In early October 2026 I posted on LinkedIn about a strategic shift in data‑center placement and a memorable advisory quote from a VC at “The Residency”. I argued for co‑locating modular data‑center units directly beside power generation assets and emphasized a product‑focus mindset.
Decision: Stop building power transmission lines to data centers. Why: Power delivery is the bottleneck (slow, expensive) compared to data movement, so eliminating the transmission step reduces cost and latency.
Decision: Place data‑center infrastructure adjacent to power generation sources. Why: Proximity eliminates transmission losses, accelerates deployment (months), and leverages existing energy infrastructure.
Decision: Adopt a product‑strategy mindset (“Paracetamol vs. Vitamin”). Why: Focus on a clear, essential offering rather than peripheral features, as advised by the VC.
Quote: “Moving power is slow and expensive.”
Quote: “Moving data is not.”
Quote: “Put the data center on the power.”
Quote: “Modular units can sit next to a wind farm, a solar field, a dam, or a gas well and start running in months.”
Quote: “You are either making Paracetamol or Vitamin . Make sure it is Paracetamol.”