Nvidia plays matchmaker in Nordics, sources tell CNBC, as AI data center deals boom in region

Nvidia is playing matchmaker, trying to connect companies with its graphics processing units to data-center operators that have the capacity to deploy them in the Nordics, sources have told CNBC.

While Nvidia has established an effective monopoly over the most powerful AI chips, it has worked to exert greater influence across the AI ecosystem as the race to build infrastructure accelerates. That reach extends through its software stack, relationships with governments and direct investments in other companies.

The chip giant has also sought a role in AI infrastructure deals. Two sources familiar with the matter have told CNBC that Nvidia has offered to introduce companies with data centers in the Nordics, an increasingly sought-after AI infrastructure region, to firms with its GPUs that are in the market for capacity.

The sources asked to remain anonymous when discussing private information.

Their accounts add context to remarks by Nvidia Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress, who said in June that Nvidia had “certainly engaged” in “matchmaking” with companies. “How can we help them obtain land, power, shell?” she added. “How do we help them in terms of standing up the compute as fast as possible for what they need to do?”

Gigawatts of data-center capacity are due to be built in the Nordics in the coming years, thanks to access to power and abundant land. Neoclouds and hyperscalers including Nebius and Microsoft have inked…