I Squared Capital invests $225 million in AI data center infrastructure

Key Takeaways

I Squared invests $225M in AI data centers

I Squared Capital invested $225 million in buying 10 data center facilities from Cogent Fiber. They plan to use these assets to create a new U.S. data center operating platform focused on AI inference infrastructure. The company will commit up to $1 billion for upgrades, expansions, and acquisitions. The deal underscores a shift towards data centers deployed closer to where data is generated for AI inference.

I Squared buys Cogent data centers for AI

I Squared Capital acquired 10 data center facilities from Cogent Fiber for $225 million. The purchase will seed a new U.S. data center operating platform focused on colocation, high-density deployments, and AI inference infrastructure. I Squared has committed up to $1 billion to build the platform through targeted capital investment, customer-led expansion, and additional acquisitions.

I Squared Capital launches AI data center platform

I Squared Capital launched a U.S. AI inference and edge colocation data center platform with a $1 billion commitment. The platform will focus on colocation, high-density deployments, and AI inference infrastructure. The company acquired a portfolio of ten data center facilities from Cogent Fiber for $225 million.

Lenovo shares surge on AI server sales

Lenovo's shares reached an all-time high due to strong AI server sales and PC market recovery. The company's infrastructure solutions division posted a 37% boost, driven by AI servers and data-center equipment. AI-related revenues doubled over the past year, now comprising about one-third of Lenovo's income.

Dell and HP surge as Lenovo's AI growth lifts sector

Dell and HP saw significant gains after Lenovo reported strong quarterly results, driven by AI demand. Lenovo's AI-related revenue climbed 84%, showing that the AI trade may be moving beyond chipmakers and data centers.

AI consolidation: labs make quiet acquisitions

Several AI labs, including Anthropic, Mistral, Google DeepMind, and Meta, made quiet acquisitions of AI startups within five days of each other. The acquisitions aim to buy specific technical capabilities rather than traditional press-release acquisitions.

Regulators alerted to AI trading risks

The rapid growth of AI trading has raised concerns about potential market shocks. Experts warn that if AI trading standardizes investor behavior, it could lead to a severe market shock. Regulators worldwide are on high alert, taking steps to address the issue.

Kevin O'Leary's AI data center risk

Canadian entrepreneur Kevin O'Leary's proposed $100 billion AI data center project in Utah has raised concerns. The project's risks include public outrage, massive energy use, and delays. Investors may consider safer ways to invest in AI, such as utility companies, copper miners, and hyperscalers.

Burry says Nvidia is like Cisco

Michael Burry compared Nvidia to Cisco, citing concerns about the AI hardware market. Burry argues that Nvidia's valuation is based on assumptions about demand that may not hold.

DICK'S Sporting Goods uses AI in apps

DICK'S Sporting Goods launched an AI assistant, Coach by DICK'S, in its mobile app. The AI coach provides personalized recommendations and training tips. The company partnered with Adobe to power the assistant.

Apple embeds AI in accessibility features

Apple is embedding AI into accessibility features, including VoiceOver, Magnifier, and Vision Pro. The company aims to make AI more practical and useful for people with disabilities.

UneeQ AI Buddy for sales coaching

UneeQ launched an AI digital human, AI Buddy, designed for sales coaching. The AI Buddy provides personalized coaching conversations and uses natural language processing and machine learning algorithms.

Google Health app replaces Fitbit

Google launched a new Health app, replacing the Fitbit app. The new app features an AI coaching experience, but some users are not happy with the change.

Sources

• I Squared bets on AI inference with $225 million data center buy from Cogent
• I Squared bets on AI inference with $225 million data center buy from Cogent
• I Squared Capital Launches U.S. AI Inference and Edge Colocation Data Center Platform With $1BN Commitment
• Lenovo Shares Skyrocket to All-Time High on Strong AI Server Sales and PC Market Recovery
• Dell and HP Rally as Lenovo's AI-Fueled Growth Lifts Sector
• Four labs, four acquisitions in five days: the consolidation signal hiding in plain sight
• Could a Second SVB Crisis Emerge? High-Risk AI Trading Standardizing Investor Strategies Puts Regulators Worldwide on Alert
• Kevin O'Leary Drama Exposes Data Center Risk: 3 Safer Ways to Invest in AI
• Burry Says Nvidia Is 'Clearly Cisco' as Huawei Chip Announcement Shakes AI Hardware Valuation Story
• DICK’S Sporting Goods makes AI the spine of its apps
• Apple makes quiet AI move that will change iPhones, Vision Pro
• UneeQ AI Buddy delivers an AI digital human designed for sales coaching
• Google Health is here, but a lot of people want their Fitbit app back instead