KKR Launches $10bn AI Hyperscale Data Centre Firm Helix

Global investment firm KKR has launched a data centre infrastructure company named Helix Digital Infrastructure (Helix). The business starts with over US$10bn in committed capital to accelerate the deployment of facilities, energy generation and connectivity required for AI workloads.

Helix is backed by founding investors including the Kuwait Investment Authority, technology corporation NVIDIA and integrated power firm Vistra. Writing on LinkedIn announcing his appointment, the new chief executive outlines his motivation for joining the venture.

“In my 15 years helping build a US$100bn revenue business and scale cloud infrastructure with Amazon Web Services (AWS), I saw firsthand what happens when demand for compute outpaces the physical infrastructure behind it,” says Adam Selipsky, CEO of Helix.

Addressing hyperscale bottlenecks

The financial complexity of funding data centres and their associated energy requirements represents a hurdle for the technology sector. Operators traditionally approach real estate, power agreements and networking as separate procurement exercises. Helix intends to act as a single coordination point for hyperscalers to secure all three elements simultaneously.

Reflecting on this challenge, Adam notes: “Data centres, power and connectivity have all too often been built on separate tracks. In the unprecedented infrastructure build-out of the AI era, that fragmentation has become an industry-wide bottleneck. This is slowing down the benefits of AI for enterprises, startups, governments, non-profits and citizens worldwide.”

KKR is funding its anchor investment through its balance sheet and other managed vehicles. The private equity firm is supported by a wider digital infrastructure platform holding more than US$70bn invested across the digital and power asset classes. Following the closing of the initial commitments, Helix is open to additional eligible institutional investors.

Securing data centre power

Energy availability remains the primary constraint for new capacity. Vistra steps into the venture as the preferred power provider for Helix investments. The firm operates generation assets across 18 US states and Washington, D.C.

“Power generation and grid interconnections are critical gating factors for AI infrastructure deployments," says Jim Burke, President and CEO of Vistra.

"Helix brings together data centre development, infrastructure and power capabilities under a single umbrella, providing a one-stop shop for large load customers.

“By utilising Vistra’s existing fleet to deliver near-term power, Helix will accelerate delivery of power solutions through the use of existing assets while also bringing additionality with Vistra’s best-in-class capabilities, including power generation development and power grid expertise. 

“Vistra has a proven track record in executing more than 5,000 megawatts of power purchase agreements with hyperscalers and looks forward to leveraging our leading and diverse generation fleet and operational expertise as Helix’s preferred power partner to help deliver the reliable, affordable energy these customers require.”

Integrating computing and capital

The technical architecture of the data centres developed under the Helix brand will be supported by NVIDIA. The hardware manufacturer will serve as a strategic partner to deploy its DSX platform, focusing on maximising tokens per watt, achieving a lower total cost of ownership and accelerating the time to first token for investments.

“Useful AI has arrived, and demand for AI factories is extraordinary," says Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA.

"AI is driving the largest infrastructure buildout in modern history.

“With the NVIDIA DSX platform and the Helix strategic partnership, we are bringing together a proven AI factory blueprint, world-class infrastructure expertise from KKR, and long-term capital to help AI cloud providers build the next generation of intelligence infrastructure.”

The venture also draws on sovereign wealth backing. Established in 1953, the Kuwait Investment Authority manages the State’s General Reserve and Future Generations Fund.

“We view AI infrastructure as one of the defining long-term investment opportunities globally, and Helix is purpose-built to address it," says Sheikh Saoud Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah, Managing Director of the Kuwait Investment Authority.

"Helix reflects a differentiated model that combines proven leadership, integrated capabilities and long-term capital required to deliver the next generation of critical digital infrastructure at scale.”

Coordinated execution strategy

Waldemar Szlezak, KKR’s Global Head of Digital Infrastructure, takes on the role of Chief Investment Officer for the new organisation. The executive team will focus on assets ranging from baseload power generation to transmission networks and fibre connectivity. Through integrating these traditionally disparate sectors, the company seeks to give cloud providers a repeatable model for expanding their physical footprint.

“Large users of digital infrastructure have an urgent need to reduce complexity and unlock new capacity. Helix combines significant long-term capital with the capabilities and expertise to deliver holistic AI infrastructure solutions with speed and scale,” says Adam. 

“Helix is further strengthened by strategic partnerships with NVIDIA and Vistra across technology and power, which we believe will enable the company to deliver the infrastructure that will underpin hyperscalers’ AI strategies for years to come.”