Vertical Data Company Profile
Background
Vertical Data is a systems and solutions technology provider specializing in high-performance computing solutions for enterprise and data center clients. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including hardware provisioning, data center integration, managed services, and full-stack AI solutions. Vertical Data aims to redefine the AI and data center supply chain by seamlessly combining hardware, software, and services to enable scalable and efficient high-performance AI computing.
Key Strategic Focus
Vertical Data's strategic focus encompasses:
- Hardware Provisioning: Rapid access to cutting-edge AI equipment, including NVIDIA and AMD products, sourced directly from OEMs.
- Data Center Integration: Providing power, colocation, and infrastructure management to support high-density computing needs.
- Managed Services: Offering end-to-end deployment and optimization services to ensure seamless AI operations.
- Full-Stack AI Solutions: Delivering tailored technology stacks designed for specific business use cases, facilitating rapid AI adoption.
The company specializes in supporting a global customer base, ensuring that underserved regions gain access to the compute power required for AI inference and high-performance workloads.
Financials and Funding
Founded in 2024, Vertical Data has secured funding to support its growth and operations. In August 2024, the company completed a seed funding round, raising $378,000.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Vertical Data distinguishes itself through its technological platforms and innovations:
- Proprietary Technologies: The company offers GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) solutions, enabling businesses to access high-performance computing resources without significant capital investment.
- Scientific Methodologies: Vertical Data employs advanced methodologies to optimize AI infrastructure, ensuring scalability and efficiency in deployment and operations.
Leadership Team
Vertical Data's leadership team comprises experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds:
- Deven Soni: CEO and Founder. Former M&A Investment Banker at Lazard and member of Tech Private Equity teams at Goldman Sachs and Highland Capital Partners. Co-founded Wired Investors and Snowball Industries, leading multiple acquisitions and integrations. Served as founding COO of Tokens.com.
- Christopher Creatura: CFO/COO & Co-founder. Previously CFO at Live Patrol, VP of Growth at Bluefin Trading, and Operating Partner at Enduring Ventures. Background in investment banking at BofA Merrill Lynch and M&A advisory at Deloitte. Founded Conway Merchants, a boutique merchant bank. CPA, CA, with extensive experience in M&A, capital markets, and venture investing.
- Chris Johnson: Co-founder. Former co-founder of Sur Technology. Accomplished sales leader, mentor, and consultant with over 25 years of experience across multiple vertical markets, including data centers, high-performance computing, Tier 1 & 2 OEMs, broadline and industrial distribution, EMS contract manufacturing, and ODMs. Proven track record of driving high-volume, high-ASP product and solution sales to companies with annual revenues exceeding $100 million.
- Jesse Nickel: Senior executive specializing in data center development and consulting for high-density clients, with roles in equipment sourcing and replacement. Held executive positions at Validus Power, Hut8, Console Inc., and Convergent Telecom.
- Gaylen Brown: Vice President of Supply Chain. Spent 13 years at Google and 3 years at Yahoo, leading large-scale infrastructure projects, managing budgets over $150M, and leading global supply chain and data center transitions. Played a key role in optimizing enterprise operations and driving innovation in complex technology environments.
- Hamid Djam: SVP of Technology, Cloud, and AI. With over 20 years of experience in Big Data, AI, and Analytics, led AI-driven strategies across industries such as Utilities, Oil & Gas, Life Sciences, and Manufacturing. Previously served as CTO of Analytics & AI at Dell EMC. Founder of Cognify AI Consulting.
- Garrett Kosowan: Business Development Director, specializing in data center and IT infrastructure solutions. Background in international business and tax law, with experience across energy, technology, and trade sectors. Held roles at WiredRE and CNRS, focusing on compute advisory and global business strategy.
- Keith Ellis: Director of Business Development, leveraging years of experience in driving growth and strategic partnerships. Held leadership roles at RWS Group, LanguageLine Solutions, TransPerfect, and Honeywell, specializing in business development, sales, and client engagement across diverse industries.
- Carlos Reyes: Business Development specialist with over 10 years of experience in wholesale sales and technical solutions. Former Wholesale Account Manager at Arbitech, building strong industry relationships and expertise in IT hardware distribution.
- Thas Visva: Director of Data Center, AI Infrastructure & Managed Services. Led large-scale initiatives across finance, telecommunications, and AI infrastructure. Former VP of AI Datacenters at Consensus Core and held leadership roles at Finning and TD Bank, managing cloud migration, IT service management, and global data center strategy.
- Nazia Chaity: Account Executive, Business Development. Strategic approach to sales and client relations. Former Regional Account Manager at Cogent Communications, earning the President’s Club award for top sales performance. Held roles in investor relations at Citco and personal banking at BMO. Holds a BCom in Law & Business Management with a minor in Financial Management from Ryerson University (TMU).
- Gerardo Watson: Trusted advisor and force multiplier to executive leadership, with deep experience in organizational management, cross-functional coordination, and strategic planning. Excels at streamlining processes, leading high-impact initiatives, and ensuring clarity and focus across teams—enabling organizations to scale efficiently and execute with precision.
- Hansel Mendoza: Delivers seamless digital experiences that are fast, accessible, and visually engaging, with a strong foundation in both front-end and back-end technologies. From custom websites to full-scale web applications, combines technical expertise with a keen eye for design to help businesses and brands stand out online.
- Paula Micheltorena: Executive Assistant with a strong background in administrative coordination and executive support. Manages scheduling, communications, and day-to-day operations to help ensure the team stays organized and efficient. Brings a calm and reliable presence to the office, supporting leadership and contributing to smooth internal workflows.
- Daniel Herrera: Strategic partner to the executive team, driving cross-functional alignment, streamlining operations, and ensuring key initiatives stay on track. Focuses on communication, efficiency, and organizational growth, helping turn vision into execution across the company.
- Juan Carlos Osorio: Technology expert with over 10 years of experience in AI, machine learning, and cloud architecture. Works as an AI/ML Engineer at Vertical Data and leads NimbAI, an AI-driven microlearning platform. Held roles at major companies like EMC, Dell, AWS, and Intel, delivering cross-industry projects globally. As an AWS Instructor, has trained over 5,000 professionals in three languages.
Board of Directors
- Deven Soni: CEO and Founder.
- Trevor Koverko: Web3 entrepreneur and investor, founder of Polymath / Polymesh, a blockchain infrastructure company, and co-founder of Tokens.com, which reached a peak market cap of $400 million. Now leads SapienAI, a data marketplace for AI models. Backed over 60 startups, including EigenLayer and SEI.
- Jaime Leverton: Former CEO of Hut8, a top publicly traded Bitcoin miner. Previously served as the Chief Commercial Officer at eStruxture, a leading network of Canadian data centers.
- David Hackett: Chief Financial Officer with experience operating high-growth companies as a "second in command." An innovative strategic thinker; a focused, results-oriented problem solver; a solid communicator with strong leadership abilities; a highly motivated entrepreneurial person who is not afraid to "roll up his sleeves."
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The AI and data center infrastructure market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for high-performance computing solutions across various industries. Companies are seeking integrated solutions that combine hardware, software, and services to support scalable and efficient AI operations.
Competitor Analysis
Key competitors in the AI and data center infrastructure space include:
- VAST Data: Provides data storage solutions optimized for AI workloads. In December 2023, VAST Data closed a Series E funding round, raising $118 million at a valuation of $9.1 billion.
- InsideView: Offers a business-to-business data and intelligence platform, providing analytics on marketing to customers. Acquired by Demandbase, Inc. in April 2021.
- CB Insights: A business analytics platform providing market intelligence on private companies and investor activities.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Vertical Data collaborates with data center operators through its Data Center Partner Program, combining GPUaaS offerings with colocation space to operationalize costs and capture revenue opportunities. The company works with best-in-class industry experts to optimize density capabilities within the confines of power and cooling limitations, preparing for next-generation chips.
Operational Insights
Vertical Data's deep understanding of global markets, technology, infrastructure services, and supply chains positions the company uniquely to accelerate customers.