# OpenAI and Anthropic chase smaller data centers

> The AI giants are shifting strategy, hunting for smaller compute deals to speed up deployment across new regions.
- Title: OpenAI and Anthropic chase smaller data centers · CNBC
- Summary: The AI giants are shifting strategy, hunting for smaller compute deals to speed up deployment across new regions. Smaller data center deals let AI companies…
- Keywords: openai, anthropic, data centers, ai infrastructure, compute capacity, smaller deployments, inference workloads, training models, crusoe, nscale, stargate project, business
- Source: CNBC — https://cnbc.com/2026/09/18/anthropic-openai-small-ai-data-center-deals.html
- Author: Kai Nicol-Schwarz
- Published: 2026-09-18T09:38:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: openai, anthropic, data centers, ai infrastructure, compute capacity, smaller deployments, inference workloads, training models, crusoe, nscale, stargate project, business
## AI labs pivot to smaller deals
Anthropic and OpenAI are now hunting for smaller data center deals of 20-30 megawatts, shifting from their earlier focus on massive multi-gigawatt projects.
## Exploring UK, Nordic, US sites
Anthropic has explored smaller capacity agreements across the UK and Nordic countries, while OpenAI has looked at similar deals in the Nordics and US.
## Speed beats scale
Smaller deals offer faster access to usable capacity. Companies can deploy workloads quicker by securing a few megawatts at existing powered sites rather than waiting for massive new builds.

> Securing a few megawatts at an existing powered site can be more practical than waiting for a much larger block in one location.
## Training versus inference
Training AI models needs massive computing power, but running them day-to-day through inference can use smaller clusters spread across multiple locations.

> Training a large model typically requires many chips working closely together.
## Inference workloads surging
Inference is expected to overtake training as the dominant data center workload by 2027. In 2025, inference used 9% of global data center capacity versus 14% for training.
## Crusoe invests in smaller sites
Crusoe, which built a major Texas data center for OpenAI, is now investing in smaller facilities that are faster and cheaper than large builds facing delays.
## Crusoe raises $3.9 billion
The data center company announced a $3.9 billion funding round at a $30.9 billion valuation, reflecting booming demand from the AI buildout.
## Key takeaway

Smaller data center deals let AI companies deploy workloads faster and spread capacity across multiple locations, especially as inference workloads grow.