compass datacenters

overview

Compass Datacenters is an American multinational data center company specializing in hyperscale and edge computing infrastructure. Founded in 2011 by Chris Crosby, Compass pioneered the strategy of bringing wholesale data center development to secondary markets (Tier 2/3) before expanding into major hyperscale markets. The company designs, builds, and operates customizable, sustainable data centers for hyperscale cloud providers and enterprise customers globally.

business model

Build-to-suit wholesale data center developer and operator focused on speed to market with pre-designed, customizable facilities. Compass offers form factors ranging from 250 kW modular edge units to 80+ MW hyperscale campuses, targeting both secondary markets and major hyperscale hubs.

data center profile

global footprint

us portfolio (from database)

projects by state

specialization

primary focus: hyperscale, edge, wholesale

key differentiators:

• Speed to market with pre-designed facilities

• Secondary market expertise and pioneer status

• Full spectrum from edge (250 kW) to hyperscale (80+ MW)

• Tenant-friendly customizable designs

• Greenfield development focus

financial highlights

strategy

corporate strategy

Compass pioneered the secondary-market wholesale data center model, initially targeting underserved Tier 2/3 cities (Nashville, Minneapolis, Durham) before expanding into major hyperscale markets (Northern Virginia, Phoenix, Montreal). The company’s evolution reflects the maturing hyperscale demand, now pursuing both massive campuses in primary markets and distributed edge computing through its EdgePoint division.

growth strategy

Multi-pronged expansion strategy: (1) Mega-campus development in top hyperscale markets (Northern Virginia, Phoenix, Chicago), (2) Strategic secondary market presence where speed-to-market advantages persist, (3) Edge computing infrastructure through acquisitions and Compass Quantum white space-as-a-service offering, (4) International expansion in Canada (Montreal, Toronto) and selective global markets (Israel, Italy).

power strategy

Pragmatic power procurement prioritizing availability and speed to market over pure renewable commitments. Works with local utilities to secure large-scale capacity, including controversial arrangements like Mississippi Power’s coal extension.

major commitments

partnerships

power providers

technology partners

EdgePoint Systems (Edge infrastructure) : Acquired 2020; builds distributed edge data centers

BitBox USA (Modular edge) : Acquired 2020; micro-modular data center solutions

financial partnerships

leadership

Chris Crosby

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Data center industry veteran with experience at the intersection of tech and real estate development. Previously founded Digital Realty Trust’s predecessor company.

Named to The Tech Capital’s CEO 50 Class of 2025. Led Compass’s evolution from secondary market specialist to hyperscale competitor while maintaining founder-CEO role through multiple ownership transitions.

AJ Byers

President

Over 20 years of data center industry experience; previously President and CEO of ROOT Data Centers and President of Rogers Data Centers

Brings deep Canadian market expertise and operational leadership

Jared Day

President and Chief Financial Officer

More than 20 years of experience scaling high-growth businesses

Oversees capital deployment and financial operations through rapid expansion phase

competitive position

Mid-tier hyperscale developer positioned between pure-play wholesale providers (QTS, CyrusOne, Digital Realty) and captive hyperscaler infrastructure. Unique in maintaining both secondary market presence and mega-campus ambitions.

strengths

• Speed to market with pre-designed, modular facilities

• Pioneer advantage in secondary markets with limited competition

• Full spectrum offering from edge to hyperscale (250 kW to 80+ MW)

• Tenant-friendly customizable designs attract hyperscale customers

• Strong financial backing from Brookfield and Ontario Teachers’

opportunities

• Massive hyperscale demand driven by AI/ML workloads

• Secondary markets gaining favor as primary markets face power constraints

• Edge computing growth through Compass EdgePoint and Quantum offerings

• International expansion in underserved markets

• Redevelopment of legacy sites (Sears HQ model) in constrained markets

threats

• Hyperscalers increasingly building their own infrastructure (AWS, Microsoft, Meta)

• Power constraints in key markets limiting development pipeline

• Community opposition to mega-campuses (Prince William precedent)

• Competition from well-capitalized REITs entering secondary markets

• Rising capital costs and construction expenses compressing margins

projects

sources

• Compass Datacenters Official Website

• About Compass Datacenters

• Compass Datacenters Leadership

• Brookfield & Ontario Teachers to Acquire Compass Datacenters

• Compass Datacenters (2023-06)

• Compass Project Generates $10B Investment in Lauderdale County

• Compass Datacenters (2025-01-09)

• Compass Kicks Off Development Of Its First Campus in Illinois

• Compass Datacenters (2024-06)

• Compass Datacenters breaks ground on $10bn campus in Meridian, Mississippi

• Data Center Dynamics (2025-03)

• Suburban Chicago Welcomes Compass Datacenters’ Major Hyperscale Development on Legacy Sears HQ Site

• Data Center Frontier (2024-06)

• Compass Scales Up for Growth in Top Hyperscale Markets

• Data Center Frontier

• Compass Extends its Reach From the Edge to the Cloud

• Data Center Frontier