Nscale adds former OpenAI exec Fidji Simo to its board ahead of potential IPO

Nscale, a U.K.-based AI data centre startup, has appointed former OpenAI executive Fidji Simo to its board ahead of a potential initial public offering this autumn. She joins Sheryl Sandberg, Susan Decker and Nick Clegg on the committee, bringing significant experience from her time as chief executive of Instacart and head of the Facebook app at Meta. Simo left her role at OpenAI in July citing health reasons but continues to advise the organisation part-time. Josh Payne, the founder and chief executive of Nscale, stated that she is one of the few leaders who understands scaling products used by billions of people. The company designs, builds and operates AI data centres and is reportedly seeking to raise up to $3.5 billion for its planned listing. This move signals that investors and regulators are scrutinising the operational depth required to support massive AI infrastructure projects. Simo’s presence adds weight to the claim that Nscale can manage the demands of global-scale systems. Her track record of guiding Instacart through its own 2023 IPO suggests she understands the financial rigor needed at this stage.
* Nscale was founded just two years ago on booming demand for AI infrastructure.
* The startup is based in the United Kingdom.
* Simo currently sits on the board of Shopify.