US data center firm Element Critical has launched a new data center platform with new investment partners.

Element Critical this week announced the launch of a new US data center platform backed by 26North Partners, Arctos, Mercuria, and Safanad.

Two enterprise data centers in Houston and Austin. will anchor the platform. They are existing Safanad-owned sites, managed by Element Critical, which are being recapitalized by the new venture.

Element said with backing from its investors, the new platform will "accelerate acquisitions, development, and strategic expansion across top US markets."

“Through this investment and data center acquisition strategy, Element Critical will be well-positioned to support the needs of leading clients in technology, financial services, healthcare, energy, and Fortune 500 companies,” said Element Critical CEO Ken Parent. "These Texas facilities will anchor our expansion into other top US markets.”

Founded in 2014 as Central Colo, Element Critical operates data centers in Austin and Houston, Texas, and Chicago, Illinois. The company started work on an expansion of its Houston facility earlier this year.

“Digital infrastructure is precisely the kind of opportunity our next-generation alternatives firm was built to pursue,” said 26North founder Josh Harris. “As AI, energy, and data converge, we see an opportunity to support platforms with strong fundamentals and durable demand. We pride ourselves on aligning with innovative leaders such as Mercuria, Safanad, and Arctos, who each bring complementary strengths, and structuring a partnership that traditional models can’t match.”

Launched in 2022, 26North has some $32 billion in assets under management. Its investment strategies include private equity, credit, insurance, and reinsurance solutions. Founder Josh Harris co-founded Apollo Global Management in 1990. The company was previously rumored to be looking at acquiring digital infrastructure investor DigitalBridge.

Safanad is a global principal investment firm founded in 2009. It first invested in Element Critical in 2016.

“We are proud to launch this next phase of Element Critical with partners who share our conviction in digital infrastructure and the evolution driven by AI,” said Safanad founder and CEO Kamal Bahamdan. “Over the past decade, we have built Element Critical into a scaled, resilient platform, and this new partnership readies us to grow even more rapidly.”

Founded in 2019, Acrtos is a private investment firm. It has previously invested in a number of sports teams and has investments across private equity, credit, real estate, and digital infrastructure.

“We are thrilled to join forces with 26North, Mercuria, and Safanad to catalyze Element Critical’s next stage of growth,” said Arctos partner Ira Shaw. “This partnership marks a significant milestone for Arctos and our Keystone Real Assets strategy, as we invest in the future of digital infrastructure.”

Established in 2004, Swiss firm Mercuria is one of the world’s leading independent energy and commodity groups.

“The intersection of AI, data, and energy is reshaping infrastructure demands. Our investment reflects Mercuria’s commitment to supporting digital infrastructure with innovative energy solutions,” said Mercuria’s chief investment officer, Brian Falik. “We’re partnering with industry leaders to power Element Critical’s expansion and help meet the evolving needs of enterprise clients.”