Insights from IMN’s Inaugural Data Center Private Equity Dealmakers’ Forum

On February 6, 2025,  industry leaders convened at The Union League Club in New York, NY for Information Management Network’s (IMN) inaugural Data Center Private Equity Dealmakers’ Forum — a first-of-its-kind event focused on private equity trends, deal structures, and financing strategies shaping the future of digital infrastructure. As media partners of the event, iMiller Public Relations (iMPR) and Data Center POST engaged with top investors, operators, and stakeholders as they discussed the forces driving mergers and acquisitions (M&A), emerging financing models, and the evolving data center landscape.

Private Equity’s Expanding Role in Data Centers

With 187 transactions totaling $48 billion over the past three years, private equity has played a major role in the data center industry’s growth. As AI and cloud-driven demand accelerates, construction spending is projected to reach $115 billion in 2025, further increasing the need for capital investment. The forum featured key discussions on mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures, offering valuable insights into how private equity firms are structuring deals and navigating an increasingly competitive market.

Key Themes and Takeaways:

Surging Capital Needs: Hyperscale expansion and power-intensive workloads are pushing data center operators to seek private equity partnerships and alternative financing structures.

Evolving M&A Landscape: Despite economic fluctuations, deal activity remains near record levels, with firms consolidating assets and strategically expanding portfolios.

Joint Ventures on the Rise: With soaring construction costs and land constraints, many firms are partnering to co-develop projects, enabling faster market entry and cost-sharing efficiencies.

Site Selection: Balancing Cost, Power, and Market Demand

Among the event’s insightful sessions was a panel titled “Site Selection: Comparing Expensive Primary Markets, Secondary or Edge, or Cheap/Available Power?” moderated by Ilissa Miller, Founder & CEO of iMiller Public Relations. This discussion explored the complexities of data center site selection, weighing the advantages and challenges of expanding in primary markets, sub-tier 2 locations, and emerging edge destinations. Additional panelists included: John Malone, Principal of AVAIO Digital Partners; Jocelyn McCaslin, VP of Hyperscale Leasing at Corscale Data Centers; David Liggitt, Founder & CEO of datacenterHawk; Jeffrey Moerdlerr, Member of Mintz; Hunter Newby, Owner of Newby Ventures; and Twila True, CEO & Co-Founder of Colusa True.

Connecting the Industry’s Leading Dealmakers

Beyond the thought-provoking sessions, the Data Center Private Equity Dealmakers’ Forum served as a premier networking hub, connecting top investors, developers, and operators. Attendees gained exclusive insights into the latest financing trends while building relationships that will influence the industry’s next wave of deals.

Stay tuned for updates on next year’s event — where the conversation continues.