Digitalisation - fueling the growth of data centres globally - is on fire, courtesy of the pandemic. This seismic trend is creating significant value for incumbents and investors alike.

However - there’s also a vast amount of extra energy being consumed. In a climate-conscious world, that’s already testing companies’ commitments to their ESG targets.

Enjoy this month’s edition, from all of us at North Ridge Partners.

Original Thinking From North Ridge Partners

The pace of digitalisation, driving massive expansion in data centres, will create opportunities for telcos to unlock significant value through carve outs

“With great power (usage), comes great responsibility” - we explore the challenges that data centre operators face in meeting sustainability targets

Check out NRP’s Kevin Waller in this month’s minicasts on the growth of data centres and the opportunity for telcos to monetise this infrastructure.

…and while you’re reading this month’s Tech Round-Up, here’s a telecoms-themed playlist, streaming from a Spotify data centre near you!

The League Table: Big Tech Q2 Earnings Reports

Alphabet crushes estimates with 62% top line growth, smashing the ball out of the park (and then some!)

Facebook beats expectations with 56% top line growth but warns of decelerating growth

Apple revenues grow 36%, topping Wall Street expectations

Amazon revenues grow 27% but the behemoth warns of a softer outlook for Q3

Microsoft revenues grow 21%, delivering the company’s best quarter ever

Markets

A wild ride for the merry women and men of Robinhood - volatile times as the HOOD rises over 70% in its first week of trading

Still plenty of chill - Netflix delivers strong subscriber growth but misses earnings targets

You say Zomahto, I say Zomehto! - Zomato shares jump 70% on debut

Where’s my Cybertruck? - Tesla posts record profits, although little hope for Cybertruck fans(editor’s note - mine has been on order since Christmas 2019)

Get me out of the public spotlight! - Data analytics firm Medallia to be taken private in USD 6.4 billion Thoma Bravo acquisition

Asia Pacific Tech News

Just what’s behind China’s sweeping crackdown on technology companies? - New York magazine’s Eric Levitz explains

Bada bing, bada boom…it’s Bukalapak! - Indonesian IPO sets the tone for Southeast Asia tech 

The takeover virus runs rampant in Australia as Dorsey digs deep, acquiring Afterpay for USD 29 billion 

Big tech runs into big belligerence in Southeast Asia - So who’s compromising - regional Governments or the global tech platforms?

What’s next? The Internet of milk cartons and shoelaces - SoftBank leads USD 200 million investment round in IoT startup Wiliot

Digital Infrastructure

And then there were two - New York consortium walks from USD 2 billion Optus towers sale

China’s GDS expands in Southeast Asia with move into Malaysian data centre market

Mumbai maintains APAC megawatts lead, says report

Batam ahoy! - Gaw Capital to launch data centre company Batam, Indonesia

Stuff We Found Interesting:

Reality is not enough for Facebook’s CEO - The Zuck tells investors he’s turning trillion-dollar Facebook into a Metaverse company

Has the EV tipping point arrived? - Why electric cars will take over sooner than you think

Don't Panic-Buy Your Cyber Policy: Evaluating new approaches to cyber risk

No jab no play - Google sets the trend as the first major tech company to mandate vaccines

Distantly Emerging Tech

Far beyond the horizon, technologies set to disrupt the next decade are starting to emerge… 

Will quantum computing obliterate encryption? - Preparing for the post-quantum migration: a race to save the Internet

A slow walk into alternative energy - London trials intelligent streets

Its more “when” than “if” - the evolution of Artificial General Intelligence

Build, fund and exit your technology company with North Ridge Partners

North Ridge Partners works with technology companies across the Asia Pacific to achieve transformational outcomes through advice on strategic positioning, raising third party funding, M&A, and direct investment. We’re experienced deal-makers who have built, run, and sold numerous technology companies.

Contact us here.

© North Ridge Partners 2021