Blackstone launches dedicated AI investment unit in San Francisco

Blackstone has launched a dedicated artificial intelligence investment unit, Blackstone N1 (BXN1), headquartered in San Francisco. The new division consolidates the firm’s various technology-focused equity strategies into a single centralized platform to improve internal coordination.

Led by Jas Khaira, who relocated from New York, the unit follows the departure of former growth equity head Jon Korngold. Blackstone identifies itself as a leading global investor in AI-related infrastructure, having already deployed over $150 billion in data center assets worldwide. The firm has an additional $160 billion investment pipeline planned for AI-related infrastructure, including computing power and networking.

Recent activities include leading a $27 million Series A round for the AI cybersecurity startup Huskeys and participating in a $35 billion platform with Broadcom and Apollo to target 20 gigawatts of AI compute capacity. Blackstone also maintains relationships with major AI developers OpenAI and Anthropic.