY, Chicago IL, Elk Grove Village IL.
The $1M Trump Vance Inaugural Committee donation is the standout. Combined with Founders Fund employer contributions (Rabois $115K, Krug $82K, Singerman $29K, Thiel $23K, Nolan $3K), Howery is now the second-largest individual political donor from the FF orbit (after Thiel's well-documented multi-million giving). The MAHA Alliance ($125K) links Howery to the RFK Jr health movement. Multiple $10K donations to state Republican parties suggest coordinated bundling through joint fundraising committees (likely Trump 47 Committee downstream). Filing addresses in Chicago/Elk Grove Village IL are unusual and may relate to trust or family connections.
Founders Fund Growth Management LLC (CIK 1853431) 13F-HR filing Q4 2025: Only 1 public equity holding -- BitMine Immersion Technologies (CUSIP 09175A206), 259,388 shares worth $7.04M. This is the Growth fund's only 13F-reportable position, suggesting the fund holds almost entirely private/pre-IPO companies, with this Bitcoin mining company as a small liquid holding. 18 quarterly 13F filings on record (2022-2026). Signed by Neil Pai, General Counsel.
The 13F filing covers only securities over which the manager exercises investment discretion that are 13F-reportable (publicly traded US equities). The single holding in BitMine Immersion Technologies (a Bitcoin mining company) is notable given Howery's personal massive Bitcoin exposure ($500M-1B per OGE 278). The Growth fund was established December 2019 (DE inc, CIK 1797273) and has been filing 13F reports since 2022, suggesting it grew past the $100M 13F threshold by then. Despite managing billions in total, only $7M in public equities reflects the fund's venture/growth equity strategy.
Founders Fund SpaceX Fund LP (CIK 1464202, DE): Filed Form D in 2009 as a dedicated SpaceX investment vehicle. GP is The Founders Fund Alpha Management LLC. Managing Members: Luke Nosek, Peter Thiel, Ken Howery, Sean Parker -- the original FF inner circle. $6.74M raised from 29 investors. Address: One Letterman Drive, Bldg C, Suite 420, San Francisco CA 94129. This confirms Howery was personally involved in the governance structure of FF's SpaceX investment as early as 2009, creating a direct financial tie between Howery and SpaceX separate from his later personal SpaceX holding ($100M-200M per OGE 278).
The SpaceX Fund LP demonstrates the early Founders Fund SpaceX relationship. Alpha Management LLC (the GP) has the same four managing members as the early FF funds. This vehicle was separate from the main fund structure, dedicated solely to SpaceX investment. The fact that Howery had direct managing member authority over this SpaceX vehicle while later holding personal SpaceX stakes and serving as US Ambassador to Denmark (overseeing Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, a key SpaceX/DoD facility) creates layered conflicts of interest.
Founders Fund led Anduril's $2.5B Series G at $30.5B valuation (June 2025) with $1B — FF's largest check ever. Howery co-founded FF. As Denmark ambassador (confirmed Oct 7, 2025), he oversees Greenland where Pituffik Space Base is critical to Golden Dome missile defense. Anduril is frontrunner for Golden Dome ($175B program) which has Arctic/Greenland components. Creates direct financial conflict of interest.
Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley billionaires (Bezos, Gates, Altman) have invested in AI-driven rare earth mining in Greenland. Thiel backed Praxis ($525M raised) to build 'freedom city' in Greenland via Pronomos Capital. KoBold Metals (Bezos/Gates/Altman) holds 51% stake in Disko-Nuussuaq project hunting copper/nickel/cobalt. Greenland has 25 of 34 EU critical raw materials. Howery co-founded FF with Thiel, was among those promoting 'freedom city' concept, and now serves as ambassador overseeing Greenland.
CORRECTION: KoBold Metals Disko-Nuussuaq project was nickel-copper-cobalt exploration, NOT rare earth as originally reported. KoBold exited the project May 19, 2025, returning 49% stake to 80 Mile plc in exchange for NSR royalty. KoBold invested 13.4M in exploration but never progressed to drilling.
Denmark approved over $15B in US arms purchases since Trump took office in 2025, amid Greenland tensions. Key sales: $8.5B Patriot systems, $4.5B for 16 F-35s (total fleet 43), $3.7B IBCS/AMRAAM package (Dec 2025), $951M AMRAAM-ER (Dec 2025), $730M AMRAAM-C8, $318M Sidewinder, $45M Hellfire, plus $500M NASAMS. RTX (Raytheon), Lockheed Martin, Northrop primary contractors. Irony: Denmark buying US missiles to defend Greenland from the United States.
Golden Dome missile defense: SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril are frontrunners for Trump's $175B program. Congress allocated $13.4B in FY2026. Plan calls for 400-1,000 SpaceX satellites, Anduril autonomous drones/sensors, Palantir Gotham as C2 platform. Pituffik Space Base in Greenland is critical to Golden Dome — its AN/FPS-132 radar covers 5,550km arc. Howery has financial ties to all three companies via FF (SpaceX $500M+, Anduril $1B, early Palantir investor). All three benefit directly from Golden Dome.
Show 27 more financial findings
Anduril Industries has $2.32B in USASpending government contracts — $1.43B DoD, $862M DHS, $25M DOE. Varda Space Industries has $36M DoD contracts. Boldend Inc. found in USASpending but no spending details retrieved. All are Founders Fund portfolio companies. Anduril also positioned to be sole contractor for $6B border security technology in reconciliation bill, per POGO report.
Valor Equity Partners (Antonio Gracias, Elon Musk associate) portfolio includes Anduril and SpaceX. Gracias served on DOGE, raising conflict-of-interest concerns per AFL-CIO report. Valor manages retirement investments while its portfolio companies benefit from government contracts. 463 EDGAR filings found for Valor entities. Howery's connection to Valor not confirmed through public sources — no direct Valor M33 III LP holding verified from available data.
Pituffik Space Base modernization: Serco awarded $323M contract (Aug 2024) by USACE for power plant renovation. Major airfield upgrades up to $25M for runway lighting and river crossing bridge. FY2025 budget includes Space Warning/Defense maintenance. USNORTHCOM modernization study prioritized new Network Operations Center at Pituffik for Golden Dome data throughput. Gen. Whiting visited Dec 2025 to inspect readiness. All this infrastructure investment increases strategic value of Greenland — benefiting those with defense tech positions.
Ethics agreement (dated April 25, 2025) requires Howery to divest: Berkshire Hathaway, Palantir (PLTR), Planet Labs (PL), Tesla (TSLA) within 90 days of confirmation; plus Miruvor LP within 90 days and Entrepreneur First Next Stage LP and Valor Equity Partners IV-B LP within 120 days. He retains right to 3% interest in future Founders Fund vehicles but must divest any that make first capital call during tenure.
Ethics agreement Section 3 permits RETENTION (not divestiture) of: Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX/Starlink), Blockchain.com Group Holdings Inc., Bacasable Global Limited, Gemini Astronauts Corps LLC/Gemini Space Station LLC. Also retains: Meta Stable Edge LP, Polychain Fund I LP, Initialized III LP, 500 Startups LP, Founders Fund IV Principals Fund LP, plus all virtual currency holdings. State Dept determined recusal sufficient - divestiture not required for these.
Howery must recuse from ALL matters involving SpaceX/Starlink. In Senate QFRs from Sen. Shaheen, explicitly asked about Starlink recusal and State Dept directive to promote Starlink. Howery confirmed: 'I have committed to recusing from any particular matter involving or affecting that entity, absent a written waiver.' This is significant because Starlink has active contracts/negotiations across Nordic countries and Greenland connectivity is a live policy issue.
FEC records confirm: Ken Howery donated exactly $1,000,000 to the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee (C00894162) on December 9, 2024. His Denmark ambassadorship was announced December 22, 2024 -- just 13 days later. Donor address listed as P.O. Box 10796, Chicago IL 60611. This places him among the ~130 seven-figure inaugural donors. The committee raised $245.3M total.
Ethics agreement reveals previously unknown entity: Gemini Astronauts Corps LLC owns interest in Gemini Space Station LLC. Howery resigned from Gemini Space Station LLC in January 2025 but retains ownership via Gemini Astronauts Corps. State Dept determined divestiture unnecessary. Also reveals Bacasable Global Limited as a retained holding -- a previously unidentified entity requiring investigation. Blockchain.com Group Holdings Inc also retained.
Ethics agreement crypto/fund exposure: Howery retains interests in Meta Stable Edge LP and Polychain Fund I LP (both actively acquiring new holdings, creating heightened conflict risk). Ethics office flagged these specifically. If holdings determined to pose conflict, forced divestiture: Meta Stable Edge within 125 days, Polychain within 30 days notice + earliest allowed withdrawal. Also retains Initialized III LP, 500 Startups LP, and ALL virtual currency holdings. Given Howery's $750M-$1.5B crypto exposure, virtual currency recusal could be highly limiting for Denmark policy work.
FEC total political giving pattern (2024): Kenneth Howery made major political contributions including $1M to Trump Vance Inaugural Committee (12/09/2024), multiple Trump 47 Committee contributions ($10K on 10/17, $8.4K+$1.6K on 11/14), NRSC Targeted State Victory ($10K), plus America PAC contributions totaling $9.9K across multiple dates. Father Charles Kenneth Howery also donated $3K to America PAC. The inaugural donation timeline (Dec 9) preceding Denmark nomination (Dec 22) by 13 days creates appearance issue even if not legally problematic, as inaugural donations are unlimited and unregulated.
Ethics agreement reveals Family Trust structure: Howery must resign from Family Trust 3 and Family Trust 4 upon confirmation. Retains position as trustee of Family Trust 1 (Revocable) without fees. Also retains positions with Family Trust 15 and Family Trust 16, but only so long as these remain UNFUNDED during tenure -- must resign if either is funded. This trust architecture (at least 6 distinct trusts identified: 1, 3, 4, 15, 16 plus the revocable) suggests sophisticated estate/asset protection planning consistent with his $507M-$1.08B+ net worth.
Howery's OGE ethics agreement (April 25, 2025) reveals extensive financial holdings. REQUIRED DIVESTITURES: Palantir (PLTR), Tesla (TSLA), Berkshire Hathaway, Planet Labs (PL), Miruvor LP, Entrepreneur First Next Stage LP, Valor Equity Partners IV-B LP. RETAINED with recusal: SpaceX, Blockchain.com, Bacasable Global, Gemini Space Station/Astronauts Corps, Meta Stable Edge LP, Polychain Fund I LP, Initialized III LP, 500 Startups LP, Founders Fund IV Principals Fund LP, plus virtual currencies. CRITICAL: Retains right to 3% interest in future Founders Fund vehicles. Must divest carried interest in any FF fund that makes first capital call during tenure.
Howery uses PO Box 10796, Chicago IL as his FEC donation address despite being from Austin TX and serving as ambassador in Denmark. All 50 FEC records use this single PO Box. ZIP codes alternate between 60610 (Near North Side/Gold Coast Chicago), 60611 (Streeterville), and 60007 (Elk Grove Village), but always PO Box 10796. This is consistent with trust administration or a financial advisor address rather than a personal residence.
Howery donated $1,000,000 to inaugural committee on 2024-12-09, listed as 'KEN HOWERY' from Chicago IL 60611 PO Box 10796 with no employer/occupation listed. This is the single largest donation in the FEC records. Separately donated $125,000 to MAHA Alliance PAC (RFK Jr's Make America Healthy Again movement): $75K on 2024-10-11 and two $25K donations on 2024-10-17. Also donated $150K to Trump 47 Committee via three $50K donations on 2024-10-17. Total 2024 political giving exceeds $1.5M.
Howery holds major crypto fund positions: Polychain Fund I LP ($50M-100M on OGE 278) and Meta Stable Edge LP ($250M-500M on OGE 278). MetaStable Edge had ~$1.38B AUM as of March 2022 and was acquired by Dragonfly in August 2022. Both Polychain and MetaStable list Founders Fund as an LP/investor. MetaStable Capital was founded by Naval Ravikant, Josh Seims, and Lucas Ryan in 2014. Meta Stable Edge LP is incorporated in Delaware (CIK 0001622212). Polychain Capital was founded by Olaf Carlson-Wee. These represent Howery's largest disclosed crypto exposure.
FEC donations from all Founders Fund partners show differentiated patterns. Keith Rabois (SF): $145.5K across 26 donations, heaviest donor. Joseph Krug (San Juan PR): $82K across 9 donations. Brian Singerman (SF): $29K across 7 donations. Peter Thiel (LA): $23.5K across 7 donations (including refunds). Scott Nolan (SF): $3K single donation. Howery stands out dramatically: his $1.5M+ total dwarfs ALL other FF partners combined ($283K). His $1M inaugural donation alone exceeds the rest. Also notable: Howery lists employer as 'U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE' and occupation as 'AMBASSADOR' on 2025 filings but 'SELF-EMPLOYED/INVESTOR' on 2024 filings.
MAHA Alliance PAC (C00888172) is a single-candidate super PAC supporting Trump, led by former RFK Jr. campaign staff including Del Bigtree (Director of Communications for Team Kennedy) and Brigid Rasmussen (former Chief of Staff for Team Kennedy). Early donors dominated by chiropractors (26/51 initial donors). Notable donors include Patricia Duggan ($1M, Scientology donor family) and Robert Malone (COVID misinformation). Howery's $125K places him among the top individual donors to this PAC. MAHA Alliance is the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement bridging RFK Jr. health agenda to Trump 2024 coalition.
Howery's 2025 FEC filings (post-ambassadorship to Denmark) list employer as 'U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE' and occupation as 'AMBASSADOR', while continuing to donate from the same Chicago PO Box 10796. His Nov 2025 donations include $7K earmarked for Whatley for Senate (NC) and $5K for North Carolina First PAC, plus redesignations. This indicates active political fundraising while serving as an ambassador -- a practice that is legal for political appointees but raises questions about diplomatic neutrality.
Knightsbridge Property & Lifestyle Management Ltd (UK 08883532) is UK property management company handling Howery's London residence expenses. Founded 2014. SIC 68320/81100. PSC: Andrea Koday-Voros (Hungarian, 75-100%). Address: 4th Floor Portman House, 2 Portman St, London W1H 6DU. Howery is client, not owner.
Gemini Space Station LLC (DE 7092938) is the Winklevoss brothers' crypto exchange Gemini. IPO'd Sept 2025 on Nasdaq as GEMI at $3.3B valuation. Howery was consultant 2021-2025, spanning entire pre-IPO period. SEC CIK 0002055592. SIC 6221 (commodity contracts). Filed S-1 for public offering. Also registered in KY (foreign, 2023) and NV (Inc, 2025; LLC, 2025).
FF Humbition Inc, FF Slow Inc, FF Longevity Inc are confirmed Founders Fund SPVs. All registered in Delaware with CA foreign registrations at One Letterman Drive Bldg D 5th Floor, SF 94129 (Founders Fund HQ). FF Slow (DE 2015-04-15), FF Humbition (DE 2015-12-11), FF Longevity (DE 2017-05-24). Humbition likely linked to 'humbition' VC fund (est. 2017, NYC, early-stage tech). Portfolio company identities behind SPV names not publicly disclosed.
Lampa Capital LP (SEC CIK 0001755925) confirmed as same entity as Lembas Capital LP. Name changed from Lembas to Lampa between 2018-10-30 and 2022-02-18 per SEC records. Delaware LP at 64 Bleecker St #339, NY 10012. Pooled investment fund under 3(c)(1) exemption. Executive: Lucien Constable (Luke Constable). GP: Lampa Capital GP LLC. Total raised: $13.625M from Form D filings. Phone 650-758-7138 (Bay Area area code).
BTC Wynwood I LLC (DE 6544090, incorporated 2022-01-14) and BTC Wynwood II LLC (DE 6914244, incorporated 2022-07-15) are both Delaware LLCs. Also BC BTC Wynwood I LLC (DE 10386058, 2025-10-30). Miami Wynwood district commercial real estate holdings. Not found in Florida Sunbiz - registered only in Delaware. BTC prefix meaning unclear - not found in any Bitcoin/crypto RE context.
Object Dash LLC (NV E22281242022-9, incorporated 2022-04-07) is a Nevada domestic LLC. Active status. Howery OGE 278 disclosure lists Las Vegas undeveloped land and commercial real estate. No officers visible in public records. No web presence found.
Howery Hospitality LLC (CA 201615810110, incorporated 2016-05-31) is a California LLC registered at 32972 Pinnacle Dr, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679 - a residential address in Orange County. Active. No web presence. Purpose unclear but registered address is residential, suggesting possible family connection or personal hospitality venture.
Carpe Diem Holdings Ltd jurisdiction analysis: Howery OGE 278 values it at $100M-250M. UK entity (15267147, est. 2023, owned by Jordan Cole) ruled out. ICIJ Offshore Leaks entity (BVI, 1995, dissolved 1996) ruled out. Cayman Islands entity (Carpe Diem Holdings LLC, George Town) found via Dato Capital registry but cannot confirm Howery connection. Isle of Man entity is yacht holding company (Dohle Yachts), also not matching. Entity jurisdiction remains unconfirmed - likely Cayman or Channel Islands given Ltd designation and $100M+ value.
Kitsune Management LLC exists in multiple jurisdictions: Delaware (7281988, 2019-02-13), Florida (L21000371990, 2021-08-19, Tallahassee), Texas (foreign, 0805288395, 2023-10-06, Chicago address 455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr), Michigan (withdrawn), New Mexico (dissolved). The Delaware entity is most likely Howery-connected. FL and TX registrations suggest multi-state real estate operations. Chicago address on TX filing is notable.
relationship (8)
ProPublica Financial Disclosure: Kenneth Howery (Ambassador to Denmark) is Founders Fund co-founder with massive holdings: FF Alpha Management/Lembas II (-500M), FF II/III/IV Principals Funds (-500M each), FF Management LLCs I-IV with carried interest (-100M each), Palantir (-100M), FF VIII Entrepreneurs Fund (-25M). Also holds Neuralink (-500M), Tesla (-500M), Bitcoin/Dogecoin (-500M each), Gigafund 0.2 LP (-500M). Total net worth in billions. Manages 8+ family trusts. PayPal co-founder alongside Thiel.
Howery's Founders Fund position entities: FF LLC (investment management), FF Management LLC, FF II/III/IV Management LLC (each with carried interest), FF Alpha Management LLC (carried interest for Lembas II LP), FF II/III/IV Principals Fund LP, FF VIII Entrepreneurs Fund LP, FF LP. Non-FF assets include Neuralink Corp (neurotechnology), Tesla, Bitcoin (-500M), Dogecoin (-500M), Gigafund 0.2 LP (-500M), Meta Stable Edge LP (-500M). Positions include Gemini Space Station LLC consultant, 8+ family trusts. This is the single deepest Founders Fund exposure in government — Howery is managing partner/co-founder of the fund itself.
Howery's disclosure reveals extensive holding company structure with Tolkien-themed naming: Lembas II LP (lembas = Tolkien elven bread), Miruvor LP (miruvor = Tolkien elven drink), alongside entities named Windward One LLC, Sail Investments LLC, Wiggin LLC (Ender's Game reference), Zenick LLC, Kitsune Management LLC, Tosca 68 LLC, Solaris 50 LLC, Single File LLC, G23 LLC, Object Dash LLC, Comfenture LLC, Central Investment Holdings LLC. These LLCs likely serve as holding vehicles for the family trust structure. The Gigafund connection (promissory notes from Gigafund Management Company LLC, $2M-10M) links Howery to Luke Nosek's SpaceX-focused fund that split from Founders Fund in 2017.
Howery is a member of the Rockbridge Network, a conservative donor/strategy network co-founded by JD Vance and Chris Buskirk in 2019 as a Trump-aligned alternative to the Koch Network. Described as one of two close friends of Elon Musk who worked the happy-hour scene at a Rockbridge hotel event. The network connects Silicon Valley investors to the Trump political apparatus and has been instrumental in placing tech-aligned people in government.
Founders Fund key personnel from LittleSis: Partners - Peter Thiel, Ken Howery, Luke Nosek, Brian Singerman, Sean Parker (Exec GP), Keith Rabois (2019-2024), Kevin Hartz, Cyan Banister, Trae Stephens (also Anduril co-founder), Katherine Boyle. Other staff: Delian Asparouhov (Partner, co-founded Varda Space), Mike Solana (VP, media commentator), Scott Nolan (Principal), Geoff Lewis (Principal), Lauren Gross (Principal), Neil Ruthven (CFO), Neil Pai (General Counsel), Howard Caro (former GC), Aaron VanDevender (Scientist in Residence), Napoleon Ta (Senior Associate), Auren Hoffman, Dave McClure, Kmele Foster.
Howery corporate officer positions: Manager of 8 Founders Fund Management LLCs (I-V, Alpha, Fund LLC, Miami); CEO/Director of FF Humbition Inc, FF Slow Inc, FF Longevity Inc, FF Pathfinder VI LLC (FF portfolio SPVs); Manager of Windward One LLC (personal Bitcoin vehicle at 314 Lytton Ave Palo Alto); General Partner of Howery Investments LP via Kenneth Howery Revocable Trust (est. 11/21/2013); Director of ZocDoc Inc; also Howery Hospitality LLC (CA, active since 2016).
Full entity list from OpenCorporates officer searches. FF management entities all at One Letterman Drive, Building D, 5th Floor, San Francisco CA 94129. Windward One LLC at 314 Lytton Ave Ste 200, Palo Alto CA 94301. Howery Investments LP formed via Kenneth Howery Revocable Trust U/A/D 11/21/2013 at One Letterman Dr Bldg D Ste 500. ZocDoc Inc at 568 Broadway 9th Floor, New York NY 10012. FF Humbition Inc (DE #5905751, CA #3942521), FF Slow Inc (DE #5729661, CA #3780623), FF Longevity Inc (DE #6422010, CA #4029948), FF Pathfinder VI LLC (DE #6499598, CA #201722010497), Windward One LLC (DE #6387724, CA #201713010628). Howery Hospitality LLC (CA #201615810110, active). Charles Kenneth Howery of Houston TX is a different person.
Howery confirmed as ambassador Oct 7, 2025. Summoned by Denmark TWICE: (1) August 27, 2025 — deputy Mark Stroh summoned over PET-detected covert influence operations by Trump-connected Americans in Greenland; (2) December 22, 2025 — Howery summoned after Trump named Gov. Jeff Landry as Greenland special envoy whose stated mission was 'to make Greenland part of the US.' In November 2025, Howery denied knowledge of interference. Timeline suggests operations pre-dated his confirmation.
Napoleon Ta is the key figure behind Founders Fund growth investing. Former professional poker player who funded his education with poker winnings. BS from University of Colorado, MBA from Stanford. Partner at FF focusing on growth investments. Described as 'arguably Founders Fund's most influential investor after Thiel himself.' Maintains extremely low profile -- has repeatedly asked team NOT to submit his returns to Forbes Midas List. Named as Managing Member of GP for both FF IX ($971.6M, 235 investors) and FF Growth III ($4.6B, 270 investors) alongside Peter Thiel and Trae Stephens. Sits on boards of RigUp, The Athletic, and Zenreach.
Keri Findley is Peter Thiel's money manager, not just a GloriFi board member. She founded Tacora Capital (venture debt) with $250M backing from Thiel. Previously partner at Third Point. In GloriFi, she was appointed to the board in Nov 2021 seed round, then removed by Neugebauer on April 3, 2022. Findley is also advisor to 8VC (Joe Lonsdale's VC firm) and Firework Ventures. Filed separate defamation suit (Findley v. Bredahl, 1:23-cv-00884, S.D.N.Y., terminated 2023-04-14). As of Feb 2026, Findley's new fund is seeking $300M from global family offices. This connects the Thiel family office operation directly to the GloriFi RICO case.
legal (8)
CourtListener comprehensive search: No federal litigation found with Kenneth Howery (the VC/ambassador) as a named party. Searches for 'Kenneth Howery', 'Ken Howery', and 'Howery' in dockets, cases, parties, and opinions returned zero matches to the subject. The only 'Kenneth Howery' match was an unrelated Texas bankruptcy (Kenneth Allen Howery, case 98-44849, N.D. Texas, 1998-2002). No securities litigation, employment disputes, contract claims, or regulatory enforcement actions against Howery personally. For a billionaire VC with 500M-1B+ net worth, this clean litigation record is notable.
No FARA registration found for Kenneth Howery post-ambassadorship. FARA search for 'Howery' returned 0 registrants and 0 foreign principals. FARA search for 'Founders Fund' also returned 0 results. Despite serving as US Ambassador to Denmark (2025-present, confirmed 2025-10-07), there is no indication Howery has registered as a foreign agent or that Founders Fund has any FARA obligations. This is expected for a sitting ambassador but would become significant if Howery leaves the post and engages in any lobbying or advisory work related to Danish/Nordic interests.
No LDA lobbying filings found for Howery or Founders Fund. LDA lobbyist search for 'Howery' returned 0 filings. LDA client search for 'Founders Fund' returned 0 results. Neither Howery personally nor Founders Fund as an organization has registered as a lobbyist or been a lobbying client in federal records. By contrast, Palantir (a Thiel co-founded company where Howery held 50M-100M in stock per his 2025 OGE 278) has extensive LDA filings dating back to 2006, with 20+ lobbying disclosure records.
CRITICAL ETHICS GAP: Howery's ethics agreement requires him to recuse from matters affecting SpaceX and Founders Fund IV Principals Fund LP — but NOT from matters affecting Anduril (in which FF invested $1B June 2025). Anduril is not listed in the ethics agreement at all. This means either: (a) Howery had no Anduril exposure at agreement signing (April 2025) and the $1B FF-Anduril investment created a new undisclosed conflict, or (b) Anduril was not flagged by State Department ethics review despite FF being Anduril's largest investor. Either way, Howery oversees Greenland infrastructure that directly benefits Anduril's Golden Dome bid with no formal recusal requirement.
Howery ethics agreement (April 25, 2025) complete inventory: DIVEST (90d): Berkshire Hathaway, Palantir, Planet Labs, Tesla, Miruvor LP. DIVEST (120d): Entrepreneur First Next Stage LP, Valor Equity Partners IV-B LP. RECUSAL (retained): SpaceX, Blockchain.com, Bacasable Global, Gemini Astronauts Corps/Space Station, Meta Stable Edge LP, Polychain Fund I LP, Initialized III LP, 500 Startups LP, Founders Fund IV Principals Fund LP, all virtual currencies. Retains 3% right in future FF vehicles but must divest if capital call during tenure. CRITICAL: Anduril Industries completely absent from divestiture list AND recusal obligations despite FF being Anduril's largest investor (B, June 2025).
Full text analysis from DocumentCloud 25971740. Agreement addressed to Richard C. Visek, Principal Deputy Legal Adviser, State Dept. Howery also retains Gemini Space Station LLC interest (resigned from management Jan 2025). Family Trusts 3/4 resigned; Trust 1 retained as trustee; Trusts 15/16 retained if unfunded. Meta Stable Edge LP and Polychain Fund I LP flagged as heightened risk because still acquiring new holdings. Agreement explicitly notes Denmark companies have heightened conflict potential. No mention of Anduril, Golden Dome, missile defense, or defense technology companies beyond SpaceX.
Certificate of Divestiture (DocumentCloud 26495897, OGE-2025-279-CDIV) issued by Maura K. Leary, Acting Chief, Ethics Law Branch. Boilerplate certificate authorizing tax-deferred divestiture under IRC Section 1043. The attachment listing specific assets to be divested has REDACTED fields -- Certificate No, Date of Issuance, and Eligible Person fields are blank in public version. Asset list in attachment section shows only column headers (Quantity, Asset) with no visible entries. Cannot determine which specific assets were divested under this certificate vs those covered by ethics agreement divestiture timeline.
STRUCTURAL ETHICS GAP: Howery's 3% carry right in future Founders Fund vehicles creates a rolling conflict window. FF invested $1B in Anduril (June 2025, Series G at $30.5B valuation) -- the largest check in FF history. If this investment was made through a fund vehicle that called capital after Howery's Oct 7, 2025 confirmation, the ethics agreement would require him to divest that specific fund interest but does NOT require recusal from Anduril-affecting matters during the period before divestiture. The agreement only triggers recusal for entities specifically listed in Section 3. Anduril is not listed. This means Howery could participate in Pituffik infrastructure decisions that benefit Anduril's Golden Dome bid without any formal recusal obligation.
TIMELINE CONFLICT: FF-Anduril $1B investment (June 5, 2025) occurred AFTER Howery's ethics agreement was signed (April 25, 2025) but BEFORE Senate confirmation (Oct 7, 2025). The ethics agreement was drafted before this investment existed. No amendment to the ethics agreement has been publicly filed to address this new $1B exposure. Under Section 1 General Commitments, Howery agreed not to modify the agreement without State Dept and OGE approval. But nothing in the agreement requires him to proactively report new FF investments or seek amendments when FF's portfolio changes.
intelligence (12)
Howery serves as Ambassador to Denmark with Greenland portfolio at pivotal moment in Trump Greenland acquisition push. Denmark summoned US charge d'affaires in August 2025 over reported American interference in Greenland aimed at creating division between territory and Denmark. Upon arrival Nov 2025, Howery dodged Greenland questions (aide interrupted saying no time to answer), later stated only this is an issue for the Greenlanders to decide. His confirmed role gives him direct operational authority over US-Greenland relations while holding massive Thiel/Musk ecosystem stakes. Pituffik Space Base (Greenland) is a key US military asset where SpaceX, Palantir, and Planet Labs could all have operational interests.
Denmark summoned US diplomat (charge d'affaires before Howery's confirmation) in Aug 2025 over reports of covert US influence operations in Greenland designed to map perceived allies/opponents and stoke secessionist sentiment. After assuming post, Howery denied knowledge of interference campaign. He was summoned again Dec 22, 2025 after Trump appointed Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. Danish intel service PET confirmed Greenland targeted by US interference campaigns.
No federal investigation reports found mentioning Kenneth Howery. Investigation reports search for 'Howery' returned 0 results. Investigation reports search for 'Founders Fund' returned 10 results, but all were from unrelated investigations (KPMG IPI Forensic Review, Levin PSI Tax Haven Abuses, BCCI Kerry/Brown Senate Report, USVI details, Levin PSI Correspondent Banking). None of these investigation reports reference Howery or Founders Fund in a substantive way — the search matched on generic fund/financial terminology within broader corruption investigations.
As Ambassador to Sweden (2019-2021), Howery drove two major tech-diplomacy wins: (1) Sweden approved 40% increase in defense spending, largest in 70+ years; (2) Successfully advocated for Sweden to ban Huawei and ZTE 5G equipment, promoting Ericsson as secure alternative. He subsequently became Senior Advisor to Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue, which frames tech diplomacy as modern statecraft where technology shapes power.
Gigafund is NOT Howery's fund - it was co-founded by Luke Nosek and Stephen Oskoui after Nosek left Founders Fund in 2017. Gigafund focuses on long-term concentrated investments, heavily in SpaceX. The 'Gigafund 0.2 LP' in Howery's financial disclosure likely represents a personal LP stake, not a management role. Similarly, 'Lembas LLC' is one of six Tolkien-named firms founded by Peter Thiel (not Howery), though Howery may have carried interest or LP positions.
Negative search results: No UCC liens on Howery or Founders Fund. No FAA aircraft. No NYC property (ACRIS). No OpenSanctions. No LDA lobbying (Howery or FF). No FARA registrations. No Delaware entities under Howery name. No SEC filings mentioning Kenneth Howery by full name. No matching 990 nonprofits. FL/TX registry Howery results all unrelated persons.
Significant negatives: (1) No UCC liens despite 2-4B in BofA liabilities suggests margin/securities-backed loans. (2) No FAA aircraft - uses commercial/charter/fractional not in his name. (3) No DE entities under Howery - all personal vehicles in CA. (4) No NYC property despite contribution address there and Real Property NYC LLC from disclosure - property held through LLCs.
Danish PET monitored at least 3 Americans with Trump connections conducting covert influence operations in Greenland (reported Aug 27, 2025). One compiled lists of pro-Trump Greenlanders for secessionist recruitment. Two others cultivated contacts with politicians and businesspeople. DR broadcast knew names but withheld them. Denmark summoned deputy chief of mission Mark Stroh. Howery (confirmed Oct 7) later denied knowledge of interference in Nov 2025. Howery was summoned again Dec 22, 2025 after Trump named Gov. Jeff Landry as Greenland special envoy.
Greenland banned Starlink in 2024, choosing European Eutelsat over SpaceX. Tusass (state telecom monopoly) explicitly cited geopolitical concerns: 'Geopolitics played a major role in choosing European operator over American one — Starlink described as foreign and unstable actor.' SpaceX is a major FF portfolio company. This creates a tension point where Howery as ambassador has diplomatic leverage over a country that rejected a company in which he has financial interest.
Senate hearing transcript (May 8, 2025) reveals Howery's three stated priorities as Denmark ambassador: (1) shared security/NATO burden-sharing across the Kingdom, (2) deeper trade and technology partnerships, (3) Arctic security with focus on Greenland and Pituffik Space Base. On Greenland questions, Howery consistently deflected with prepared talking points about 'self-determination' and 'expanding cooperation.' Would not directly answer whether Trump wants to 'take over' Greenland. Introduced by Sen. Cruz and Sen. Cornyn (both TX). Confirmed 51-47 on Oct 7, 2025 in en bloc vote.
NOTABLE ABSENCE: Anduril NOT mentioned in ethics agreement. Despite being a major Founders Fund portfolio company and defense tech firm, Anduril does not appear in Howery's divestiture list or recusal obligations. Either: (1) Howery has no direct/personal holding in Anduril separate from fund interests, (2) his Anduril exposure is only through Founders Fund IV Principals Fund LP (which triggers recusal for fund-level matters but not necessarily Anduril-specific policy), or (3) his Founders Fund GP interest (3% in future vehicles) doesn't include Anduril exposure. This is a gap worth monitoring.
OffshoreAlert search negative results: No matches for Kenneth Howery, Howery, Carpe Diem Holdings, Lembas, Windward One, or Gigafund. Founders Fund returned 2 results but both were about Three Arrows Capital (unrelated crypto fund). Howery has no OffshoreAlert reporting footprint.
Anduril received initial Golden Dome space-based interceptor prototype contract from Space Force in Nov 2025, one month after Howery's confirmation. Also selected for $151B SHIELD IDIQ (Dec 2, 2025) and second tranche (Dec 18, 2025). Howery's stated priority #3 as ambassador is 'Arctic security with focus on Greenland and Pituffik Space Base.' Pituffik is being upgraded for Golden Dome data throughput with $32M NDAA authorization for runway/landing systems. Howery has no recusal obligation for Anduril-affecting matters despite FF being Anduril's largest investor and Pituffik being a critical Golden Dome node.
identity (4)
Howery confirmed as US Ambassador to Denmark (covering Greenland/Faroe Islands) on Oct 7, 2025, by 51-47 Senate vote. Confirmation hearing May 8, 2025 set three priorities: shared security/NATO burden-sharing, deeper trade and tech ties, and Arctic security focused on Greenland and Pituffik Space Base. Second ambassadorship under Trump (previously Sweden 2019-2021). Nominated Dec 22, 2024.
LittleSis network analysis reveals 23 documented relationships: professional ties to Peter Thiel and Elon Musk (described as 'close friend'), appointee of Donald Trump, Partner at Founders Fund, Cofounder of PayPal, founder at Clarium Capital, Editor-in-Chief of The Stanford Review, Director of Corporate Development at eBay (Jul-Nov 2002), Advisor at Kiva, Senior Advisor at Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue, participant in Rockbridge Network (JD Vance/Chris Buskirk's Koch alternative donor network), and donor to America PAC, RNC (,500), Blake Masters (,800), WinRed, John Cornyn, Patrick Tiberi, PayPal PAC.
Full career arc: Born Texas 1975. Stanford BA Economics 1998. Editor-in-Chief, The Stanford Review (where he met Peter Thiel). Co-founded PayPal 1998 as first CFO, helped raise $200M+ in private financing, worked on IPO and $1.5B sale to eBay. Director of Corporate Development at eBay (Jul-Nov 2002). VP Private Equity at Clarium Capital Management (Thiel's hedge fund, 2004). Co-founded Founders Fund with Thiel and Luke Nosek (2005). Key investments: Facebook ($500K to $3B), SpaceX, Palantir, ZocDoc, Quantcast, Geni, Compass, Stripe, Neuralink. US Ambassador to Sweden (2019-2021). Resident of Austin, TX. Net worth estimated $1.5B. WEF Young Global Leader (2012). Council on Competitiveness member. Single, private about personal life.
FEC records show Monique Howery donating from Chicago IL with addresses at 104 S Laflin St Apt 403 (60607) and 400 E South Water St (60601). Employer listed as Reed Smith (law firm), RSHC, and Rush University. Occupation: attorney/legal. Small recurring $27 donations. A separate Kiowa Howery appears in Aurora IL (60506, unemployed). These may be family members and could explain Howery's use of a Chicago PO Box -- family connections in the area. The 400 E South Water St address is a luxury high-rise condo building in the Loop.
location (1)
FEC records show one $3,300 donation on 2024-10-11 from NEW YORK NY 10038 at 222 Broadway. 222 Broadway is a large commercial building in lower Manhattan Financial District, historically home to Western Electric/AT&T, currently owned by 222 Broadway Owner LLC. Recent tenants include JPMorgan Chase and formerly WeWork (2013-2024). Being converted to 799 residential apartments by GFP Real Estate. The 10038 zip code corresponds to the Civic Center/Financial District area. Separate $3,300 transfer on same date lists same 222 Broadway address with 'INFORMATION REQUESTED PER BEST EFFORTS' for employer/occupation, suggesting the committee could not verify Howery's employment at that address.
document (5)
Howery nominated Ambassador to Denmark (not Sweden) on 2024-12-22, confirmed 51-47 by Senate on 2025-10-07 en bloc. Arrived Copenhagen 2025-11-05. Has ethics agreement (6 pages), certificate of divestiture (OGE-2025-279-CDIV), and ethics agreement certification. Previous: Ambassador to Sweden 2019-2021. Consultant to Gemini Space Station LLC 2021-2025. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing 2025-05-08.
Howery has four OGE documents filed: (1) OGE 278 Nominee Report (Doc 1672) - the financial disclosure, (2) Ethics Agreement (Doc 1673, 6 pages, documentcloud 25971740), (3) Certificate of Divestiture (Doc 1674, OGE-2025-279-CDIV, documentcloud 26495897), (4) Ethics Agreement Certification (Doc 1675, documentcloud 26497192). The Certificate of Divestiture means OGE approved tax-deferred sale of certain assets. The Ethics Agreement Certification means he certified compliance with the ethics agreement terms. Both the EA and CDIV are available on DocumentCloud but require PDF download for full text.
Ethics certification (OGE form) confirms: Ethics agreement signed 04/25/2025. Confirmed 10/07/2025. Certification due to OGE by 01/12/2026. Howery certifies YES to completing all resignations before assuming duties; confirms 90-day divestitures completed. Filed OGE 278-T periodic transaction reports on 12/06/2025 and 12/30/2025 to disclose divestiture completion. No waivers under 18 USC 208 received. Certified compliance with interim recusal obligations. 120-day divestitures (Entrepreneur First, Valor Equity) still pending at initial certification.
GovInfo records: 247 Congressional Record entries mentioning Kenneth Howery, 112 for 'Howery ambassador Denmark.' Key dates: Nomination received by Senate 03/24/2025. Hearing 05/08/2025. Committee executive report 05/15/2025. Business meeting (committee vote) 09/17/2025. En bloc nomination vote 10/07/2025. Senate confirmation 10/07/2025 (51-47). Senate Resolution 412 authorized en bloc consideration. Also found: DCPD-202500394 (March 25, 2025) - Trump document signing ceremony with ambassadorial nominees.
Certificate of Divestiture (DocumentCloud 26495897, OGE-2025-279-CDIV) exists as a 2-page document in ProPublica's Trump II Ethics project but could NOT be accessed -- S3 bucket returned 403 Access Denied for both PDF download and text extraction. The ethics agreement confirms Howery 'may be eligible to request a Certificate of Divestiture for qualifying assets' which allows tax-deferred rollover of divested holdings into government-approved securities. Given he divested Palantir (PLTR), Tesla (TSLA), Berkshire Hathaway, and Planet Labs (PL), potentially worth tens of millions, tax-deferred treatment would be a significant financial benefit of government service.
- 1.Finding #5623
- 2.Finding #5636
- 3.Finding #5624
- 4.Finding #5213
- 5.Finding #5663Sources: https://www.fastcompany.com/91480010/3-things-know-about-trumps-golden-dome-greenlands-role-nuclear-defenseOpen sourceView source record, https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2025/04/spacex-palantir-and-anduril-partnership-competing-for-the-us-golden-dome-missile-defense-contracts.htmlOpen sourceView source record
- 6.Finding #5672
- 7.Finding #5644
- 8.Finding #5647
- 9.Finding #5642
- 10.Finding #5652
- 11.Finding #5645
- 12.Finding #5633
- 13.Finding #5653
- 14.Finding #5627
- 15.Finding #5690
- 16.Finding #5628
- 17.Finding #5629
- 18.Finding #5658
- 19.Finding #5625
- 20.Finding #5651
- 21.Finding #5646Sources: https://techcrunch.com/2024/03/22/us-cyber-investors-pledge-spyware-is-off-limits-with-a-catch/Open sourceView source record, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/05/anduril-valuation-founders-fund.htmlOpen sourceView source record, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/founders-fund-joins-carbyne-s-15-million-series-b-round-898902831.htmlOpen sourceView source record
- 22.Finding #5664
- 23.Finding #5656
- 24.Finding #5669
- 25.Finding #5673
- 26.Finding #6110
- 27.Finding #5670
- 28.Finding #5675
- 29.Finding #5671
- 30.Finding #5682
- 31.Finding #5676
- 32.Finding #5661
- 33.Finding #5637Sources: https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/08/27/denmark-us-control-greenland-covert-influence-campaign/Open sourceView source record, https://www.axios.com/2025/12/22/greenland-envoy-landry-denmark-summon-ambassadorOpen sourceView source record, https://www.thelocal.dk/20251110/us-ambassador-denies-trump-link-to-greenland-interferenceOpen sourceView source record
- 34.Finding #5668
- 35.Finding #5665
- 36.Finding #5660
- 37.Finding #5662
- 38.Finding #5667
- 39.Finding #5655
- 40.Finding #5685
- 41.Finding #5677
- 42.Finding #5684
- 43.Finding #5698
- 44.Finding #5674
- 45.Finding #5632Sources: CourtListener search 'Kenneth Howery' (20 results none matching subject) CourtListener search 'Ken Howery' (20 results none matching subject) CourtListener cases 'Howery' (20 results all unrelated bankruptcy/prisoner cases) CourtListener opinions 'Howery' (10 results all unrelated state criminal/family casesView source record
- 46.Finding #5639
- 47.Finding #5641
- 48.Finding #5706