Blue Owl launches U.S. digital infrastructure venture to tap data center demand

Investing.com -- Funds managed by Blue Owl Capital on Wednesday launched Kirkwood Infrastructure Group, a new fiber and communications infrastructure company, as rising investment in artificial intelligence and hyperscale data centers fuels demand for high-capacity digital networks across the United States.

The launch highlights how investors are pouring capital into the infrastructure underpinning AI and cloud computing, with developers racing to build fiber networks, conduit systems and connectivity linking hyperscale data centers, telecom carriers and subsea cable landing stations.

Kirkwood will develop, own and operate conduit, high-count fiber-optic cable and related communications infrastructure for hyperscale customers, data center operators and communications carriers. The company has integrated the operations of Florida-based South Reach Networks, adding nearly 400 miles of fiber network, access to about 40 near-net and on-net data centers and key subsea cable landing stations.

The company is also building more than 200 miles of conduit and fiber across Louisiana and Mississippi, connecting Shreveport and Vicksburg to support new hyperscale data center developments in the region.

Kirkwood will be led by Chief Executive Scott Bergs and a management team with experience developing more than 600 miles of network infrastructure over the past five years. Blue Owl said the company plans to expand into additional U.S. markets alongside data center development partners and will operate independently from its investment in Gigabit Fiber LLC.

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