Saquon Barkley Joins Nvidia in $1.4 Billion Crusoe Investment

American football star Saquon Barkley has joined a group of high-profile investors supporting the AI data center startup Crusoe. The recent funding round, which raised $1.4 billion, values Crusoe at over $10 billion, marking a significant milestone for the company. This investment aligns with Barkley’s growing interest in technology and innovation.

Founded with the aim of “activating energy for intelligence,” Crusoe has positioned itself as a leader in AI infrastructure. The company focuses on constructing energy-efficient data centers and refining cloud solutions to meet the increasing demands of artificial intelligence. With this new funding, Crusoe plans to enhance its operations and further develop its services.

Among the prominent investors in this funding round are Nvidia, Valor Equity Partners, and Mubadala Capital. Barkley’s participation is notable, given his established portfolio in technology investments, which includes stakes in the AI startup Anthropic and Neuralink, the brain-computer interface company founded by Elon Musk.

Barkley has previously stated that he relies on endorsement income and invests the majority of his earnings from football. His foray into startup investing was inspired by Peter Thiel’s book, “Zero to One.” He is known for personally interviewing startup founders before making investment decisions, a practice that underscores his commitment to understanding the businesses he supports.

Crusoe’s approach to AI infrastructure involves utilizing clean energy to power its data centers, which helps to mitigate bottlenecks in AI development. Notable AI startups, such as Together AI and Fireworks, are already utilizing Crusoe’s cloud services, demonstrating the company’s influence in the sector.

While details on how Barkley became involved with Crusoe remain undisclosed, the connection to Founders Fund, which participated in this funding round, suggests a strategic alignment with established investors in the tech landscape.

As the intersection of sports and technology continues to evolve, Barkley’s investment highlights a growing trend among athletes seeking to diversify their portfolios and engage in innovative industries. This venture not only represents a significant financial commitment but also reflects Barkley’s vision for long-term wealth creation through technological advancement.

The implications of this investment extend beyond financial metrics, showcasing the potential for cross-industry collaborations that could drive future developments in AI and clean energy.