Core Scientific Bets Big on AI With US$3.3B Debt Raise

Core Scientific is pursuing a US$3.3 billion (AU$4.65 billion) debt raise as it accelerates a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence-focused data centres. The planned issuance involves senior secured notes due in 2031, offered privately to institutional investors under specific regulatory exemptions. 

Proceeds from the offering are expected to support reserve funding and be distributed to the parent company, with part of the capital earmarked to fully repay existing credit facilities and associated costs.

The move reflects a broader repositioning of the business, which has historically generated most of its revenue from Bitcoin mining but is increasingly prioritising high-density colocation services. 

Core Scientific is simultaneously repurposing existing infrastructure and expanding its footprint, including the construction of multiple data centre projects across several US states. The company has committed to ensuring completion of these developments, even if additional funding is required beyond the bond proceeds.

Related: Playdate Draws a Hard Line: No AI Art Allowed, Code Assistants Still Welcome

AI Expansion Gains Momentum

A long-term agreement with cloud computing firm CoreWeave underpins this transition, with the 12-year deal potentially generating around US$10 billion (AU$14.1 billion) in revenue. As part of this arrangement, Core Scientific is building six facilities designed to support AI workloads.

The financing effort comes amid rising demand for AI infrastructure, which has driven companies to tap higher-risk debt markets to fund expansion. Core Scientific has also taken steps to reallocate resources, including selling Bitcoin holdings to support its pivot. Despite the shift, mining remains a significant contributor to revenue, highlighting the transitional nature of its strategy.

Related: Alibaba-Linked AI Agent ROME Attempts Crypto Mining and Network Tunnelling During Training