At Nomad Futurist Foundation, we’re driven by a simple belief: access to digital infrastructure is access to opportunity. It’s how communities connect, how ideas grow, and how the next generation of technologists begins to build the future. That’s why we work alongside industry leaders who share our vision — partners like fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (1547), who continue to demonstrate what meaningful progress looks like.
Their recent acquisition of DRFortress, Hawaii’s largest carrier-neutral data center, in partnership with Harrison Street, reflects more than just business expansion. It’s a strategic investment in one of the world’s most important connectivity hubs. Hawaii sits at a digital crossroads between Asia and North America, and DRFortress plays a critical role in keeping data flowing across the Pacific.
“Hawaii serves as a strategic gateway for the Pacific,” said J. Todd Raymond, CEO and Managing Director at 1547, “and DRFortress has become a vital interconnection point for global networks.”
That kind of vision is what drew us to 1547. Their commitment to building infrastructure with purpose mirrors our mission to empower underserved communities through access and education. This acquisition brings that mission full circle. Hawaii was where our Imi loa initiative began — planting the seeds for what has now become a global movement to demystify digital infrastructure and open doors to those who’ve historically been left out.
Prior to the acquisition, DRFortress nearly doubled its colocation capacity. Now, with continued investment and the steady guidance of its founding team, Fred Rodi and Rosa White, the facility is poised for even greater growth, while staying true to its values of neutrality, reliability, and service to the local community.
“As we look at this milestone, it’s not just about scaling infrastructure,” said Nomad Futurist Co-founder Nabeel Mahmood. “It’s about scaling opportunity — for local talent, for global connectivity, and for the next generation of technologists.”
We’re proud to call 1547 an Inspiration Partner. Their team members actively support our work as Ambassadors and part of our Marketing Committee, helping us build bridges between today’s industry leaders and tomorrow’s innovators. Together, we’re proving that infrastructure can be more than technical. It can be transformational.
This chapter for DRFortress isn’t just a win for Hawaii — it’s a step toward a more connected, inclusive digital future. And we’re just getting started.
Learn more about their acquisition here.
About 1547 Realty
fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (“1547”) is a leading developer, operator, and owner of highly interconnected, custom-designed data centers with over 1.25 million square feet of data center space under management throughout North America and Europe. 1547 selects sites, designs facilities, and manages developments to optimize returns for all stakeholders across new and interconnected properties. With interconnection in the company’s DNA, 1547’s connectivity-focused portfolio of data centers includes carrier hotels and core connectivity hubs designed to deliver customized mission-critical solutions from concept to connection.
About Nomad Futurist:
The Nomad Futurist Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to demystify the world of digital infrastructure and the related technologies that impact every aspect of our daily lives. Our primary focus is to empower and inspire younger generations through exposure to the underlying technologies that power our digital world and cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. Through the contributions of our supporters, we are launching global programs in partnership with a range of education providers, NGOs and other nonprofit organizations committed to educating children in underprivileged communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and opening up opportunities for growth and new career paths.
- To learn more about the Nomad Futurist Foundation, please visit: http://nomadfuturist.org/.
- To learn more about 1547 Realty, please click here.
- To support the efforts of the Nomad Futurist Foundation donations can be made here.
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- To view the Press Release posted on JLL’s website, click here.
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