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Vantage Data Centers Secures €720 Million Financing Through Pioneering European ABS Deal

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 10, 2025

Innovative Financing Strategy

U.S. data center operator Vantage Data Centers has raised an impressive 720 million euros (approximately $821.4 million) in Europe—the first asset-backed securitization (ABS) deal of its kind on the continent. The landmark transaction involved the securitization of four strategically located data centers in Germany, positioning Vantage at the forefront of innovative financing within the digital infrastructure sector.

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Attractive Terms and Robust Investor Demand

The deal, which carries an average coupon of 4.3% on the issued bonds, underscores the company’s ability to leverage its high-quality real estate assets and long-term lease commitments to secure competitive financing. By using its data center infrastructure and anticipated revenues as collateral, Vantage has effectively mitigated risk and attracted strong investor interest, with oversubscription reaching two to four times the amount raised.

Strategic Deployment of Capital

Vantage has indicated that the funds will be primarily allocated to extinguish existing construction loans, thereby streamlining the company’s balance sheet. Both Sharif Metwalli, the Chief Financial Officer, and Senior Vice President Rich Cosgray emphasized the transaction’s high leverage and investor confidence during discussions with CNBC.

Robust Infrastructure in Key Markets

The four facilities—two in Berlin and two in Frankfurt—boast a combined power capacity of approximately 64 megawatts and are fully leased to hyperscale clients. Previously appraised at about $1 billion by Scope Ratings, these data centers continue to attract robust support, evidenced by credit ratings that affirm the strong credit quality of significant tranches.

Broader Market Implications

This ABS issuance is a clear indicator of shifting trends in European digital infrastructure finance. With investors such as insurance companies, pension funds, and fund managers increasingly recognizing the potential of data center assets, the European market—triggered by escalating demand from Big Tech and the surging utilization of artificial intelligence—is set to experience rapid growth. Prominent cities like Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin are witnessing burgeoning demand, while tier-two markets are emerging as attractive alternatives for cloud service providers seeking dispersed facilities.

Pioneering Transactions and Future Outlook

Vantage’s recent success builds on its previous milestone of raising £600 million via the first securitization of a data center in the EMEA region. With a global footprint that now includes around 2,500 megawatts of operational or under-development data center capacity, the company is strategically positioned to capitalize on the industry’s momentum. Led by Barclays Bank and Deutsche Bank, with legal representation from Clifford Chance, this transaction epitomizes a forward-thinking approach in leveraging asset-backed financing to propel strategic growth.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Airbnb Unveils Reserve Now, Pay Later Option For U.S. Guests

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 15, 2025

Introduction

Airbnb has introduced an innovative payment solution designed to enhance user flexibility for U.S. travellers. The new “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature enables users to secure a booking without an upfront payment, offering a streamlined cancellation process should plans change.

Flexible Payment Terms

This new option applies to listings that feature either flexible or moderate cancellation policies. Under a flexible policy, guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before check-in, while a moderate policy offers no-fee cancellations until five days prior to arrival.

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Payment Timing and Reminders

Regardless of the cancellation window, guests are obligated to complete the full payment before the expiration of the free cancellation period. Airbnb ensures a smooth experience by sending timely payment reminders to avoid any last-minute issues.

Evolution of Airbnb’s Payment Solutions

This initiative builds on Airbnb’s previous forays into flexible payment structures. In 2018, the company offered a partial upfront payment model, and more recently, a collaboration with Klarna enabled guests to pay in four installments over six weeks. Such strategic advancements demonstrate Airbnb’s commitment to adapting and refining its payment solutions to meet evolving consumer demands.

Consumer Insight Driving Innovation

Airbnb’s decision to launch the “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature reflects robust consumer demand, with recent surveys indicating that 55% of respondents prefer flexible payment options. Additionally, 42% noted missed opportunities due to payment complexities when coordinating with travel companions, underlining the need for simplified financial arrangements.

Conclusion

By enhancing payment flexibility, Airbnb not only broadens its appeal but also addresses critical customer pain points, reinforcing its position as a leader in the evolving travel market. This initiative exemplifies how strategic innovation can drive customer satisfaction in an increasingly competitive landscape.