Key facts
- Meta Platforms is reportedly developing a cloud business to sell excess AI computing capacity.
- CEO Mark Zuckerberg has indicated that a cloud venture is 'definitely on the table'.
- The company is investing heavily in AI infrastructure and data centers.
- Meta's AI-related capital expenditures for 2026 are projected to be between $125 billion and $145 billion.
Meta Platforms is reportedly developing a cloud business to offer its surplus artificial intelligence computing capacity to external customers, according to Bloomberg News. The move would position the social media giant in direct competition with established cloud providers such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has confirmed that such a venture is 'definitely on the table.' While the company currently utilizes all its built capacity for its own AI initiatives, Zuckerberg indicated that any future surplus infrastructure could be sold or rented to external clients. This strategy aims to monetize the significant investments Meta is making in AI infrastructure and data centers.
These substantial investments have raised concerns among some investors, particularly as Meta, alongside other tech giants, plans to spend an estimated $725 billion on AI infrastructure this year. Meta has also implemented aggressive headcount reductions to fund its AI projects. The company's stock saw a significant surge following the news of the potential cloud business, though it remains down year-to-date.