Rewriting the Rules of Data Centre Investment

In this episode of the Critical Careers podcast, Joyce Wady welcomes Blanka Thibault, founder of TechHer Capital, to discuss the investment side of the data centre industry. 

With AI driving unprecedented demand for digital infrastructure, the conversation explores why investment and boardroom decision-making remain areas where women are still underrepresented. Blanka shares her journey from real estate and finance into data centres, her experience working on hyperscale investment strategy, and why she believes women have a vital role to play in shaping where, how, and by whom future infrastructure is built. 

Blanka discusses the founding of TechHer Capital, her ambition to bring together a women-led team capable of building and managing a data centre from conception to operation, and why curiosity, conviction and grit are essential in such a fast-changing industry.  

“Really being courageous in this industry is the most important thing” - Blanka Thibault, TechHer Capital 
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Key Takeaways 
- Data centre investment has shifted from traditional real estate thinking to complex infrastructure decision-making.  
- AI demand is accelerating capital deployment, but data centres require far more than funding alone.  
- Grid capacity, procurement, community engagement, technical expertise and operator reputation are all critical to successful data centre development.  
- Real estate is only one small part of the challenge when investing in data centres.  
- The investment side of the industry remains a closed network, and women often face barriers to accessing decision-making rooms.  
- More stringent definitions of women-owned and women-led companies are needed to move beyond token representation.  
- Community, networking and grassroots initiatives can help women build confidence and visibility in the sector.  
- Different perspectives create new ways of approaching infrastructure, funding and project delivery.  
- Courage, curiosity, conviction and grit are essential qualities for anyone looking to build a career in digital infrastructure.  
- Blanca’s long-term ambition is to help deliver a women-led data centre project in Europe, from concept through to operation.  
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To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to the Critical Careers website or search “Critical Careers”. 

Thank you to our founding partner, Kao Data, and our season sponsors: CBRE, AVK, JLL, Eversheds Sutherland, and Mace Construct.

Видео Rewriting the Rules of Data Centre Investment канала Critical Careers