Element Critical has formally launched a new U.S. focused AI data center platform, backed by strategic investments from 26North Partners, Arctos, Mercuria, and Safanad. The platform’s formation is anchored by the acquisition of two enterprise-grade data center facilities located in Houston and Austin, establishing an operational foundation in key U.S. markets. The move reflects broader shifts in digital infrastructure strategies as demand accelerates from AI inference workloads, enterprise digital transformation initiatives, and increasingly power-constrained operating environments.
The newly launched platform is structured to scale alongside evolving enterprise requirements while maintaining continuity with Element Critical’s established enterprise-focused operating model. The Houston and Austin facilities are expected to serve as initial anchors for further expansion across major U.S. metropolitan regions, where demand for high-capacity, reliable infrastructure continues to rise.
Safanad, which has developed Element Critical into an enterprise data center operator over the past decade, remains a core participant in the platform. The addition of 26North, Mercuria, and Arctos introduces new capital, investment strategies, and sector-specific expertise intended to support accelerated acquisitions, new developments, and geographic expansion.
According to Ken Parent, Chief Executive Officer of Element Critical, the investment and acquisition strategy positions the platform to support clients across technology, financial services, healthcare, energy, and Fortune 500 enterprises, with the Texas facilities expected to serve as a foundation for entry into additional U.S. markets.
The platform brings together investors with complementary capabilities spanning capital formation, energy markets, and infrastructure operations. 26North contributes a thesis-driven investment approach centered on long-term demand durability, while Mercuria provides experience in global energy markets and low-carbon power solutions. Safanad offers operational continuity, and Arctos supports tailored capital deployment aligned with platform growth objectives. Josh Harris, Founder of 26North, stated that digital infrastructure aligns closely with the firm’s focus on next-generation alternative investments, particularly as AI, energy, and data systems increasingly converge.
Energy considerations play a central role in the platform’s strategic positioning, reflecting the rising power intensity of AI-driven workloads. Mercuria’s participation underscores the growing interdependence between digital infrastructure development and energy planning.
Brian Falik, Chief Investment Officer of Mercuria, noted that the intersection of AI, data, and energy is reshaping infrastructure requirements, and that the firm’s involvement reflects a commitment to supporting digital infrastructure through innovative energy solutions.
The launch also builds directly on the operational base established by Safanad over the past decade. Kamal Bahamdan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Safanad, described the new partnership as a continuation of long-term investment in digital infrastructure, positioning Element Critical for faster growth while maintaining platform resilience. The partners aim to address sustained enterprise demand across sectors requiring high-capacity AI inference environments and next-generation digital workloads.The transaction was supported by a broad group of financial and legal advisors. Guggenheim Securities and Goldman Sachs acted as financial advisors to Safanad, with King & Spalding serving as legal advisor. DLA Piper advised 26North, while Kirkland & Ellis represented the platform in connection with the Houston and Austin acquisitions. BofA Securities and Citizens Bank acted as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners, with Huntington National Bank also participating as a Joint Lead Arranger.
