Close to the Customer, Strong in Growth
Interview with Donald Badoux, Managing Director and Christian Leupold, Marketing Manager of NorthC Deutschland GmbH
NorthC Deutschland GmbH has quickly established itself as a relevant provider of data center services across Europe, combining sustainable growth with a clear focus on the future topics of digitalization and AI. We spoke to Managing Director Donald Badoux and Marketing Manager Christian Leupold about a special corporate culture, the 'Personal Touch', and the opportunities and challenges in the era of digitalization and artificial intelligence.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Badoux, Mr. Leupold, NorthC Germany has only been on the market for a few years, but has already established a considerable position. How was the company formed?
Donald Badoux: Everything started in 2019 with our investor DWS, who wanted to build a strong portfolio in the infrastructure sector. We started in the Netherlands by acquiring data centers, later expanding to Germany and Switzerland. Today, we operate 25 data centers in Europe – and we continue to grow.
Wirtschaftsforum: What distinguishes NorthC from other data center operators?
Donald Badoux: We're not a hyperscaler. We don’t build gigantic halls; instead, we deliberately focus on smaller, regional data centers with up to 15 MW of power. It's important for us to be close to our customers. Medium-sized businesses, government agencies, research institutions – they all appreciate that we are locally present. Our ‘Personal Touch’ makes the difference here. We listen, understand the language, and the specific characteristics of the region.
Christian Leupold: The personal contact that we provide is consistently confirmed by our clients. They know that they are not reaching an anonymous hotline overseas, but rather a local contact person directly. This creates trust.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Badoux, you have been the managing director at NorthC Germany since the beginning of 2025. What drives you?
Donald Badoux: I love to build teams. We recently took over five data centers – without any staff. This means finding and motivating new technicians, new salespeople, new service teams. I really enjoy that. I do not see myself as a typical managing director who makes decisions from above, but as a supporter who builds something together with the employees.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Leupold, you have been with the company for a long time. What motivates you in your work?
Christian Leupold: I have been here for over three years and was involved in the market entry in Germany. The opportunity to work in such a dynamic industry is exciting in itself. In addition, there is the chance to help the German middle class with digitalization. That motivates me enormously. Also, we have a team that consists of experienced professionals and young talents – this mix drives us all forward.
Wirtschaftsforum: How would you describe your market position?
Donald Badoux: We are now large enough to compete with international players. At the same time, we remain flexible and close to our customers. Our platform allows us to offer multiple locations to customers – from Hamburg to Frankfurt to Munich. This combination makes us unique.
Wirtschaftsforum: Digitalization and artificial intelligence are buzzwords of our time. What role do they play for NorthC?
Donald Badoux: A central one. AI is changing the requirements for data centers enormously – whether through high-performance processors that need new cooling solutions, or through projects in the area of quantum computing. We are developing data centers that use hybrid cooling systems and are thus equipped for the future. Digitalization is also vital for our customers. We help them modernize their processes and operate their data sovereignly in Europe.
Wirtschaftsforum: Sustainability is another major issue. What are you doing in this area?
Donald Badoux: We are doing a lot. For instance, we rely on green energy, optimize efficiency, and use waste heat for district heating supply. When one works with green electricity, green heat is also produced – we provide this through heat exchangers to energy suppliers. In addition, we implement sustainable building concepts with green facades, charging points for electric cars, and bicycles. For us, sustainability is not an add-on, but a duty and a part of our business model.
Christian Leupold: The industry perceives this very positively. We were awarded Platinum at the Data Center Insider Award – even ahead of major competitors. This shows that our approach is correct.
Wirtschaftsforum: Where is the journey heading in the long term?
Donald Badoux: The future will be shaped by AI and digitalization. We want to contribute to Europe building a sovereign infrastructure and not being solely dependent on US providers. And we wish to shape the digital transformation together with our customers. Personally, I hope that we continue to strengthen our open corporate culture. Because in the end, it's the people who make the difference.