South Korea's Naver is moving to triple its data center capacity through a new partnership with Nvidia, while simultaneously pursuing a $6.8 billion AI funding round and a separate $10.3 billion crypto exchange. The three-pronged push signals Naver's ambition to become a major player in both AI infrastructure and digital asset markets.
The Nvidia partnership
Naver said it will work with Nvidia to expand its data centers — a move that effectively triples current capacity. The deal gives Naver early access to Nvidia's next-generation chips, likely the Blackwell Ultra line expected later this year. For Nvidia, it's a chance to lock in a major Asian customer as demand for AI compute keeps surging.
Billions in AI funding
Separately, Naver is seeking $6.8 billion in funding specifically for its artificial intelligence business. The company hasn't named investors yet, but the size suggests sovereign wealth funds or large institutional backers. The timing isn't accidental: AI infrastructure spending is expected to top $200 billion globally in 2026, and Naver wants a slice.
A $10.3 billion crypto exchange
The most eye-catching piece is Naver's plan to launch a crypto exchange valued at $10.3 billion. That would put it among the largest exchanges globally by valuation, rivaling Binance and Coinbase. Naver didn't provide a launch date, but the scale suggests it's already in talks with regulators and potential liquidity providers. The move comes as South Korea's crypto market matures — local exchanges like Upbit already handle billions in daily volume.
Naver is expected to formally announce the AI funding round within weeks. The crypto exchange launch timeline remains unclear, but the company will need to secure a Virtual Asset Service Provider license from South Korea's Financial Services Commission. That process typically takes six to twelve months.
