Data Centre Giant DayOne Eyes Over $1 Billion in New Funding as Global Expansion Heats Up
DayOne, a fast-growing global data centre operator with roots in China, is looking to raise over $1 billion in fresh capital to fuel its rapid expansion into Southeast Asia and Europe.
The company, formerly known as GDS International and now based in Singapore, is in the middle of a Series C fundraising round, according to multiple sources familiar with the deal. If successful, the new round could value DayOne at up to $5 billion — a major leap for a firm that only recently separated from its parent company, GDS Holdings.
What is DayOne and Why Does It Matter?
From GDS to Global Independence
DayOne began as GDS International, an overseas arm of Shanghai-based GDS Holdings — one of China’s largest data centre companies. In 2022, GDS launched this international business in Singapore to tap into new markets beyond China.
But in January 2025, the unit officially rebranded as “DayOne” and became an independent company, with its own management team, board of directors, and investor structure. While GDS remains a founding investor, DayOne is no longer part of GDS’s corporate structure.
This transition allows DayOne to operate freely as it aggressively expands across Asia and now into Europe, tapping into growing global demand for data storage, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure.
Raising Over $1 Billion: What’s Behind the Move?
The Series C Funding Round
DayOne is currently raising over $1 billion in a Series C round. The funding effort has drawn interest from both existing and new investors, including major infrastructure funds and sovereign wealth funds from the Middle East.
According to insiders, the company could be valued between $4 billion and $5 billion before the new capital is added. The final figure may vary depending on investor appetite and negotiations.
This funding round follows two previous raises in 2024 that brought in about $1.8 billion in total, signaling strong momentum and investor confidence in DayOne’s growth story.
Big-Name Backers Already On Board
DayOne already has the backing of some of the world’s top investment firms, including:
- Hillhouse Investment
- Boyu Capital
- Coatue Management (U.S.-based)
- SoftBank Vision Fund
These heavyweight investors position DayOne as a serious player in the increasingly competitive data centre industry, especially as global tech giants look for more infrastructure to support AI, cloud, and digital services.
A Look at DayOne’s Growing Footprint
Asia: A Stronghold in the Making
DayOne’s current portfolio includes 480 megawatts (MW) of data centre capacity that is either already in operation or under construction.
Additionally, the company has secured land and development rights for another 590 MW, which will be built across key tech hubs in:
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Japan
This expansion aligns with the booming demand for cloud services and data processing power across Southeast Asia, driven by rising internet use, AI development, and digital transformation in the region.
Europe: The Next Frontier
In August 2025, DayOne announced its entry into Europe with a massive €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion) investment in Finland.
The project involves building a hyperscale data centre campus in Lahti — a strategic location known for its clean energy and cooling efficiency, making it ideal for large-scale data operations.
This marks the beginning of DayOne’s European journey, where the company is expected to seek further expansion opportunities as cloud service providers and tech firms look for reliable, sustainable infrastructure partners.
The GDS Connection: Still Linked, But Separate
Although DayOne has officially separated from GDS Holdings, their history remains closely intertwined.
GDS founder, chairman, and CEO William Huang also serves as DayOne’s chairman. After DayOne’s $1.2 billion Series B raise in late 2024, GDS’s ownership stake dropped from 52.7% to 35.6%, officially turning DayOne into an “equity investee” rather than a consolidated unit.
This restructuring allows DayOne more autonomy while giving GDS the chance to benefit financially from the international business without managing its operations day-to-day.
According to GDS, the separation was strategic, with a goal of eventually listing DayOne independently in the mid-to-long term.
What’s Next for DayOne?
IPO on the Horizon?
Given the size of the current raise and interest from top-tier investors, industry insiders believe DayOne may be preparing for an eventual public listing.
An IPO — likely on an international exchange such as the Nasdaq or in Hong Kong — could give DayOne more firepower to scale and compete with other global data centre leaders.
While no official timeline has been shared, the company’s aggressive growth strategy, investor base, and global reach suggest that a listing could be on the cards in the next few years.
Strategic Partnerships and Expansion
With fresh capital coming in and strong momentum in key markets, DayOne is expected to continue forming partnerships with hyperscale cloud providers, tech firms, and governments across Asia and Europe.
Expect further announcements around:
- New campus developments
- Renewable energy partnerships
- AI-optimized infrastructure solutions
- Digital sustainability initiatives
DayOne’s leadership seems focused on positioning the company not just as a data centre provider — but as a key digital infrastructure partner for the future.
Final Thoughts
DayOne’s pursuit of over $1 billion in fresh funding highlights its bold ambition to become a global powerhouse in the data infrastructure space.
With strong investor backing, a growing portfolio across Asia and Europe, and a clear break from its parent company, DayOne is carving out a new identity on the international stage.
Whether through strategic acquisitions, large-scale developments, or a potential IPO, the company is moving fast — and all signs suggest that it’s just getting started.