Samsung has committed $1.0 billion to Helix Digital Infrastructure, an AI infrastructure company backed by KKR and Nvidia, bringing the platform's total secured capital to more than $11 billion. The investment will support Helix's strategy of delivering next-generation data centers, power generation and transmission to meet growing AI demand. A KKR-led consortium established Helix in June with anchor investors including Nvidia, the Kuwait Investment Authority and Vistra. Adam Selipsky, chief executive and co-founder of Helix, called Samsung's commitment a vote of confidence in the firm's ability to meet unprecedented demand from hyperscalers. Tech giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, Meta and Google parent Alphabet have spent hundreds of billions on the AI build-out, with their AI capital spending reaching $410 billion last year, nearly triple the 2022 level. Estimates by economist Stijn van Nieuwerburgh published by the Brookings Institution project investment in data centers and related AI infrastructure will total $10.3 trillion over 2025-32. Helix expects to leverage Samsung's capabilities across advanced technology, construction, energy storage and cooling to support AI infrastructure development at scale. South Korean companies have committed massive funds to capitalize on the AI boom, with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix planning to invest over $520 billion in a southwest semiconductor hub as part of a $2 trillion government-led initiative.

KKR has also invested directly in South Korea's AI infrastructure. In April, the asset manager agreed to invest $820 million in IT services group Samsung SDS to fund AI infrastructure, platforms, and services. Waldemar Szlezak, chief investment officer at Helix and global head of digital infrastructure at KKR, noted that South Korea and Japan are large and important markets for hyperscalers. Helix is looking to provide long-dated, patient capital while maintaining a disciplined approach to investments. In July, KKR and SK Inc. agreed to launch a $1.3 billion renewable-energy platform in South Korea, followed by a $2.2 billion commitment to SK Telecom's new AI data-center company. KKR has invested approximately $9 billion across its Korean strategies since 2009 and over $75 billion globally in digital and power infrastructure.

In September, KKR teamed up with Singapore telecom operator Singtel to acquire ST Telemedia Global Data Centres in a deal valuing the company at $10.9 billion. The company continues to expand AI investments in Asia-Pacific.