Australian Retirement Trust Joins $630m Boost for Infrastructure Firm

Key facts

• Accelerate Infrastructure Opportunities raised an additional $630 million.
• Australian Retirement Trust (ART) is a new investor in the capital raise.
• Mubadala Investment Company also joined as a new investor.
• CBRE Investment Management increased its contribution.
• Total equity committed to the platform now stands at $1.26 billion.
• Accelerate focuses on acquiring and managing land for critical infrastructure assets.
• The firm targets digital connectivity, renewable energy, and mobility infrastructure.

Infrastructure Platform Secures Significant Capital Influx

Accelerate Infrastructure Opportunities has successfully secured an additional $630 million in capital, bolstering its capacity to acquire and manage vital infrastructure assets. This latest funding round saw participation from existing backer CBRE Investment Management, alongside significant new commitments from Abu Dhabi sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company and Australia’s second-largest superannuation fund, Australian Retirement Trust (ART). The influx of capital brings the total equity committed to Accelerate's platform to $1.26 billion. This substantial financial backing underscores the confidence institutional partners place in the firm's strategy, which centres on the acquisition and development of land underpinning essential infrastructure. Brennan Potts, founder and CEO of Accelerate, highlighted the deep alignment with long-term institutional partners who recognise the inherent durability of infrastructure cash flows. He stated that the platform's strategy is designed to acquire infrastructure sites critical for digital connectivity, renewable energy, and mobility, with the aim of scaling them through disciplined execution.

Strategic Partnerships Fuel Growth

The capital raise is a testament to the growing appeal of infrastructure as an investment class, particularly assets that support fundamental economic functions. Accelerate's focus on digital connectivity, renewable energy, and mobility aligns with major global trends. CBRE Investment Management, a key player in the real estate investment and management sector, has been instrumental in the platform's development since its inception in December 2022. The firm not only increased its own investment but also welcomed new partners like Mubadala and ART. Robert Shaw, managing director at CBRE Investment Management, expressed pride in the platform's rapid establishment as a leading infrastructure site acquisition strategy. He noted that the expanded capital base will enable Accelerate to further scale its diversified portfolio of key infrastructure assets and deliver consistent cash flows to investors.

Mubadala Expands US Infrastructure Footprint

For Mubadala Investment Company, the investment represents a strategic expansion of its infrastructure exposure within the United States, a market identified as crucial for the Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investor. Giovanni Oddo, head of Americas, infrastructure at Mubadala, emphasised the alignment of this investment with the company's focus on critical infrastructure at the nexus of digital connectivity and energy systems. Oddo pointed to the increasing demand across data, power, and mobility sectors, underscoring the vital role platforms like Accelerate play in facilitating the infrastructure necessary for a rapidly evolving global economy. Mubadala anticipates a collaborative effort with its partners to support the platform's ongoing growth and generate long-term value. The collaboration highlights a shared vision among sophisticated investors for the long-term potential of infrastructure assets that enable technological advancement and sustainable development.

Accelerate's Model: Acquiring Land for Essential Services

Accelerate Infrastructure Opportunities, based in the United States, specialises in acquiring and managing the land beneath critical infrastructure. This approach allows the firm to capture value from assets that are essential for modern economies. The strategy, established in December 2022, initially involved funds managed by CBRE IM and co-investors. Subsequent backing, including further investments from CBRE IM-managed funds, occurred in October 2024, demonstrating sustained support. Potts reiterated that reaching $1.26 billion in capital commitments provides Accelerate with the necessary scale and financial certainty to pursue high-value infrastructure opportunities. This scale is crucial for executing complex acquisition and development plans.

The Evolving Landscape of Infrastructure Investment

The significant capital raise by Accelerate reflects a broader trend of institutional investors seeking stable, long-term returns from infrastructure assets. These investments are often seen as more resilient during economic downturns due to the essential nature of the services they provide. Superannuation funds like ART are increasingly diversifying their portfolios beyond traditional equities and bonds, seeking alternative assets that can offer attractive yields and growth potential. The focus on digital infrastructure, such as data centres and fibre networks, and renewable energy projects, aligns with both economic opportunities and societal needs for sustainability. Mubadala's participation further signals the global appetite for strategic infrastructure investments, particularly in markets with robust growth prospects and supportive regulatory environments.

Future Prospects and Investor Confidence

With $1.26 billion in committed equity, Accelerate Infrastructure Opportunities is well-positioned to execute its strategy of acquiring and scaling critical infrastructure sites. The involvement of major global investors like Mubadala and ART, alongside the continued support of CBRE IM, provides a strong foundation for future growth. The firm's emphasis on disciplined execution and its focus on sectors with high demand – digital connectivity, renewable energy, and mobility – suggest a strategic approach to navigating the complexities of infrastructure development. This substantial capitalisation is expected to enable Accelerate to pursue a pipeline of compelling opportunities, further solidifying its position in the infrastructure investment landscape and delivering value to its growing base of institutional partners.

The bottom line

• Accelerate Infrastructure Opportunities has raised $630 million, bringing its total equity to $1.26 billion.
• Australian Retirement Trust (ART) and Mubadala Investment Company are new investors, alongside increased backing from CBRE Investment Management.
• The firm focuses on acquiring land for digital connectivity, renewable energy, and mobility infrastructure in the US.
• This capital raise signifies strong institutional confidence in the long-term durability of infrastructure cash flows.
• The investment expands Mubadala's infrastructure exposure in the United States.
• ART's participation highlights the trend of superannuation funds diversifying into alternative assets like infrastructure.