Leonhard Soenke and Patrice Becker, who founded creator economy startup Throne in 2021, have pivoted to launch TAR (Transformative American Resources), a data centre energy startup. The company recently raised $27 million in seed funding at a $500 million valuation from an undisclosed strategic investor. TAR aims to reduce time-to-token for AI models by building modular, behind-the-meter energy systems combining solar, batteries, wind and natural gas. Soenke told Business Insider the shift came from seeking larger impact opportunities, as the creator economy has matured and become crowded. The founders spent six months transitioning Throne to trusted team members before relocating from New York to San Francisco and Austin to pursue the data centre opportunity.

Data centers are noisy and power-hungry. This startup might have a solution that prioritizes off-grid renewable energy.