Tech Titans Draw Inspiration from 'The Lord of the Rings': From Erebor to Anduril, Meet the Fantasy-Named Startups Shaping Silicon Valley

Palmer Luckey, the billionaire tech founder known for his work on Oculus VR, has named his latest company Erebor, a nod to the Lonely Mountain, a wealthy subterranean kingdom of the dwarves in "The Lord of the Rings." Erebor is a digital bank for startups and cryptocurrency companies, reportedly valued at $2 billion. It has secured investments from prominent figures like Peter Thiel through Founders Fund and Joe Lonsdale via 8VC. Luckey's choice of name aligns with a broader trend in Silicon Valley where tech entrepreneurs draw inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy series. This series, first published in the mid-1950s, follows the unlikely hero Frodo Baggins and a team of allies on a quest to destroy the One Ring, a powerful artifact sought by the dark lord Sauron. Another of Luckey's ventures, Anduril, founded in 2017, is named after Aragorn's legendary sword, "Flame of the West," which signifies a powerful and noble weapon. Anduril is at the forefront of developing AI-driven technologies for defense, including drones and autonomous weapon systems. Peter Thiel, a billionaire PayPal cofounder and influential investor, has also named several of his companies after elements from "The Lord of the Rings." Palantir, founded in 2003, is a government-focused software giant named after the mystical seeing stones, symbolizing insight and omniscience. Mithril Capital, launched in 2012, invests in late-stage startups and draws its name from a rare and valuable metal used by elves, representing wealth and prestige. Thiel also uses trusts named Rivendell One LLC and Lembas LLC, inspired by the hidden elven sanctuary and the elf-made bread, respectively, to manage his investments and Facebook shares. Durin Mining, founded by Ted Feldmann, takes its name from the dwarf kings of "The Lord of the Rings." The startup focuses on automating drill rigs for mineral discovery, reflecting the dwarves' renowned mining skills. Valar Ventures, a venture capital firm cofounded by Thiel, Andrew McCormack, and James Fitzgerald, is named after the powerful beings revered in Middle Earth. Valar, a separate startup, is working on building gigasites for nuclear reactors. Lastly, Sauron Systems, a home security system that incorporates AI, is named after the watchful and malevolent dark lord from the series. The company's name underscores its focus on comprehensive and vigilant security solutions. Industry insiders see these names as more than just quirky tributes. They reflect the ambitious and sometimes fantastical nature of tech entrepreneurship, where companies aim to achieve extraordinary goals much like the heroes of Middle Earth. The naming trend also highlights the cultural impact of "The Lord of the Rings" on the tech community, showcasing how storytelling can influence business and innovation. These companies, often led by visionary founders, embody the blend of mythology and modern technology, aiming to create groundbreaking solutions in their respective fields.