Galaxy Digital's $460M Texas AI Data Center: A High-Yield Bet on the Future of AI Infrastructure

The AI infrastructure boom is reshaping the global tech landscape, and Galaxy Digital's $460 million investment in its Helios AI data center in Texas positions the company as a strategic player in this high-growth sector. By repurposing its former Bitcoin mining campus into a 3.5-gigawatt AI and high-performance computing (HPC) hub, Galaxy is capitalizing on the explosive demand for AI workloads while leveraging its existing energy-efficient infrastructure. This move not only underscores the company's agility in pivoting from crypto to AI but also highlights the long-term financial potential of AI infrastructure as a high-yield investment.

The AI Data Center Market: A $933 Billion Opportunity by 2030

The global AI data center market is projected to grow from $236.44 billion in 2025 to $933.76 billion by 2030, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.6%, according to a Grand View Research report. This surge is driven by industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, which require HPC infrastructure to process complex AI algorithms and large datasets, according to Grand View Research. For context, NVIDIA's dominance in AI chips-controlling 80% of the market-has been fueled by demand for its H100 GPUs and Blackwell architecture, which deliver 4x better performance per watt, according to a Mordor Intelligence analysis. Meanwhile, hyperscalers like Amazon and Microsoft are investing $100 billion and $80 billion, respectively, in AI-enabled data centers for 2025, signaling a race to secure infrastructure leadership, according to Aragon Research.

Galaxy's Helios campus, with its 3.5 GW total buildout potential, aligns perfectly with this trajectory. The facility's 15-year lease with CoreWeave-a private AI hyperscaler preparing for an IPO-ensures a stable revenue stream, with Galaxy projecting over $1 billion in average annual revenue, per a Construction Review Online article. This long-term contract, combined with Texas's status as a data center investment hotspot (thanks to its abundant energy and favorable regulations), mitigates many of the risks associated with capital-intensive projects, according to Ecoinimist.

Strategic Positioning: From Crypto to AI Infrastructure

Galaxy's pivot from crypto mining to AI infrastructure is a masterclass in repurposing assets. The Helios campus, originally designed for Bitcoin mining, now boasts 800 MW of approved power capacity and state-of-the-art features like 100% uninterruptible power supply and high rack densities for AI workloads, according to a Galaxy investor announcement. By securing a $1.4 billion debt facility (80% loan-to-cost) and contributing $350 million in equity, Galaxy has structured its financing to minimize upfront risk while maximizing scalability, according to DatacenterDynamics.

This strategy mirrors broader industry trends. For example, Blackstone's $13.3 billion investment in a UK AI data center and Microsoft's $4.46 billion expansion in Italy highlight the shift toward hyperscale, energy-efficient facilities, according to Grand View Research. Galaxy's focus on Texas-a state with low energy costs and a robust grid-gives it a competitive edge over rivals in regions with higher operational expenses.

Financials and ROI: A 15-Year Payoff

The financials of Galaxy's Helios project are compelling. With CoreWeave committing to the full 800 MW of power capacity, the 15-year lease guarantees a predictable revenue stream, reducing exposure to market volatility. Galaxy's projected $1 billion in annual revenue over the lease term translates to a robust return on investment, especially when compared to peers. For instance, AMD's data center revenue grew 94% in 2024, driven by AI demand, according to The Motley Fool, while Intel's DCAI division saw a decline, underscoring the importance of strategic alignment with AI trends.

Moreover, the project's scalability is a key differentiator. The Helios campus has 2.7 GW of incremental capacity under study, allowing Galaxy to expand its footprint as AI demand surges, the investor announcement says. This flexibility is critical in a market where 86% of businesses are adopting hybrid and multi-cloud strategies to manage AI workloads, Grand View Research reports.

Risk Assessment: Execution and Competition

While the opportunity is vast, risks remain. Retrofitting a former crypto mine into an AI hub requires precise execution, and delays in the first phase (expected to deliver 133 MW by early 2026) could impact timelines, as Construction Review Online reported. Additionally, competition from hyperscalers like Amazon and Microsoft-both of which are investing heavily in AI infrastructure-could pressure pricing. However, Galaxy's long-term lease with CoreWeave and its Texas-based cost advantages provide a buffer against these challenges, Ecoinimist reports.

Sustainability is another factor. With data centers accounting for 2–4% of electricity in leading economies, energy efficiency is a priority. Galaxy's use of existing infrastructure and Texas's renewable energy potential (e.g., solar and wind) position it to meet sustainability goals, a growing investor concern, according to Grand View Research.

Conclusion: A High-Yield, Long-Term Play

Galaxy Digital's Helios AI data center is a textbook example of how to capitalize on the AI infrastructure boom. By securing long-term contracts, leveraging existing assets, and aligning with a high-growth market, the company is building a durable business model. As the AI data center market expands at 31.6% CAGR, Galaxy's strategic pivot and financial discipline make it a compelling high-yield investment for the next decade.