Abu Dhabi-based private equity firm VantageBridge Partners invested an undisclosed amount in a US hyperscale data center platform through a founding equity position, according to a press release. The platform develops hyperscale data centers across the US, with capacity mainly going towards powering AI operations. It is eyeing scaling its overall capacity to upwards of 800 MW.

Funds will go towards expansion efforts in the US, supporting site acquisitions, construction, and strategic partnerships to meet demand for AI and cloud infrastructure. The investment will also include capacity building for GCC markets. CEO Alain Baron will get a seat on the company’s board.

About VantageBridge: The ADGM-headquartered investment firm targets high-impact sectors across the GCC, including AI, healthcare, space, infrastructure, and education, using global capital. The investment firm invested in the UAE’s healthcare sector earlier this year through a partnership with Abu Dhabi Health Data Services, part of M42’s Digital Health Solutions platform, and Silicon Valley-based research institute SRI International to establish an innovation hub in Abu Dhabi focusing on AI and healthcare research and development.

The investment is the latest in a busy UAE-US pipeline that is anchored by a UAE commitment to invest USD 1.4 tn in US AI infrastructure over ten years. The two countries are also developing Stargate UAE, the first deployment of the US’ wider USD 500 bn Stargate infrastructure program, and which will form part of a 5 GW US-UAE AI data center cluster in Abu Dhabi. The US also recently greenlit the export of some Nvidia chips to the UAE to use in US-linked infrastructure, and Microsoft is investing almost USD 8 bn in the country by 2029.

IN OTHER INVESTMENT NEWS-

Quintas Capital backs Petal Group with USD 18 mn stake: UAE-based investment firm Quintas Capital has completed its first managed equity transaction, taking a USD 18 mn stake in Petal Group, an e-commerce floral business operating in Ireland and the UAE, according to a press release. The investment will support the company’s expansion into new markets and acquisitions.

ADVISORS- Grant Thornton advised Quintas on financial, tax, and technology due diligence, while A&L Goodbody provided legal counsel, and Afridi & Angell offered local counsel. PKF Brenson Lawlor provided corporate finance advice and Simmons & Simmons acted as counsel for Petal Group.

Tags: