As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on my first five months as CEO – what we’ve built, what we’ve learned, and where we’re headed next.  

It’s been an energizing period, grounded in one core priority: ensuring Yondr has the people, the product, and the purpose to lead confidently into one of the most transformative eras our industry has ever faced. 

Building the team to scale responsibly 

A business is only as strong as its people, and my first focus has been strengthening our talent structure to support Yondr’s long-term growth. Over the past year, we’ve hired more than 100 talented professionals, building a team that’s not only technically exceptional but deeply aligned with our vision for the future. 

From top to bottom, we’ve filled critical roles and brought in leaders who are ready to execute at scale. As we continue expanding our operations, development, and delivery teams through 2026, we’re doing so with intention – building a culture that is collaborative, inclusive, and relentlessly focused on execution.  

Refining our product for the future marketplace 

This year has also been about preparing Yondr for the next generation of data center demand. With densities increasing, liquid cooling accelerating, and artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping infrastructure requirements, our product must be ready not just for today, but for the marketplace our customers will compete in years from now.  

We’ve been hard at work refining our product and filling out a pipeline that will take years to develop – because what we build now determines the value we can deliver over the long term. The scale and pace of development required in this new era mean we’re in a race to secure land, power, and resources ahead of demand. And we’ve made strong progress.  

Clarifying our purpose and position in the ecosystem 

One of the biggest conversations this year has been defining where Yondr fits – and excels – within the global data center ecosystem. We are a partner known for predictable, high-quality execution. Our customers trust us because we show up consistently and execute with a level of rigor and reliability that’s critical for projects that span decades, not months. 

Yondr still carries its disruptive DNA – we’re forward-thinking, fast-moving, and unafraid to challenge norms. But today that mindset is matched with a maturity that enables us to run multiple major developments simultaneously, across continents, with complete confidence from our partners. It’s the blend of innovation and reliability that defines who we are now.  

Focusing on North America and Europe 

Looking ahead, our strategy centers on North America and Europe – two regions that represent enormous upside for Yondr. North America currently drives an oversized share of AI-related demand, and Europe is rapidly accelerating as well. 

By narrowing our focus, we increase our executional strength. Concentration enables quality, and quality builds trust. When customers rely on you to deliver hyperscale projects in record time, spreading yourself thin isn’t an option.  

Balancing innovation with dependable delivery 

The industry is maturing at extraordinary speed. Engineering, cooling technologies, capital requirements, operational models – everything is evolving simultaneously. To thrive, we need to merge two qualities perfectly: 

• Forward-thinking innovation that anticipates problems before they surface 

• Disciplined execution that gives customers absolute confidence in our delivery 

 Our largest customers demand both. And the businesses that can deliver this balance consistently will lead the next decade of growth.  

AI: A transformational moment in history  

AI isn’t a trend – it’s a historic technological shift. The committed budgets of the hyperscalers make it clear: this is not experimental anymore. They are all-in, and they need partners who can execute at the scale and pace AI requires. 

We’re already seeing unprecedented demand, and there is nothing on the horizon that suggests a slowdown in 2026. If anything, things are speeding up. Yondr is positioned to take an oversized share of this demand with the portfolio, team, and financial backing we’ve secured.  

Culture: Building the foundation for long-term success 

One of the most surprising – and impressive – things I’ve discovered at Yondr is just how much this team has accomplished with such a lean structure. Concurrently managing five major development projects across three continents would be a remarkable achievement for a company twice our size. 

The talent, grit, and dedication here are exceptional. 

As we grow, my goal is to build a culture where every person feels like an owner – not just responsible for delivering a data center, but responsible for the multi-decade relationship that follows. We’re building Yondr for the long term, and that requires people who are excited to grow with us over that journey.  

Looking ahead: Why 2026 will be one of the most exciting years in Yondr’s history 

The next 12–24 months will be incredibly active. We’ll be: 

• Adding new projects 

• Refining our design and product 

• Entering new markets 

• Expanding our customer base 

• Scaling our team intelligently 

 

For our customers and partners, what you’ll experience is simple: A reliable partner who executes. Trusted execution is our differentiator. It’s what Yondr is all about. And with the momentum we’ve built, the team we’ve assembled, and the market we’re stepping into, I truly believe Yondr will be one of the most exciting places to be in the sector in 2026 – and beyond.   

 

Aaron Wangenheim, CEO, Yondr