Sydney-based data centre company AirTrunk has announced a $22 million bonus pool for its 330 employees. Each employee will receive $65,000 as part of the celebration of the company’s blockbuster $24 billion acquisition by US private equity giant Blackstone.
Generous Bonuses for All Employees
AirTrunk’s founder and CEO, Robin Khuda, delivered the exciting news to employees on Monday. He emphasised the importance of sharing the company’s success with the people who made it possible.
“We would not have achieved what we have without them,” Khuda reportedly told his team.
This one-off bonus is on top of AirTrunk’s existing profit-sharing agreement, which benefits 120 senior staff members. Employees will also receive their regular annual bonuses, further boosting morale ahead of the holiday season.
From $3 Billion to $24 Billion in Four Years
The acquisition by Blackstone represents a significant leap in valuation for AirTrunk. The company was valued at just $3 billion in 2020 when backed by Macquarie Asset Management.
The deal is Australia’s largest acquisition this year and catapults AirTrunk into global prominence. Khuda will retain a significant stake in the company worth over $1 billion, placing him among Australia’s wealthiest individuals.
Pioneers in Data Centre Solutions
AirTrunk specialises in building and operating large-scale data centres, which provide essential storage and management solutions for businesses dependent on digital information.
Clients include tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. AirTrunk operates 11 cutting-edge data centres across Sydney, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Malaysia, and Singapore.
The company’s success stems from its ability to deliver eco-friendly, cost-effective facilities. Its data centres minimise energy and water consumption, making them attractive to environmentally conscious investors.
Employee Perks Beyond Pay
This is not the first time AirTrunk has rewarded its employees. Earlier in the year, the company flew most of its staff to Bali for a company-wide conference. The event included team-building activities like assembling pushbikes for charity.
In addition to such perks, AirTrunk offers “recharge days” and flexible working arrangements. These initiatives earned the company a spot among Australia’s top 10 best places to work, according to Great Place to Work.
The Challenges Behind AirTrunk’s Success
Khuda’s journey to founding AirTrunk is one of determination and risk. Born in Bangladesh, Khuda moved to Australia at 18 and faced significant hurdles in building his business.
In 2016, Khuda found himself in a financial crunch as he worked to launch AirTrunk’s first data centre.
“I even took money from my superannuation fund. That was naughty of me,” Khuda admitted in an earlier interview with The Australian Financial Review.
Desperate to keep the business afloat, Khuda considered seeking insolvency advice. However, his perseverance paid off, and AirTrunk successfully launched its first data centre in September 2017.
Looking Ahead: Aiming for $100 Billion
Khuda plans to remain CEO after the acquisition and has ambitious goals for AirTrunk’s future. He aims to grow the company’s valuation to over $100 billion by expanding operations and strengthening its position as a leader in the data centre industry.
“The culmination of many years of hard work and sacrifice from our team has led to this success,” AirTrunk said in a statement.
A Bright Future for AirTrunk Employees
The $65,000 bonus comes at a perfect time for AirTrunk’s workforce, with Christmas just around the corner. The generous payout underscores the company’s commitment to recognising and rewarding its employees’ contributions.
This milestone cements AirTrunk’s reputation as a pioneer in data centre innovation and a desirable workplace for talent across the industry.
With the backing of Blackstone, AirTrunk is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory, benefitting employees, investors, and clients alike.
