Bitcoin miner MARA buys majority stake in AI data center firm Exaion

CoinTelegraph

by Amin Haqshanas

February 21, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

MARA Holdings, a leading Bitcoin mining company, has made a significant move into the artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud services sectors by acquiring a majority stake in Exaion, a French computing infrastructure operator. This strategic acquisition, finalized after securing necessary regulatory approvals, gives MARA France a 64% ownership in Exaion. The deal was initially agreed upon with EDF Pulse Ventures in August 2025, with the French energy giant retaining a minority stake and continuing its partnership as a customer. Exaion specializes in high-performance computing solutions, which aligns with MARA's goal to diversify its revenue streams beyond traditional Bitcoin mining. By integrating Exaion's infrastructure into its operations, MARA aims to expand its capabilities in AI and cloud services, reflecting a broader industry trend where cryptocurrency miners are shifting toward data center revenue models. This pivot allows MARA to tap into the growing demand for computational power in sectors like AI, big data, and machine learning. The acquisition also strengthens MARA's strategic alliances. NJJ Capital, the investment vehicle of telecom entrepreneur Xavier Niel, has acquired a 10% stake in MARA France as part of this partnership. This collaboration underscores the potential growth opportunities in the AI and cloud computing industries, further solidifying MARA's position as an innovator in the cryptocurrency space. For readers interested in crypto, this move highlights the evolving landscape where mining companies are no longer confined to traditional operations. By expanding into AI and cloud services, MARA is not only diversifying its business model but also positioning itself at the forefront of emerging technological trends. This strategic shift could set a precedent for other miners looking to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing industry. Overall, MARA's acquisition of Exaion marks a significant milestone in its journey toward becoming a key player in AI and cloud infrastructure. The deal not only enhances its technical capabilities but also establishes valuable partnerships that could drive long-term growth and innovation in the crypto ecosystem.

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/21/2026