A surge of investments in AI-driven platforms has drawn experts to the Asian market, with India being a key target due to its large population and digitally active youth. AirTrunk, an Australian company acquired by Blackstone Inc., is expanding its footprint across Asia as investors pour billions into digital infrastructure.
AirTrunk recently secured A$16 billion refinancing to support new projects and existing operations in Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. According to Khuda, CEO of AirTrunk, the AI gold rush in Asia will create room for multiple players, citing the region’s massive demand as a driving force behind growth.
However, challenges are emerging as the industry faces supply constraints due to increasing electricity demands from expanding data centers. Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman has warned about these potential issues, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions.
Blackstone has been one of the largest investors in India, managing over $50 billion in assets since entering the market, with nearly 40% going towards Maharashtra. The firm’s investments have also focused on real estate, committing over $20 billion to key cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru.
The AI-driven industry is expected to require hundreds of billions of dollars in capital to meet future demands, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and investment in infrastructure development.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/blackstone-owned-airtrunk-to-build-data-center-in-india-amid-ai-boom/articleshow/125289185.cms?from=mdr