Jonathan Levee (Firmus Technologies): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Jonathan Levee is an Australian technology entrepreneur renowned for co-founding Firmus Technologies, a pioneering company in the AI infrastructure space. Founded in 2019 alongside Oliver Curtis and Tim Rosenfield, Firmus has rapidly evolved from its roots in bitcoin mining to lead the charge in building sustainable, energy-efficient AI data centers, or "AI factories," across Australia and Singapore. The company's innovative technologies and environmental focus have propelled it to unicorn status, making it one of the most exciting players in the global AI and data center industries. This article explores ten essential aspects of Jonathan Levee and the revolutionary journey of Firmus Technologies, shedding light on their impact and future prospects.

1. Early Beginnings and Co-Founding of Firmus Technologies

Jonathan Levee co-founded Firmus Technologies in 2019 with fellow Australian entrepreneurs Oliver Curtis and Tim Rosenfield. Initially, the company focused on bitcoin mining, an industry reliant on high-performance computing and energy-intensive hardware. However, recognizing the growing need for scalable, sustainable AI infrastructure, the founders pivoted the firm's mission towards developing specialized data centers optimized for artificial intelligence operations. Levee’s background and technical vision helped shape Firmus's emphasis on innovative cooling technologies and grid integration solutions, setting the foundation for the company’s rapid growth.

2. The Vision of “AI Factories” and Innovation in Data Center Technology

Firmus Technologies describes its facilities as "AI factories," custom-designed complexes that integrate state-of-the-art liquid cooling, power management, and networking tailored to the unique demands of AI workloads. Jonathan Levee played a major role in advancing technologies such as advanced uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and grid-supportive systems that enhance energy efficiency and operational resilience. These innovations enable Firmus to construct data centers that are both cost-effective and sustainable, addressing the traditionally high energy consumption of AI computations.

3. Sustainable Infrastructure and Green AI Initiatives

A key aspect of Firmus Technologies’ work under Levee’s co-leadership is its commitment to sustainability. The company focuses on leveraging renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro to power its AI factories, particularly in Tasmania, which offers vast clean energy resources. Firmus's proprietary liquid cooling technology drastically reduces power usage compared to traditional air-cooled data centers, minimizing both environmental impact and operating costs. This green approach positions Firmus at the forefront of efforts to create eco-friendly AI infrastructure at scale.

4. Strategic National Expansion and Project Southgate

Under the guidance of the Firmus founding team, including Jonathan Levee, the company announced Project Southgate, a multi-billion dollar initiative to roll out AI factories across Australia. Beyond its original base in Tasmania, Firmus plans to build large-scale AI data centers in major cities such as Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, and Perth. By 2028, these deployments aim to deliver up to 1.6 gigawatts of AI computing power, powered by renewable energy and equipped with advanced cooling solutions—a national strategy emphasizing local job creation and sovereign technology capability.

5. Major Funding Successes and Unicorn Status

Firmus Technologies secured significant financing milestones that underscore investor confidence in its vision. In 2025, the company raised $330 million in a funding round backed by Nvidia, a leading US chip manufacturer, and Ellerston Capital, an Australian investment firm. This round valued the company at $1.9 billion, officially granting Firmus unicorn status. Just months later, another $500 million round propelled the valuation to $6 billion, marking one of the fastest valuation increases for an Australian tech startup and highlighting the global demand for specialized AI infrastructure.

6. Collaboration with Industry Leaders and Partners

Firmus's growth and technological advancements have been bolstered by strategic partnerships with world-renowned companies. Nvidia’s involvement provides access to cutting-edge GPU technology critical for AI processing. Additionally, the firm collaborates with CDC Data Centres in Australia to expand its national infrastructure footprint. These alliances enable Firmus to integrate best-in-class hardware and data center technologies, accelerating the deployment of its AI factories and enhancing operational excellence.

7. Jonathan Levee’s Role in Advancing Grid-Interactive Data Centers

A notable innovation driven by Levee and the Firmus team is the development of grid-supportive data center technologies. Traditional data centers are often massive power consumers that can strain electrical grids. Firmus has introduced advanced UPS systems designed to not only provide backup power but also actively stabilize grid frequency by dynamically load sharing during low voltage events. This grid-interactive capability ensures enhanced stability and potentially creates value streams from supporting regional power networks, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to energy management.

8. Global Reach: Singapore and Beyond

While Firmus Technologies originated in Australia, the company has established a significant presence in Singapore, where it operates AI cloud services and collaborates closely with local authorities. A memorandum of understanding with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore epitomizes its commitment to sustainable AI infrastructure, exploring seawater cooling and waterfront-based data centers. This expansion reflects Levee’s and the leadership’s ambition to pioneer environmentally responsible AI facilities on a global stage.

9. Preparing for Public Listing and Future Prospects

Firmus Technologies is actively preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) expected in 2026, which will provide additional capital to fuel its ambitious expansion plans. Jonathan Levee’s leadership alongside his co-founders has positioned Firmus to capitalize on rapid AI growth worldwide while promoting sustainable technological solutions. With AI workloads expected to multiply and global energy concerns intensifying, Firmus aims to set new standards in AI infrastructure efficiency and eco-consciousness for years to come.

10. Impact on the Australian Technology Landscape

Jonathan Levee and Firmus Technologies have had a profound impact on Australia’s emerging tech ecosystem. By nurturing high-value jobs, advancing advanced manufacturing and engineering in AI infrastructure, and attracting international capital, the company contributes significantly to the nation’s technological sovereignty and economic momentum. Firmus stands alongside other Australian unicorns as an example of how innovation and sustainability can be successfully combined, inspiring future entrepreneurs in the AI and green technology sectors.

Conclusion

Jonathan Levee’s journey with Firmus Technologies exemplifies the convergence of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in the modern tech era. As a co-founder, he has been instrumental in shaping a new class of AI infrastructure, focusing on energy efficiency and scalable technology deployments that meet the exploding demands of artificial intelligence. Firmus’s rapid rise—from bitcoin mining roots to a multi-billion-dollar AI infrastructure leader—highlights the transformative potential of purpose-driven technology ventures. Looking ahead, Levee and Firmus continue to pioneer solutions that could redefine how AI systems are powered globally while fostering environmental stewardship. Will their model become the blueprint for future tech infrastructure worldwide? Only time will tell.