My favorite (read: least favorite) of these Tolkien-inspired menacing companies is Thiel’s Valar: “[who are] god-like immortal spirits that chose to enter the mortal world to prepare it for their living creations.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valar_Ventures

Oh god, it makes sense now. Palinteer is partnering with ring for footing and will be acquired by Sauron.