# Academi

> American private military company

**Wikidata**: [Q337233](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q337233)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackwater_(company))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/academi

## Summary
Academi is an American private military company founded in 1997, originally known as Blackwater and later rebranded as Xe Services. It is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, and operates under the ownership of Apollo Global Management. The company employs approximately 21,000 people and provides armed security services.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1997.
- Originally named Blackwater, later rebranded as Xe Services.
- Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, United States.
- Operates as a private military company providing armed security services.
- Employed approximately 21,000 people as of the latest data.
- Owned by Apollo Global Management, an American private equity firm.
- Founded by Erik Prince, a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer.
- Classified as a business and enterprise.
- Website: [https://theacademi.org/](https://theacademi.org/).

## FAQs
- **What is Academi's primary industry?** Academi operates in the private military company industry, providing armed security services.
- **Who founded Academi?** Academi was founded by Erik Prince, a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer.
- **Where is Academi headquartered?** Academi is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, United States.
- **What is Academi's current name?** Academi is currently known as Xe Services, having rebranded from Blackwater.
- **How many employees does Academi have?** Academi employs approximately 21,000 people.
- **Who owns Academi?** Academi is owned by Apollo Global Management, an American private equity firm.
- **What services does Academi provide?** Academi provides armed security services as a private military company.

## Why It Matters
Academi plays a significant role in the private military industry, offering armed security services to clients worldwide. Its rebranding from Blackwater to Xe Services reflects its evolution within the sector. As a privately owned company, Academi operates with a degree of autonomy, allowing it to adapt to market demands and client needs. Its presence in the U.S. and global security landscape underscores the growing importance of private military companies in modern defense and security strategies.

## Notable For
- Founded by Erik Prince, a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer.
- Rebranded from Blackwater to Xe Services in 1997.
- Operates as a private military company providing armed security services.
- Employed approximately 21,000 people.
- Owned by Apollo Global Management, a leading private equity firm.

## Body
### History
Academi was founded in 1997 by Erik Prince, a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer. Initially named Blackwater, the company rebranded to Xe Services in the same year. This rebranding marked a significant shift in its identity within the private military industry.

### Location and Ownership
Academi is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, United States. The company operates as a private military company, providing armed security services. It is owned by Apollo Global Management, an American private equity firm founded in 1990.

### Operations and Services
Academi operates as a private military company, specializing in armed security services. The company employs approximately 21,000 people, reflecting its significant presence in the industry. Its services are classified under the broader categories of business and enterprise.

### Affiliations and Connections
Academi is affiliated with Erik Prince, its founder and a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer. The company operates in the United States, with its headquarters in McLean, Virginia. It is part of the broader private military industry, which includes other private security firms and defense contractors.

### Industry Classification
Academi is classified as a private military company, a sector that provides armed security services to clients worldwide. The company operates under the broader categories of business and enterprise, indicating its commercial and industrial nature. Its rebranding from Blackwater to Xe Services highlights its evolution within the private military industry.

## References

1. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. Quora