What is the status of the pilot projects? Have the six locations been identified or acquired?
- The locations selected for the pilot projects have been strategically chosen to test the cooling solutions in different climate conditions. This approach ensures the cooling system works efficiently under all circumstances, allowing us to measure energy consumption and gather valuable data that will help guide future decisions.
- The company is in advanced talks with multiple U. S. states to establish six pilot data centers. Each valued at €35 million, these centers will test different technological and environmental solutions across cool, hot, and temperate climates. While the locations have been identified, property acquisitions are still under negotiation, and the process is expected to finalize after securing financing.
- As of now, the State of Maine has provided a list of locations they are willing to co-sponsor, along with several benefits that would allow us to operate at significantly lower costs compared to businesses without government support.
What is the financial model and business plan?
- The business plan involves constructing data centers with two business models in mind: co-ownership and the conversion of existing buildings.
Before diving into the details of the business plan, two distinctive aspects should be noted:
• Every data center customer will have Panthera, a cybersecurity solution developed by Citeel, implemented. This approach aims to establish Panthera as an industry standard without aggressive marketing or sales.
• The data centers will be interconnected through a network similar to Europe’s solar-powered electricity grids. Individuals can connect their solar power plants to this network, which automatically allocates energy to users for a small fee.
The data centers will follow one of two paths:
1. Company-Owned Buildings:
• In this model, the company acquires and fully owns the data center properties. This option requires a larger initial investment but yields higher long-term returns. The six pilot project locations will be fully owned by the company, allowing us to test various technologies, which will become the foundation of our operations moving forward.
1. Co-Ownership Model:
• Borrowing from European solar panel business models, this approach allows building owners to submit their properties for inclusion in our system. The company sets up the data centers for a one-time fee, and customers finance the hardware and charges a distribution fee for maintaining the network. This model has minimal financial risk for us, as the hardware and operating costs are covered by customers, with our only expense being network maintenance. We also see great potential in partnering with solar companies to install solar panels alongside data centers, significantly reducing electricity costs for customers. Both the U. S. and EU are expected to subsidize hardware investments, making this model even more attractive to investors.
Why are the pilot projects crucial?
- The pilot projects are essential to our strategy of reducing operational costs through green technologies and ensuring scalable growth. By testing solutions in various climates, we will identify the most effective technologies for future expansion, especially within the co-ownership model, where energy savings will significantly impact profitability.
What are the company's competitive advantages compared to established players like Switch, Digital Realty, Aligned Data Centers, and EdgeConneX?
Our company stands out with several competitive advantages:
• Co-Ownership Model:
• Our innovative model allows us to expand rapidly in the market with minimal upfront costs, as customers cover hardware and operating expenses. This scalable approach contrasts with competitors that rely on heavy capital investments.
• Green Energy Integration:
• The pilot projects will focus on testing green technologies, which will drive down operational costs and ensure scalable efficiency. This early adoption of green energy solutions gives us a competitive edge.
• Panthera Cybersecurity Solution:
• Every customer will receive Panthera, Citeel’s cybersecurity solution, free of charge. This adds value to the data center service, positioning Panthera as an industry standard in the process.
• Interconnected Company Network:
• Our data centers will be connected through a network similar to Europe’s solar energy grids, allowing for efficient data distribution between locations. This unique feature creates a scalable and adaptable operation that competitors lack.
What is the company’s funding plan?
- The company has already gained significant interest from investors, with an LOI signed for equity funding of the pilot projects in the next year. We are open to working with other investors if their offers align with our goals. The investment volume is flexible, allowing for the financing of one or multiple pilot locations. There are also ongoing talks about launching a pilot project in the Arabian Peninsula, where one of our potential investors is located.
While we aim to begin the project as soon as possible, we believe it’s crucial to carefully select the right partners to ensure long-term success in the data center industry.