Hyper scale data centers are large facilities designed to efficiently manage vast amounts of data and processing power. Serving clients like cloud providers, tech firms, and enterprises, these centers host thousands of servers within a scalable, cost-effective framework. The industry is booming in Europe, driven by surging demand for digital services and cloud solutions. With the rise of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, hyper scale data centers are becoming essential to modern infrastructure. Efficiency innovations and sustainability practices are gaining traction, as operators seek to minimize their carbon footprints while maximizing uptime and performance.


The list features 13 key investors influencing the hyper scale data center market in Europe. These firms range from established private equity players to innovative venture capitalists, headquartered in major cities like London, Stockholm, and Frankfurt. Notably, many have been active in 2024, with EQT Group and Deutsche Bank each making over 30 investments. Differences in scale and history among the firms highlight various strategies and sectors of focus, from cloud services to telecommunications. Investors offer essential capital and expertise to help maximize data center capabilities across Europe.


Top 13 Hyper Scale Data Center Investors in Europe


1. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. The firm focuses on helping management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has made significant investments in the data center and cloud services sector, including a majority stake acquisition in UK2 Group for $77.8 million in 2011, which is known for its hosting services. Additionally, LDC acquired Nexinto in 2013, a company that provides cloud and managed services, further emphasizing their interest in the data center space. They also participated in a Series B funding round for OnApp, which raised $20 million in 2013, a company that offers cloud management solutions. These transactions highlight LDC's active role in the hyper scale data center industry, making them a relevant investor in this category.


2. Deutsche Bank

  • Website: db.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a leading investment bank and financial services provider. It offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. The bank serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. In the context of hyper scale data centers, Deutsche Bank has been actively involved in financing major projects. Notable transactions include providing $332 million in debt financing to AirTrunk in 2019, leading an AUD $850 million financing round for AirTrunk's expansion in 2018, and securing £206 million in debt for Kao Data to support AI and advanced computing needs in 2024. Additionally, Deutsche Bank has funded VIRTUS Data Centres with £50 million to drive business growth. These transactions highlight Deutsche Bank's commitment to supporting the growth of the hyper scale data center industry.


3. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across various sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT Infrastructure has made significant strides in the hyper scale data center industry, exemplified by its acquisition of EdgeConneX in November 2020, a key player in the data center market. This acquisition highlights EQT's strategic interest in expanding its footprint in the data center sector. Additionally, EQT has been involved in other relevant transactions, such as the acquisition of GlobalConnect, which operates in the telecommunications and data center space, further demonstrating their engagement in infrastructure that supports hyper scale data centers. Overall, EQT Group's investment activities reflect a strong alignment with the needs of the hyper scale data center market.


4. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as the SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund based in London, UK, founded in 2017. The fund primarily invests in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and cloud technologies. With a diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made significant investments in companies that are pivotal to the hyper scale data center ecosystem. For instance, it participated in a $103 million Series B funding round for MinIO, a company specializing in multi-cloud object storage, which is essential for data management in hyper scale environments. Additionally, SoftBank's investment in CAST AI, which raised $108 million in Series C funding, highlights its commitment to cloud optimization technologies. Other notable investments include Pax8 and Cato Networks, both of which are involved in cloud services and networking solutions that support hyper scale data centers. These transactions reflect SoftBank's strategic focus on fostering technological advancements that enhance the scalability and efficiency of data infrastructure.


5. Iomart

  • Website: iomart.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: iomart

Iomart Group plc, founded in 2000 and based in Glasgow, Scotland, is a corporate investor specializing in cloud services and managed IT solutions. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the data center market. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Redstation for approximately $12.5 million in 2013, RapidSwitch for £5.3 million in 2009, and Bytemark in 2018, which expanded their hosting capabilities. In 2019, Iomart acquired LDeX Group Limited for an initial £7.5 million, enhancing their data center and connectivity services in the UK. Additionally, the acquisition of ServerSpace in 2014 aimed to improve their competitive edge in the hosting market. These transactions highlight Iomart's commitment to growing its data center operations and providing scalable solutions to businesses across various sectors.


6. Ardian

  • Website: ardian.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. Founded in 1996, Ardian has established a global presence and focuses on sustainable finance, aiming to create lasting value for its clients, which include institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. In recent years, Ardian has made significant strides in the hyper scale data center sector, highlighted by its acquisition of Verne Global for $575 million in November 2023, which underscores its commitment to expanding its portfolio in digital infrastructure. Additionally, Ardian's acquisition of GIGAS in July 2022 further demonstrates its strategic interest in the data center market. These transactions reflect Ardian's proactive approach to investing in high-quality private market opportunities, particularly in sectors that are essential for the digital economy.


7. Seraphim Space

  • Website: seraphim.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: seraphim-capital

Seraphim Space is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in SpaceTech investments. They provide funding and support to startups in the space technology sector through various investment funds and an accelerator program. Notably, Seraphim Space has been involved in several transactions that intersect with the hyper scale data center industry. For instance, they led a funding round for Bamboo Systems, which raised $4.5 million to develop a server designed for hyperscale performance, boasting ten times the density of current Intel-based servers. This investment highlights their engagement with technologies that are crucial for hyper scale data centers. Additionally, they participated in subsequent funding rounds for Bamboo Systems, further demonstrating their commitment to this area. While their primary focus remains on SpaceTech, their involvement in high-performance computing solutions positions them as a relevant player in the hyper scale data center investment landscape.


8. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Recently, Partners Group has made significant strides in the hyper scale data center sector, including the acquisition of EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure for $1.2 billion, which aims to enhance EdgeCore's capabilities in digital infrastructure. They also secured a $1.9 billion debt financing agreement to support the expansion of EdgeCore's data center facilities. Furthermore, their acquisition of atNorth, the largest sustainable data center operator in Iceland, and their investment of up to AUD 1.2 billion in GreenSquare Data Centers to develop a Hyperscale and AI Data Centre platform in Australia, highlight their strategic focus on expanding their footprint in the hyper scale data center market.


9. Eurazeo

  • Website: eurazeo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, the firm has established a significant presence in the investment management landscape, particularly in Europe. Eurazeo provides tailored investment strategies aimed at fostering growth and expansion across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Eurazeo has made strategic investments in companies like Etix Everywhere, which received a $47 million investment in February 2023, highlighting their engagement in the data center industry. Other transactions include investments in technology-focused companies such as NetGO, Evernex, Adista, and Blue Soft, although these do not directly pertain to hyper scale data centers. This diverse portfolio reflects Eurazeo's broad investment strategy while still indicating a potential interest in the data center sector.


10. Liberty Global

  • Website: libertyglobal.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: liberty-global

Liberty Global Ltd. is a telecommunications company based in London, England, providing a range of services including gigabit broadband, 5G mobile services, and entertainment platforms. Founded in 2005, the company serves both consumers and businesses across multiple European countries, leveraging its extensive network infrastructure. In 2024, Liberty Global has been actively investing in the technology sector, with notable transactions including a $115 million investment in Enfabrica, a company developing networking chips for AI workloads, and a $30 million investment in Arrcus, which offers routing and switching services for carriers and cloud companies. These investments highlight Liberty Global's commitment to enhancing its technological capabilities and supporting the infrastructure that underpins hyper scale data centers.


11. Dtcp


DTCP (Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners) is a venture capital firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in Growth Equity and Infrastructure investments, focusing on transformative technology leaders and digital infrastructure to support their growth and accelerate digital transformation. DTCP's investment portfolio includes notable transactions such as the acquisition of Atlantic Hub, which is likely to enhance their presence in the data center space. They have also led funding rounds for companies like Fastly, an edge cloud platform, and Aryaka Networks, a global SD-WAN and cloud computing provider. These investments reflect DTCP's strategic focus on enhancing digital infrastructure capabilities, making them a relevant player in the hyper scale data center industry.


12. Permira

  • Website: permira.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: permira

Permira is a London-based private equity investment firm founded in 1985, specializing in private equity and credit solutions. The firm partners with management teams and entrepreneurs to drive growth and create long-term value across various sectors, including technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. Notably, Permira acquired Teraco Data Environments, the largest provider of carrier neutral data center services in Sub-Saharan Africa, in a transaction announced in December 2014. This acquisition highlights Permira's strategic interest in the hyper scale data center market. Additionally, the firm has been involved in various financing activities, including debt financing for companies like Getronics and Technogroup, which may also have implications for technology and data services, further showcasing their engagement in sectors related to data centers.


13. Siemens

  • Website: siemens.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1847
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: siemens

Siemens AG, founded in 1847 and headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a leading technology conglomerate specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. With a workforce of approximately 320,000 employees, Siemens generates substantial revenue and operates globally. The company has made strategic acquisitions and investments that align with the hyper scale data center context. Notably, Siemens Energy acquired the eHouse manufacturing division of Integrated Electrical Services, enhancing their electrical and communications capabilities, which are vital for data center infrastructure. Additionally, their acquisition of Enlighted, a provider of smart IoT systems, reflects their commitment to digitalization in building technologies, which can be applied to data center operations. Furthermore, their investment in Thoughtworks, aimed at growth and international expansion, indicates a focus on innovative solutions that can benefit the data center sector. These transactions highlight Siemens' relevance in the hyper scale data center industry.



Hyper Scale Data Center Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
IomartGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)201-50020002
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
Seraphim SpaceLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201627
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
EurazeoParis, Île-De-France, France201-500196940
Liberty GlobalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+20057
DtcpHamburg, Hamburg, Germany51-20020156
PermiraLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100019858
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711


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