Tiny U.K. Neocloud Fluidstack Breaks Into The AI Big Leagues

Tiny Fluidstack Takes a Giant Leap into the AI Big League

In a remarkable rise, Fluidstack, a modest British startup, has transitioned from a humble marketplace for idle GPUs to one of the most talked-about players in the AI infrastructure arena. With revenues skyrocketing thanks to ties with Meta and AI startups, Fluidstack has secured a deal with the French government to construct a colossal $11 billion AI supercomputer campus.

The Breaking Point

Fluidstack's journey into the AI spotlight climaxed at the AI Action Summit in Paris, where company founders Gary Wu and Cesar Maklary inked a deal with French President Emmanuel Macron. This agreement involves creating a 1 gigawatt AI supercomputer integrated into France's nuclear network, symbolizing a major leap for the startup, especially for one with only $4.5 million in disclosed funding before this venture.

Beneath the Surface

Founded in 2017, Fluidstack began by offering gamers' idle GPUs to AI enthusiasts, generating modest revenues of $1.8 million in 2022. Fast forward to today, their revenue shot to $66.2 million as they partnered with tech giants like Meta. Notably, half of its revenue now stems from U.S. deals, underscoring its expanding influence.

The Ripple Effect

Fluidstack's ascent epitomizes the rapid evolution in AI infrastructure, igniting contrasts with American cloud titans like Google and Oracle. The move foreshadows Europe’s burgeoning potential to counter U.S. "neoclouds," with investment figures projected to be towering. As AI continues its rapid expansion, Fluidstack stands at the core of what's likely to be a transformative journey in tech infrastructure.