AI infrastructure powerhouse Firmus has secured a massive $14.2 billion debt financing facility to accelerate the build-out of its national "AI factory" network.
The landmark deal, led by private equity titan Blackstone and US investment firm Coatue, arrives just days after Firmus announced a $100 million equity injection from Maas Group, signaling a rapid escalation in Australia's bid to become a global computing hub.
The capital is earmarked for Project Southgate, the next phase of the company’s expansion which aims to transform its flagship Launceston campus into a nationwide grid.
Late last year, Firmus solidified its market position through strategic partnerships with Nvidia and CDC Data Centres, targeting new high-capacity sites in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, and Perth.
This latest facility follows a blistering period of fundraising for the Singapore-headquartered firm, which includes an $830 million equity haul across two rounds late last year.
"This milestone reflects the trajectory of Australia as a global player in powering AI," said Firmus co-CEO Oliver Curtis.
"With Blackstone and Coatue’s financing, we’re helping meet the rising global demand for AI compute while creating lasting value for the local economy."
Blackstone’s Senior Managing Director John Watson noted that the "picks and shovels" of AI infrastructure represent one of the firm's highest-conviction themes.
"AI is driving one of the most significant infrastructure build-outs in decades," Watson said, "and we believe Australia can play a central role in that transformation."