Key facts
- Nscale appointed former OpenAI executive Fidji Simo to its board.
- Simo previously served as CEO of AGI Deployment at OpenAI.
- She led Instacart through its 2023 IPO and was head of the Facebook app at Meta.
- Nscale is reportedly seeking to raise up to $3.5 billion ahead of a planned IPO.
- Nscale designs, builds, and operates AI data centers.
Nscale, a UK-based startup focused on AI data centers, has added Fidji Simo, a former executive at OpenAI, Meta, and Instacart, to its board of directors. Simo's appointment comes as Nscale prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO) expected this fall. She joins other high-profile board members including Sheryl Sandberg, Susan Decker, and Nick Clegg.
Simo previously held the role of CEO of AGI Deployment at OpenAI, effectively the second-highest executive position at the AI research lab, before departing in July for health reasons, though she continues to advise the company part-time. Prior to her tenure at OpenAI, Simo served as chair and CEO of Instacart, guiding the company through its IPO in 2023. Her extensive experience in the tech industry also includes over a decade at Meta, where she led the Facebook app. Simo also holds a board position at Shopify.
Nscale's founder and CEO, Josh Payne, highlighted Simo's understanding of scaling products to a global user base and the underlying system demands. He stated that Simo's addition strengthens Nscale's board with individuals experienced in scaling major platforms and possessing the financial rigor and operational depth required for large-scale companies.
Founded two years ago, Nscale has experienced rapid growth driven by the increasing demand for AI infrastructure. The company designs, builds, and operates AI data centers. Bloomberg reported last week, citing unnamed sources, that Nscale is aiming to raise as much as $3.5 billion in anticipation of its planned IPO.