On January 1st, 2025, Chinese data center giant GDS officially rebranded its international operations as DayOne, marking a significant milestone in its journey. The rebrand comes in conjunction with the company’s transformation into an independent entity, headquartered in Singapore, following a successful Series B funding round. This move positions DayOne to further strengthen its presence in the global data center market while continuing to innovate in digital infrastructure.
Why GDS Rebranded as DayOne
A Strategic Shift Towards Independence
The rebranding reflects a broader strategic vision for GDS’s international business. Initially established in 2022, GDS International was created to manage GDS Holdings’ data center assets outside mainland China. With operations spanning key markets in Asia, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan, the unit’s transformation into DayOne underscores its commitment to global growth.
Enhanced Funding and Expansion Plans
Over the past year, DayOne secured approximately $1.9 billion through Series A and Series B funding rounds. Investors included prominent names such as SoftBank Vision Fund, Kenneth Griffin (CEO of Citadel), Coatue Management, and Baupost Group. The funding is aimed at enabling the development of up to 1GW of data center capacity, further enhancing the company’s competitive edge.
DayOne’s Current Portfolio and Future Prospects
Robust Data Center Portfolio
DayOne’s portfolio currently boasts approximately 480MW of data center capacity across facilities that are either operational or under construction. An additional 590MW is earmarked for future development, reflecting the company’s ambitious growth trajectory. Key locations include:
- Hong Kong
- Singapore
- Johor, Malaysia
- Batam, Indonesia
- Tokyo, Japan
Focus on Cutting-Edge Digital Infrastructure
CEO Jamie Khoo emphasized DayOne’s mission to deliver innovative digital infrastructure that fosters industrial and community growth. In his words:
“DayOne represents more than a new name—it’s a commitment to leading with purpose, agility, and innovation. Our focus is on delivering cutting-edge digital infrastructure that propels industries and communities forward.”
Building a Future-Ready Ecosystem
The rebranding is not merely a change in name but a signal of the company’s dedication to creating a future-ready digital ecosystem. With a focus on operational excellence, sustainability, and scalability, DayOne is well-positioned to support the growing demands of global enterprises.
Historical Context: GDS’s Legacy and Global Reach
GDS’s Origins and Growth in China
Founded in 2006, GDS has built a strong reputation as a leading data center operator in Greater China. The company’s extensive network includes facilities in:
- Suzhou Kunshan
- Chengdu
- Shanghai
- Shenzhen
- Beijing
Expansion Beyond Mainland China
The establishment of GDS International marked the company’s first significant move outside of China. By rebranding as DayOne, the company aims to solidify its position as a key player in the global data center industry.
Financial Backing and Market Impact
Investment Milestones
In August 2024, reports surfaced that GDS was seeking $1 billion in investment for its international unit. This followed a $587 million funding round in March 2024, showcasing strong investor confidence in the company’s international growth strategy.
Enabling 1GW of Capacity Development
The nearly $2 billion raised in 2024 will be pivotal in achieving DayOne’s ambitious target of 1GW in data center capacity. This expansion aligns with the increasing demand for high-performance, scalable digital infrastructure across Asia.
The Importance of Batam and Other Strategic Locations
Batam: A Key Development Hub
One of DayOne’s most significant projects is its data center facility in Batam, Indonesia. Strategically located near Singapore, Batam offers cost-effective solutions for hosting data centers while maintaining proximity to one of the world’s leading financial hubs.
Other Notable Locations
In addition to Batam, DayOne’s presence in Johor and Tokyo highlights its strategic focus on high-demand markets. These locations provide critical connectivity and capacity to support enterprise and cloud service providers in the region.
FAQ Section
1. What is DayOne?
DayOne is the newly rebranded international unit of GDS Holdings, focusing on data center assets and operations outside mainland China.
2. Why did GDS rebrand its international unit?
The rebrand reflects GDS’s strategic shift towards independence and global growth, emphasizing innovation and digital infrastructure development.
3. Who are the key investors in DayOne?
Notable investors include SoftBank Vision Fund, Kenneth Griffin, Coatue Management, and Baupost Group.
4. What is DayOne’s data center capacity?
DayOne currently operates or is constructing facilities with 480MW of capacity, with plans to develop an additional 590MW.
5. What is the significance of the Batam facility?
The Batam facility is a strategically important project that provides cost-effective data center solutions near Singapore, a major global financial hub.
