BlackRock and Nvidia-Backed Consortium Seals $40 Billion AI Data Center Agreement
An investor group, featuring prominent names such as BlackRock and Nvidia, has agreed on a substantial $40 billion acquisition deal for Aligned Data Centers from Macquarie Asset Management. This major investment showcases the accelerating demand for AI-specific infrastructure.
AI Data Center Expansion
The acquisition is part of a broader effort to boost AI infrastructure, critical for supporting advanced AI model development. OpenAI, for instance, has recently announced deals to secure 26 gigawatts of computing power, capable of energizing approximately 20 million U.S. homes.
Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP)
The investment consortium, named the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), aims to deploy $30 billion in equity capital, potentially extending to $100 billion with additional debt. This acquisition marks AIP’s inaugural investment, projected to finalize in the first half of 2026.
Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock and chairman of AIP, stated, “This investment furthers our commitment to fueling AI’s future infrastructure.”
Additional Key Investors
- xAI
- Microsoft
- Kuwait Investment Authority
- Temasek
Aligned Data Centers Overview
Aligned specializes in creating and managing data centers for hyperscalers, neoclouds, and large enterprises. Its base of operations will continue in Dallas, Texas, under CEO Andrew Schaap. The company has more than 5 gigawatts of operational and planned capacity throughout the U.S. and Latin America.
| Company | Headquarters | CEO |
|---|---|---|
| Aligned Data Centers | Dallas, Texas | Andrew Schaap |
Investment and Future Plans
Aligned Data Centers earlier secured $12 billion in fundraising—one of the largest private equity injections in a data center company. The ongoing expansion in AI infrastructure demands immense financial commitments.
OpenAI has disclosed a recent 6-gigawatt AI chip supply arrangement with AMD, with an option for a stake in the company. Nvidia has plans to invest a potential $100 billion in OpenAI, providing data center systems with over 10 gigawatts of capacity.
Trend in AI Funding
It is estimated that significant tech companies like Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Coreweave will collectively invest $400 billion in AI infrastructure within the year, underscoring the burgeoning focus on AI development and data center expansion.
Despite investor concerns regarding the return on substantial investments, Big Tech remains committed to increasing its data center capacities, driving the interconnected investment landscape of the AI sector. Nvidia continues to play a pivotal role, being both an investor and a leading supplier in the market.
