Bitcoin News Today: MARA Invests $168M in Exaion to Expand AI and HPC Operations

MARA Holdings, a major player in the Bitcoin mining industry, has announced plans to significantly expand its presence in the artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) sectors through a $168 million investment in Exaion, a subsidiary of EDF Group. The deal, signed on August 10, 2025, grants MARA a 64% stake in the company, with an option to increase its ownership to 75% by 2027 through an additional $127 million investment, contingent on meeting performance milestones [1].

Exaion, which operates HPC data centers and collaborates with industry leaders like NVIDIA and Deloitte, will benefit from MARA’s infrastructure and energy expertise, enabling it to scale its international operations and serve enterprise and public-sector clients [1]. EDF Group, the parent company of Exaion, will retain a minority stake and continue as a client of the firm, underscoring its confidence in Exaion’s future potential [1].

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and other conditions. MARA’s CEO and chairman, Fred Thiel, highlighted that the partnership aligns with the growing global emphasis on data security and energy efficiency, stating that the combined strengths of MARA and Exaion will allow the delivery of “secure and scalable cloud solutions built for the future of AI” [1]. Julien Villeret, Head of Innovation at EDF Group, also noted the transaction marks a new phase for Exaion, offering opportunities to accelerate its technological and international development while maintaining its relationship with EDF [1].

This strategic move positions MARA as a late but significant entrant into the AI and HPC infrastructure space. Unlike some of its peers, which have attempted to retrofit existing mining facilities for dual use, MARA has opted to invest in a partner with an established customer base and technical expertise [1]. Thiel emphasized that this approach allows the company to “move quickly, intelligently and credibly” into the market [1].

MARA’s decision to enter the AI space comes at a time when Bitcoin mining is facing increased difficulty and energy consumption challenges. As one of the largest Bitcoin miners by production, network hash rate, and market capitalization, the company has seen its second-quarter revenue rise 64% year-on-year to $238 million, despite a recent dip in Bitcoin production due to fewer active mining machines [1].

The deal, structured with the support of legal and financial advisors including Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier, Stifel Financial Corp., Coblence avocats, and Ashurst, highlights the growing convergence between energy infrastructure and digital technology in the evolving landscape of decentralized finance and artificial intelligence [1].

Source: [1] MARA and EDF Pulse Ventures Sign Investment Agreement in Subsidiary Exaion to Expand MARA’s Global AI/HPC Capabilities (https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/11/3131341/0/en/MARA-and-EDF-Pulse-Ventures-Sign-Investment-Agreement-in-Subsidiary-Exaion-to-Expand-MARA-s-Global-AI-HPC-Capabilities.html)