Grant van Rooyen, the founder of Cologix and Tract Capital, has launched Fleet Data Centers, a new company focused on developing large-scale data center campuses across the United States. The announcement marks an ambitious foray into hyperscale infrastructure, with plans to establish campuses of 500MW capacity and above.
Strategic Focus: Single-User Mega-Campuses
Fleet Data Centers is designed to address the growing demands of hyperscalers—large-scale cloud providers and tech companies—by focusing on mega-scale campuses. The company has set an initial goal of developing up to 3GW of capacity across key US markets, although specific locations have not yet been disclosed. According to the company, these campuses will cater primarily to single users, providing predictable and flexible infrastructure designed to meet future scalability needs.
Leadership and Industry Expertise
Chris Vonderhaar Appointed as President
Leading Fleet Data Centers is Chris Vonderhaar, who brings extensive experience in data center operations. Prior to joining Fleet, Vonderhaar served as Tract’s president of development and held key roles at Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services (AWS). At AWS, he managed the design, planning, construction, and operations of its global data center platform, emphasizing energy efficiency and sustainability.
“Our team has direct insight into the challenges hyperscalers face as they scale,” said Vonderhaar. “Designing, building, and operating these platforms is getting harder while demand is accelerating. Fleet’s long-term collaborative model and operational excellence position us as an integrated extension of our customers’ data center platforms.”
Tract Capital’s Role in Fleet’s Development
Fleet Data Centers emerges as a subsidiary of Tract Capital, which describes itself as an alternative asset manager focused on scaling digital infrastructure. Based in Colorado, Tract is known for acquiring, zoning, entitling, and developing master-planned data center parks. While Tract has traditionally focused on preparing land for other developers, Fleet represents a shift toward direct data center development.
Complementary Business Models
Despite Fleet’s emergence, Tract Capital’s core business model remains unchanged. The company will continue selling land to other developers, even those in competition with Fleet. A Tract spokesperson noted that Fleet will occasionally build on Tract-owned land but will not have exclusive rights.
“The scope of our opportunity is expanding daily as customers search for new models to replace legacy building blocks and meet the pace of demand for new infrastructure,” said van Rooyen, CEO of Tract Capital and executive chairman of Fleet Data Centers. “Chris and I have a long history of collaboration, and I’m thrilled to entrust Fleet to his capable leadership.”
Scaling Hyperscale Infrastructure: Key Challenges and Solutions
Addressing Hyperscaler Needs
Fleet aims to overcome the increasing challenges faced by hyperscalers in scaling their infrastructure. By offering predictable, flexible, and long-term solutions, Fleet seeks to address the complexities of designing and operating data centers while aligning with accelerating demand.
A Vision for the Future
With a focus on engineering excellence and sustainability, Fleet Data Centers positions itself as a strategic partner for hyperscalers, enabling them to navigate divergent demand forecasts and achieve operational efficiency over decades.
Related Searches
- What are hyperscale data centers?
- Benefits of single-user data center campuses
- Challenges in developing mega-scale data centers
- Role of sustainability in modern data centers
FAQ
What is Fleet Data Centers?
Fleet Data Centers is a new data center development company launched by Grant van Rooyen. It focuses on building mega-scale campuses of 500MW capacity and above, primarily for single-user clients.
Who leads Fleet Data Centers?
Chris Vonderhaar, a former executive at Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services (AWS), serves as president of Fleet Data Centers. He brings extensive expertise in data center operations, design, and sustainability.
How does Fleet relate to Tract Capital?
Fleet Data Centers operates as a subsidiary of Tract Capital. While Tract focuses on land development for data centers, Fleet directly develops and operates data center campuses.
Where will Fleet Data Centers develop campuses?
Fleet plans to develop up to 3GW of capacity across key US markets. Specific locations have not yet been disclosed.
What challenges does Fleet aim to solve?
Fleet addresses the scalability challenges faced by hyperscalers, offering flexible and predictable infrastructure solutions designed for long-term growth and operational efficiency.
