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Event Details
When:
January 28, 2026 4 PM - 6 PM PST
Where:
Location Name
Reed Smith
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Event Secondary Body
From Hyper-scale to Edge: Where the Next Wave of Data Center Development Will Occur and Why
The data center landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, moving away from traditional hyper-scale markets toward secondary regions and edge locations. Key themes driving this evolution include the rising demand for edge computing fueled by real-time AI inference, as well as the growing need for infrastructure (land, power, and cooling capacity) to support these innovations.
Secondary markets in areas like the Mountain West, Midwest, LATAM, and Southeast Asia are emerging as attractive hubs for data center development due to favorable real estate, lower costs, and expanding infrastructure. However, developers must navigate a complex landscape of zoning challenges, environmental litigation, and community opposition, which can impact project timelines and costs.
Mergers, acquisitions, and financing opportunities are shaping the competitive dynamics of the sector, while infrastructure tax credits and political hurdles present both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders. This market shift offers a wealth of potential for forward-thinking investors and developers who can adapt to these new conditions and capitalize on the demand for decentralized, high-performance computing.
Our esteemed panel will discuss these evolving trends and the increasing importance of flexibility, innovation, and strategic planning in the future of data center development.
SPEAKERS
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Yuval Bachar, Founder & CEO @ ECL
Yuval Bachar is the Founder and CEO of ECL, where he is leading the development of the world’s first zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered AI data centers. With over two decades of experience in data center architecture and infrastructure strategy, Yuval built his first facility, MV-1, in Mountain View, California. A long-time pioneer in the field, he has consistently driven innovation in sustainable digital infrastructure throughout his career.
Before founding ECL, Yuval held senior leadership roles at Microsoft, LinkedIn, Facebook, Cisco Systems, and Juniper Networks, where he helped shape some of the industry’s most advanced data center platforms. He is also the founder of the Open19 Project and served as president of the Open19 Foundation, driving the development of open standards for edge and enterprise infrastructure.
Yuval’s work focuses on integrating sustainability with advanced technologies, including machine learning, AI-driven operations, and predictive maintenance. He holds eight U.S. patents in data center systems, networking, and design, and has earned three Cisco Pioneer Awards as well as the 2025 iMasons Innovation Champions Award. He earned his BSEE from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology.
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Scott Peterson, Founder & CEO @ Global Compute Infrastructure
Scott Peterson is the Founder and CEO of GC Infrastructure Investors LLC, a global data infrastructure investment and operating platform. GCI is led by a team of international industry veterans with an unmatched investment record in geographic scope and performance. GCI acquires, develops, and operates data infrastructure assets across North America, EMEA, Asia Pacific and LATAM. GCI is currently invested in the leading data center company in Poland, Atman, and joint ventures in Japan, Colombia, and Israel.
Prior to GCI, Mr. Peterson co-founded Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR) in 2004. As Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Peterson was primarily responsible for all M&A activities and evaluating capital allocation decisions. As chair of the Investment Committee, he oversaw all major development and leasing decisions and spent considerable time managing international operations, asset management and design and construction for the company. Under his leadership, Digital Realty became the largest global data center company in the world, growing to the eighth largest publicly-traded REIT, with an enterprise value in excess of $35 billion, and was added to the S&P 500 in 2016.
Mr. Peterson conceived and executed the strategic plan to provide customers with a full spectrum of space, power, and interconnection on a global scale by acquiring and developing more than 200 properties in over 35 markets in the US, Europe, and Asia. From site selection, which fueled development, to executing new market expansions, his strategic M&A included the $7.5 billion acquisition of competitor DuPont Fabros and the $2 billion acquisition of Telx, a colocation and interconnection company. In total, Mr. Peterson closed over $17 billion in data center transactions, transforming Digital Realty into the most significant global data center provider of its kind.
Prior to Digital Realty, Mr. Peterson held senior management positions with multiple real estate investment companies, including Digital Realty’s predecessor entity, GI Partners, where he served as Managing Director, and with GIC Real Estate. Mr. Peterson began his real estate career at LaSalle Partners and Trammell Crow Company, where he was active in acquisitions, development, and asset management.
Mr. Peterson received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
MODERATORS
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CRAIG LILLY, Technology M&A Partner @ Reed Smith
Craig Lilly is a leading legal advisor for private equity and strategic clients on domestic and cross-border technology acquisitions, mergers, divestitures, auctions, leveraged buyouts and minority investments. Craig’s practice includes advising emerging technology companies on venture capital financings, corporate governance, public offerings and joint ventures. He also represents fund sponsors in connection with structuring and organizing investment funds, parallel investment vehicles, and offshore funds.
Craig frequently writes and lectures on legal and business issues regarding mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments and corporate finance. He has been quoted in, or contributed to, articles and features in Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, The Deal Magazine, Reuters, CFO.com and other major publications. He is a member of the Board of Directors of The Association for Corporate Growth – Silicon Valley and an Advisor to Financial Executives International – Silicon Valley Chapter.
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ADAM FAUVRE, Director @ RSM US LLP
Adam Fauvre is a seasoned leader in audit, tax, and consulting, serving as a Director at RSM US LLP, where he is dedicated to delivering tailored insights and solutions to Silicon Valley companies. With a strong belief in "The Power of Being Understood," Adam collaborates with businesses to help them make confident decisions about their future.
Adam’s extensive career spans leadership roles at top organizations. Prior to joining RSM, he served as Vice President and Senior Client Solutions Director at Robert Half Management Resources, where he specialized in building client relationships and delivering impactful solutions. His professional journey also includes roles at Natixis Global Asset Management and Wells Fargo, reflecting his deep expertise in financial analysis, operations, and project management.
In addition to his professional work, Adam is deeply committed to community and industry engagement. He serves on multiple boards, including the Board of Directors for Financial Executives International, Silicon Valley, the Advisory Board for ACG Silicon Valley, and the Advisory Board for Life Science Cares Bay Area.
Adam holds a Master of Science in Financial Analysis & Investment Management and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Administration, both from Saint Mary’s College of California. His multilingual abilities in English, Spanish, and French further enhance his global perspective
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PRICING:
No Charge for ACGSV Members and Sponsors/Guests
$20 Other ACG Chapter Members
$60 Non-Members
Hosted by: ACG
Chapter
Silicon Valley
