Weekly roundup of elite investment industry headlines
**Blue Owl Capital Accelerates Digital Infrastructure Strategy**
Blue Owl Capital, a leading digital infrastructure investor, has made significant strides in expanding its portfolio. The company recently closed its Digital Infrastructure Fund III (ODI III) at an impressive $7bn, surpassing its initial $4bn target. ODI III is a flagship vehicle for high-demand AI and hyperscale data center projects, including a $15bn collaboration with Oracle for a U.S. government-backed AI data center (Project Stargate).
In addition to ODI III, Blue Owl has made strategic acquisitions such as South Reach Networks (SRN), a Florida-based fiber provider. This acquisition bolsters Blue Owl’s East Coast digital infrastructure footprint and provides critical subsea cable landing points in Florida. The firm has committed "significant capital" to expand SRN’s network across Florida, targeting new builds to meet surging demand from hyperscale and enterprise clients.
Scott Bergs, CEO of Dark Fiber and Infrastructure (DF&I), will lead both DF&I and SRN post-acquisition, indicating operational integration of these assets. Blue Owl now manages over 90 digital infrastructure facilities across 25 markets globally, with a focus on hyperscaler partnerships and net-lease structures for predictable cash flows.
**Evercore Strengthens European Presence**
Evercore, a prominent investment banking advisory firm, has appointed Luigi de Vecchi as Chair of its continental European business. De Vecchi will spearhead the launch of a new office in Milan and maintain a base in Paris. This move signals Evercore’s intent to challenge more established players across key European financial hubs and strengthen its international advisory franchise. De Vecchi's appointment is part of Evercore's strategy to accelerate its European growth.
**KKR Invests in UK Student Accommodation**
KKR has agreed to forward fund Progress House, a 544-bed purpose-built student accommodation development near the University of Warwick. This investment marks KKR's latest strategic investment in the UK living sector. The six-storey Progress House will provide modern residential facilities for students and include a 4,000 sq ft ground floor commercial unit serving both residents and the wider community.
While there were no recent updates found on KKR’s digital infrastructure or European growth strategies, the firm has historically been active in these sectors. Similarly, there were no specific updates found on Evercore's investments, hires, or expansion in digital infrastructure, student accommodation, or European growth strategies.
References: [1] Blue Owl Capital Press Release, April 2025 [2] Data Centre Dynamics, May 2025 [3] Light Reading, June 2025 [4] FierceTelecom, July 2025
- Blue Owl Capital, with its focus on high-demand AI and hyperscale data center projects, has committed "significant capital" to expand South Reach Networks' (SRN) network across Florida.
- In alignment with Blue Owl's digital infrastructure strategy, the firm manages over 90 digital infrastructure facilities globally, with a primary focus on hyperscaler partnerships.
- Evercore, aiming to strengthen its international advisory franchise, has appointed Luigi de Vecchi as Chair of its continental European business, setting the stage for the launch of a new office in Milan.
