Compass Datacenters
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Data center services |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | Chris Crosby |
| Headquarters | Dallas , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada, Israel |
Key people | Chris Crosby (Founder) |
| Products | Data center campuses, modular data centers, data center management software (via Radix IoT) |
| Owner | Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners |
| Website | compassdatacenters |
Compass Datacenters LLC is a prominent American multinational enterprise specializing in data center services, recognized as a significant contributor within the hyperscale computing sector. It manages roughly 17 operational data center campuses located throughout the United States, Canada, and Israel.
In 2023, ownership of Compass transitioned to the private equity branches of the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, following a $5.5 billion transaction. The company maintains strategic alliances with leading industry entities such as Schneider Electric, Cummins, Foster Fuels, Vertiv, and Salute, which bolster its expansion and operational capabilities.
History
Established in 2011 by Chris Crosby, who previously held the position of senior vice president at Digital Realty with expertise in modular data centers, Compass Datacenters quickly positioned itself as an innovator. By 2014, the firm had secured a patent for its genuinely modular data center architecture, solidifying its focus on scalable infrastructure solutions.
Compass wholly owns Radix IoT, a SaaS subsidiary dedicated to creating data center management software that enhances the company’s comprehensive product and service portfolio.
While initially concentrating on the U.S. market, Compass broadened its international presence through targeted acquisitions and collaborations. In 2019, it acquired ROOT Datacenters to establish a foothold in Canada’s hyperscale data center market and partnered with Amazon Web Services to facilitate entry into Israel. During this expansion phase, Azrieli Group invested $135 million for a 20% equity share, reflecting robust investor confidence.
Demonstrating aggressive growth and market influence, Compass purchased the former Sears headquarters in Illinois for $194 million in 2023 and converted it into a substantial data center campus. Later that year, a major project in Prince William County, Virginia—considered one of the largest global data center developments—received approval by a narrow 4–3 margin, highlighting Compass’s strategic vision despite facing local resistance.
On June 26, 2023, the acquisition of Compass Datacenters by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan was finalized, marking a pivotal event in the company’s financial trajectory and corporate evolution.