Firmus, the Australian-born AI data centre infrastructure startup with ASX ambitions, is now valued at a staggering AU$15 billion (US$10.5bn) after raising an additional US$2 billion (AU$2.85 billion) for its AU$73 billion national roll out, Project Southgate. It’s now positioning itself as a key player in the local build of “energy-efficient” AI data centres, building partnerships with CDC Data Centres, Megaport and Nvidia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been keen to ensure his government takes the initiative on AI data centres amid growing voter concerns about their impact on local communities. Firmus has faced resistance from residents in South Australia and Tasmania, where they plan to build AI data centres. Coatue’s Robert Yin said Firmus represents a differentiated approach to Al infrastructure.