Nick Clegg and Sheryl Sandberg have joined the board of British artificial intelligence infrastructure start-up Nscale as the company completed a major fundraising round valuing the business at $14.6 billion.

The appointments come as Nscale secured $2 billion in fresh capital from a consortium of global investors, including the US semiconductor giant Nvidia, significantly boosting the firm’s ambitions to build large-scale data centre infrastructure for the rapidly expanding AI industry.

The move positions Nscale among the most valuable technology start-ups in Europe and reflects growing investor appetite for the infrastructure that underpins artificial intelligence development.

Founded in May 2024 by entrepreneur John Payne, Nscale focuses on building the large data centres needed to run advanced AI models and cloud computing services.

The company is betting that the explosive growth of AI will require vast new computing capacity over the coming decade.

Payne said artificial intelligence was set to transform nearly every sector of the global economy.

“Over the next five years, artificial intelligence will be integrated into every industry, every product and every job,” he said. “Accelerating drug discovery, extending human life, automating travel and robotics, lifting productivity and driving massive economic growth.”

“This is leading to the largest infrastructure build-out in human history. Nscale is leading this build-out.”

The company plans to invest $2.5 billion in UK data centre infrastructure over the coming years, strengthening Britain’s role in the global AI supply chain.

One of the company’s flagship projects is the construction of what it describes as the largest “UK sovereign” AI data centre.

The facility is planned for Loughton in Essex and is expected to be operational by 2026.

The term “sovereign” refers to the fact that the data centre will host AI infrastructure based within the UK and designed to support national research institutions, businesses and government operations.

Demand for such infrastructure has surged as companies race to deploy advanced AI models requiring enormous computing power.

The data centre will rely heavily on Nvidia’s graphics processing units (GPUs), widely regarded as the most powerful chips available for training and running artificial intelligence systems.

Clegg’s appointment adds significant political and regulatory expertise to the company’s leadership.

The former UK deputy prime minister spent several years at Meta as president of global affairs, where he oversaw policy, regulation and government relations across the company’s global operations.

His experience navigating international regulatory frameworks is expected to be particularly valuable as governments around the world grapple with the governance of AI technologies.

Sandberg, who previously served as Meta’s chief operating officer and played a key role in building the company into one of the world’s largest technology firms, brings extensive operational and leadership expertise to the board.

Together, the two figures represent some of the most senior executives to move from Silicon Valley’s social media industry into the emerging AI infrastructure sector.

The latest funding round included participation from several major global investors.

Alongside Nvidia, the round was backed by Aker ASA and New York-based investment firm 8090 Industries.

Nscale had already attracted significant funding before the latest round.

In December 2024, the company raised $155 million in a Series A funding round led by Sandton Capital Partners.

Last year, Nvidia also committed approximately £500 million in investment, strengthening the strategic partnership between the chip manufacturer and the UK start-up.

Nvidia founder Jensen Huang has previously described Nscale as a potential “national champion” for Britain in the rapidly growing AI infrastructure market.

Alongside Clegg and Sandberg, the company has also appointed Susan Decker to its board.

Decker, the chief executive and co-founder of university software platform Raftr, previously served as president of Yahoo and currently sits on the boards of several major organisations including Costco, Berkshire Hathaway and Vox Media.

Her appointment further strengthens Nscale’s leadership team as it prepares for large-scale infrastructure expansion.

The surge in investment reflects a broader global race to build the computing infrastructure needed to support next-generation AI systems.

Training large language models and advanced AI applications requires enormous amounts of processing power, storage and energy.

As a result, technology companies, governments and investors are pouring billions into data centre construction worldwide.

Much of this growth is tied to cloud platforms such as Microsoft and its Azure cloud services, which rely on powerful AI infrastructure to deliver machine learning capabilities to businesses and developers.

Nscale’s projects are expected to help expand the availability of such services within the UK and across Europe.

The expansion of companies such as Nscale forms part of a broader push by the UK government to position the country as a global hub for artificial intelligence research and development.

Britain already hosts some of the world’s leading AI institutions and companies, including DeepMind and a growing ecosystem of technology start-ups.

Large-scale data centre investment is seen as critical to maintaining that competitive advantage.

As the AI boom accelerates, infrastructure firms like Nscale are likely to play an increasingly central role in determining where the next generation of technological breakthroughs occurs.

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

GameStop Corp. shares edged higher in early Monday trading as retail investors and market watchers continued to parse ongoing speculation about CEO Ryan Cohen’s pursuit of a transformative acquisition, while the meme stock favorite approached its next earnings report later this month.

GameStop (NYSE: GME) opened around $24.00 and ranged from a low of $23.93 to a high of $24.83, with shares trading near $24.54 to $24.66 in recent updates, up roughly 0.7% to 1.2% from Friday’s close of $24.37. Volume stood at approximately 3.7 million shares by mid-morning, below average but indicative of sustained interest in the specialty retailer.

The modest gain followed a 2.05% advance on Friday, when the stock closed at $24.37 after fluctuating between $23.62 and $24.39 on volume of nearly 6 million shares. GameStop’s performance has remained range-bound in early 2026, with the stock hovering between roughly $20 and $25 after peaking near $36 in late 2025 amid earlier meme-driven volatility.

Cohen, who has steered the company since becoming chairman and later CEO, has kept investors focused on strategic repositioning. In late January, he told CNBC that GameStop was eyeing a “very, very, very big” acquisition of a larger publicly traded consumer company, potentially leveraging its cash reserves — reported at about $8.8 billion in the most recent quarter — to execute a deal that could reshape the business into a broader conglomerate.

The acquisition rhetoric has fueled optimism among supporters who view Cohen’s vision as a path away from declining traditional video game retail toward diversified holdings with higher-margin opportunities. Analysts note that such a move could deploy excess cash productively, especially as core hardware and software sales have faced headwinds from digital distribution trends and store optimizations.

GameStop has already shown progress in shifting its mix. Recent quarters highlighted surging collectibles revenue — up over 50% year-over-year in some periods — alongside improved gross margins near 34.5%, driven by emphasis on pre-owned items, accessories and higher-margin categories. The company also raised liquidity through a convertible note offering, providing flexibility for investments or acquisitions despite ongoing revenue pressures.

Upcoming catalysts loom large. GameStop is scheduled to report fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on March 24, 2026, with a conference call the following day. Expectations center on continued margin resilience amid softer top-line trends, with attention on any updates regarding acquisition progress or balance-sheet deployment.

Short interest remains elevated at around 16% in recent data, keeping the door open for volatility if retail momentum builds. Michael Burry’s disclosed position in late January added to the narrative, though the investor tempered expectations for another massive short squeeze.

Broader challenges persist for the core business. Hardware and accessories sales declined sharply in prior periods, reflecting industry shifts toward streaming and digital downloads. Store closures and competition from online platforms continue to pressure physical retail, though Cohen’s focus on efficiency and strategic pivots has helped stabilize operations.

Wall Street remains cautious. Analyst consensus leans toward a “Sell” rating, with median price targets around $13.50 — well below current levels — reflecting skepticism about long-term profitability without a successful transformation. Some forecasts project modest upside to $31 by year-end under optimistic scenarios, but most emphasize execution risks in any major deal.

GameStop’s market capitalization sits near $11 billion, supported by a loyal retail base and Cohen’s track record from Chewy. The stock’s 52-week range spans $19.93 to $35.81, with the current price in the middle of that band after a choppy start to 2026.

Investor sentiment ties closely to Cohen’s commentary. In recent posts and interviews, he has critiqued traditional corporate structures while positioning GameStop for bold moves. A long-term performance award granted to Cohen in January — contingent on stockholder approval at a special meeting expected in March or April — aligns incentives around significant value creation.

As trading unfolds Monday, GameStop reflects the ongoing tug-of-war between meme-stock enthusiasm and fundamental realities in a maturing gaming industry. The company’s cash position provides optionality, but success hinges on deploying it effectively amid competitive and economic uncertainties.

Looking ahead, the March earnings release and any acquisition developments could serve as pivotal moments. For now, shares trade with cautious optimism, buoyed by Cohen’s ambitions yet tempered by retail sector headwinds.

GameStop’s evolution under Cohen continues to captivate markets, blending legacy retail with potential for reinvention through strategic acquisitions and operational focus.

Ford is recalling nearly 1.74 million vehicles in the U.S. due to software problems that can affect rearview camera displays, according to notices published this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

One recall covers 849,310 2021–2026 Ford Broncos and 2021–2024 Ford Edges, which may experience overheating in its Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM). The issue can cause the rearview camera image not to appear when the vehicle is in reverse.

“A rear-view camera that does not display an image while in reverse gear can reduce the driver’s view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash,” the NHTSA alert warned.

A separate recall impacts 889,950 vehicles, including 2020-2022 Ford Escapes, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsairs, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviators and 2020-2024 Ford Explorers.

FORD IN DEEP WATER AFTER SWEEPING RECALLS HIT EVERY MODEL SINCE 2020 – WITH ONE EXCEPTION

Ford Explorers from 2020-2024, as well as other models from Ford and Lincoln are the subjects of two new recalls related to rear display problems. (Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“On the affected vehicles, it may be possible to have the SYNC screen image on the center display flipped or inverted immediately after an ignition cycle,” a recall report from the NHTSA says. “This may result in the image displayed being inverted or flipped, this includes all buttons. While in reverse the rearview camera image, buttons, and camera guidelines may also be inverted or flipped.”

According to the NHTSA report, Ford said that they are not aware of any related crashes or injuries connected to the issue.

FORD BUILDS ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPLORER FOR POPE LEO XIV

Ford Broncos from 2021–2026 are among a list of vehicles subject to new recalls having to do with issues impacting rear displays. (Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images / Getty Images)

For Bronco and Edge owners, Ford is offering a free software update to the APIM. Notification letters are scheduled to be mailed at the end of the month, and repairs can be completed at dealerships or through over-the-air updates.

A remedy for the second group of vehicles is still under development. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risks will be sent in the coming months.

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Drivers can check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on the NHTSA website or Ford’s recall lookup tool for more information, or contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Ford recalls over rearview camera issues are a continuation of prior recall alerts. A past recall for older Ford vehicles was issued last October for 1.4 million vehicles.

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Netflix Inc. shares declined modestly in intraday trading Monday as investors digested a fresh analyst downgrade amid ongoing shifts in the streaming giant’s strategic priorities, including a pivot toward organic growth and artificial intelligence integration following the abandonment of a potential blockbuster acquisition.

Netflix’s stock (NASDAQ: NFLX) opened at approximately $97.69 and ranged between a low of $96.58 and a high of $98.94, with shares changing hands at around $97.58 to $97.96 in recent updates, down roughly 1.2% to 1.5% from the previous close of $99.02. Volume exceeded 23 million shares in early afternoon trading, below the average but reflecting continued interest in the entertainment sector leader.

The pullback follows a period of volatility for the Los Gatos, California-based company. Netflix stock has navigated a choppy path in early 2026, with a notable surge in late February that contributed to a 15.3% monthly gain, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence data. That rally was fueled in part by relief from the company’s decision to walk away from pursuing a deal for Warner Bros. Discovery assets, a move that investors viewed as preserving financial discipline rather than risking overextension in a competitive media landscape.

Analysts have highlighted the strategic repositioning. Netflix is channeling resources into core streaming operations, with commitments to approximately $20 billion in content investment this year, while exploring AI-driven tools to enhance filmmaking efficiency. The company recently acquired InterPositive, an AI filmmaking startup, signaling deeper integration of technology in content production. This shift emphasizes organic subscriber growth, advertising revenue expansion — projected to double in 2026 compared to the prior year — and free cash flow generation, with some forecasts pointing to around $11 billion by year-end.

However, not all views are uniformly positive. Wells Fargo downgraded Netflix shares, citing concerns over elevated content spending and signs of decelerating revenue momentum. The note contributed to selling pressure, though broader market sentiment remains mixed. Consensus analyst price targets hover around $113 to $116, implying potential upside from current levels, with some optimistic calls reaching higher.

Netflix’s fundamentals continue to reflect its dominance in streaming. Trailing price-to-earnings ratio stands near 39, with forward estimates at about 31. Market capitalization approximates $418 billion, underscoring its scale in the entertainment industry. The stock’s 52-week range spans $75.01 to $134.12, with the current price sitting well below last summer’s peak but above the yearly low.

Recent performance has been influenced by broader industry dynamics. Streaming competition remains fierce, with rivals including Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and others vying for subscriber attention. Netflix’s ad-supported tier has gained traction, helping offset slower paid subscriber additions in some regions. The company has also benefited from hits in its original programming slate and live events, bolstering viewer engagement.

Looking ahead, investors are monitoring Netflix’s path to sustained profitability and cash flow amid macroeconomic uncertainties, including interest rate environments and consumer spending patterns. The company’s emphasis on balance-sheet strength — opting for internal growth over large-scale mergers — has resonated with some Wall Street firms, such as JPMorgan, which resumed coverage with an Overweight rating and a $120 target post the Warner Bros. deal exit.

Netflix executives have expressed confidence in long-term opportunities, particularly in advertising and international expansion. Revenue growth guidance for 2026 has been characterized as robust in some quarters, with expectations around 13% to 15% in certain scenarios, though operating margins may face pressure from content outlays.

As of March 9, 2026, with U.S. markets active, Netflix shares reflect a cautious tone amid these developments. The stock’s movement underscores the challenges and opportunities facing legacy media players in an evolving digital landscape, where technology integration and disciplined capital allocation increasingly define success.

The day’s trading activity highlights ongoing investor scrutiny of Netflix’s ability to balance aggressive content investment with profitability goals. While the downgrade added near-term pressure, the company’s market position, subscriber base and innovation efforts continue to support a generally constructive outlook among many analysts.