In today’s hyper-digitalized world, the infrastructure supporting cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and real-time connectivity is rapidly gaining investor attention. Among the most compelling shifts in capital deployment is the increasing interest of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in data center investing—the invisible engines powering the digital economy.
Once dominated by institutional players, data center investing is now attracting HNWIs looking for inflation-hedged, stable, tech-forward investments. With global data usage exploding and AI fuelling the next wave of digital demand, data centre assets present a rare mix of predictable returns, asset tangibility, and exponential future growth.
Data centers are no longer niche assets—they are essential infrastructure. These secure, temperature-controlled facilities house the servers and networking equipment that process and store the world’s data.
In 2024, the global data center market is valued at $242.72 billion and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 11.7%, reaching $584.86 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights. The digital backbone they provide supports everything from cloud computing and e-commerce to autonomous vehicles and generative AI.
Data centers are to the digital economy what oil refineries were to the industrial age.
The data center boom is being driven by the AI revolution and surging demand for cloud services. In a 2024 report, McKinsey estimates that AI-capable data centre capacity will grow 33% annually through 2030. By the end of this decade, 70% of total data centre demand is expected to be for AI and machine learning workloads.
Goldman Sachs Research projects a 165% increase in power demand from data centers by 2030, driven largely by AI model training and inference.
This massive shift is creating outsized demand for high-density, GPU-optimized infrastructure. For HNWIs, this presents a unique opportunity to capitalize on AI without betting on individual startups by owning the infrastructure they rely on.
Data centers operate under long-term leases (10–15 years), typically with investment-grade tenants like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or government agencies. These leases often come with annual escalators and renewal clauses, locking in predictable cash flows.
According to Nareit, the FTSE Nareit Data Centre Index posted an 11.14% annual return in 2024, with a 2.64% dividend yield, outperforming many traditional REIT sectors. Compared to office or retail real estate, data centers also face less tenant churn and offer higher operating margins due to low staffing requirements.
For HNWIs managing multi-generational wealth, data centers offer a tangible, non-correlated hedge to traditional stocks, bonds, and real estate. Amid inflation concerns and geopolitical volatility, they deliver the benefits of:
In fact, allocations to alternatives (including data infrastructure) rose to 18.6% of HNWI portfolios in 2024, up from 14.5% in 2021, according to Capgemini’s World Wealth Report.
As more family offices and private equity groups shift into digital infrastructure, access to direct deals is expanding. HNWIs are increasingly investing through:
For example, OpenAI’s 2025 $500 billion Stargate initiative, backed by SoftBank and Oracle, aims to build hyperscale AI data centers in the U.S. and potentially the UK. Such projects offer HNWIs early access to the most strategic digital infrastructure globally.
Data centers have historically drawn criticism for their energy usage. However, modern facilities are increasingly powered by renewable energy and designed for energy-efficient cooling and modularity.
According to the International Energy Agency, while data workloads are increasing exponentially, data center energy consumption has remained relatively flat due to efficiency improvements and green practices. HNWIs looking to align their portfolios with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals are finding data centers to be increasingly compatible.
While the sector is attractive, it’s not without challenges:
That’s why many HNWIs partner with specialized operators, or allocate through infrastructure funds led by firms like Blackstone, Digital Bridge, or Brookfield.
Looking ahead, the combination of AI, 5G, quantum computing, and edge deployments (local micro data centers near population hubs) will only accelerate demand. Regions such as India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East are witnessing rapid development, opening up global diversification options.
Additionally, tokenized real estate platforms and REIT derivatives are lowering entry barriers for smaller family offices or next-generation investors.
In 2025, investing in data centers is no longer a tech bet it’s a strategic real asset decision. For high-net-worth individuals seeking:
data centers stand out as a future-proof investment with real-world utility. As data becomes the new oil, owning the refineries the data centers may be one of the most prudent long-term plays.
Ready to dive deeper into the world of data center investing?
Explore how digital infrastructure can future-proof your portfolio and unlock inflation-resistant, tech-driven returns. Whether you’re a high-net-worth individual, family office, or advisor seeking alternative assets with real-world utility, our insights can help you make informed decisions. Connect with us at CrispIdea to learn more or schedule a personalized investment strategy session today.
