TLDR
- Nscale Global raises $1.1 billion Series B funding from Nvidia, Dell, and Nokia for AI data center expansion
- Aker ASA invests $285 million to secure 9.3% stake in the AI infrastructure startup
- Company partners with OpenAI and Microsoft on Stargate UK and major AI supercomputer projects
- Plans include data center development across Europe, North America, and Middle East
- Stargate Norway facility will house 100,000 Nvidia GPUs in partnership with Aker and OpenAI
AI infrastructure company Nscale Global has closed a massive $1.1 billion Series B funding round. The oversubscribed investment round attracted major technology companies including Nvidia, Dell Technologies, and Nokia.
The UK-based startup provides critical infrastructure for artificial intelligence systems. Nscale offers networking, storage, and computing resources that power AI applications and services.
The company has established key partnerships with leading AI companies. Nscale works directly with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, and Microsoft on several major projects.
The fresh funding will support Nscale’s expansion plans across multiple regions. The company aims to build new data centers in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
Major AI Projects Drive Investment Interest
Nscale recently announced its collaboration with Nvidia and OpenAI on Stargate UK. This ambitious project will establish advanced AI infrastructure throughout the United Kingdom using tens of thousands of Nvidia graphics processing units.
The company is also developing what it calls the UK’s largest AI supercomputer in partnership with Microsoft. These high-profile projects demonstrate Nscale’s growing importance in the AI infrastructure market.
Norwegian industrial conglomerate Aker ASA made the largest single investment in the funding round. Aker committed $285 million to acquire a 9.3% stake in Nscale Global.
This investment builds on an existing partnership between Aker, Nscale, and OpenAI. The three companies formed an alliance two months ago to create Stargate Norway, a major data center project in northern Norway.
Aker Partnership Expands Nordic AI Presence
The Stargate Norway facility represents a massive expansion of AI computing capacity. The data center is designed to house 100,000 Nvidia GPUs when fully operational.
The Aker-Nscale joint venture is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. Both companies will maintain equal ownership in the partnership arrangement.
Aker has the potential to increase its stake in Nscale to 12.2% through future earn-out agreements. The Norwegian company may also convert its investment into additional Nscale shares during a potential initial public offering.
The partnership positions Aker as one of the largest shareholders in the rapidly growing AI infrastructure sector. OpenAI and Microsoft are expected to be among the first customers for the joint venture projects.
The Series B funding round’s oversubscription indicates strong investor confidence in AI infrastructure development. Major technology companies are increasingly investing in the physical infrastructure needed to support artificial intelligence applications.
Nscale’s partnerships with industry leaders like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Nvidia provide the company with access to cutting-edge AI technology. The Stargate Norway project will create one of Europe’s largest concentrations of AI computing power in the Nordic region.
