NFL star Saquon Barkley has entered the tech investment arena once again, backing the AI data center startup Crusoe in its latest funding round. This round, which raised $1.4 billion, has pushed Crusoe’s valuation to over $10 billion. Barkley joins a prestigious group of investors, including major players like Nvidia, Valor Equity Partners, and Mubadala Capital.
Founded on the principle of providing advanced infrastructure for artificial intelligence, Crusoe describes itself as “the AI Factory Company.” The organization focuses on integrating clean energy with data center construction, thereby optimizing resources for AI development. The latest funding announcement, made on Friday, has generated significant interest in the company, which has already established partnerships with other leading AI startups, such as Together AI and Fireworks.
Barkley’s involvement in this venture is not entirely surprising. The Philadelphia Eagles running back has been actively investing in technology and AI companies for some time. According to a report from The Profile, his investment portfolio includes stakes in AI startup Anthropic, Neuralink—founded by Elon Musk—and the prediction platform Polymarket, among others.
The NFL player has previously stated that he primarily sustains himself through endorsement deals, directing most of his football earnings into investments. His venture into startup investments was inspired by reading Peter Thiel’s book, “Zero to One.” Furthermore, Barkley has taken an active role in his investment strategies, personally interviewing founders before committing funds.
Crusoe aims to “activate energy for intelligence,” a mission that resonates with Barkley’s vision of promoting innovation and building lasting wealth. The company operates large-scale, clean-energy-powered data centers designed to alleviate bottlenecks in AI development, which is crucial for the rapidly growing sector.
While details on how Barkley became involved with Crusoe remain undisclosed, it is clear that his investment aligns with his interests in technology and sustainability. The presence of notable entities such as the Founders Fund in this funding round further underscores the potential impact of Crusoe in the AI landscape.
As the demand for AI infrastructure continues to rise, Crusoe is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of technology. With Barkley among its supporters, the company is well-positioned to leverage both financial backing and public interest in its innovative approach.
