Which SMBs upstream of AI/data centers are you actively pursuing?
October 18, 2025
by a searcher from University of Denver - Daniels College of Business in Denver, CO, USA
Hi Searchers,
I'm looking to broaden my search and explore companies that are upstream of AI / the data‑center buildout. I'm compiling a list and am curious to hear what others have considered or experienced in this realm.
Some target industries I’m thinking about (with example company types):
Power & backup — regional electrical contractors; UPS/generator service firms.
Fiber & structured cabling — fiber splicing shops; structured cabling contractors.
Rack staging & hardware kitting — data‑center staging houses; white‑glove IT integrators.
Cooling & HVAC / water treatment — data‑center HVAC service shops; chiller/immersion cooling installers.
Commissioning, test & certification — small commissioning firms; test houses with DC experience.
Battery energy storage & microgrid integrators — BESS/inverter integrators and controls specialists.
Logistics, rigging & heavy‑lift — crane/rigging firms and heavy‑haul logistics providers for mission‑critical installs.
Security & access control integrators — biometric/CCTV/monitoring integrators with recurring support.
Janitorial/cleaning firms (specialized in ESD/HEPA cleaning, security‑cleared crews)
I'm still early in the exploration phase and admit that I don't have direct experience in any of these industries. Some are intimidating to this software guy...
from University of Rochester in Houston, TX, USA
from University of Missouri in Denver, CO, USA