redIT

About redIT

redIT, founded in 1996 by Mark Barlow and Mark Hopperton, established itself as a specialized provider of data center infrastructure and managed cloud services primarily in the Southwestern United States and Mexico. The company catered to a diverse client base, including sectors such as information technology, banking, finance, professional services, and Fortune 500 companies. Its business model revolved around offering high-capacity data centers with customizable colocation options—such as private cages and cabinets—connectivity, and a suite of managed IT infrastructure services.

The company's service portfolio included hardware, software, connectivity, telecommunications, and security solutions. A key feature of its data centers was the proprietary power, cooling, and network connectivity systems designed to ensure high availability, boasting greater than 99.999% uptime at facilities like its Los Angeles location. This facility provided clients access to over 300 domestic and international carriers. In 2013, the company expanded its footprint by opening a new 95,000-square-foot data center in Mexico City, specifically targeting the growing demand from government institutions.

A significant milestone in redIT's history occurred in 2013 when it raised $72 million in a private equity round from investors including Cartesian Capital Group, Digital Realty, and LIV Capital to expand its data center operations. This period of growth culminated in its acquisition by KIO Networks, a major IT services provider based in Mexico. The deal, announced in June 2014 and finalized in October 2014, was a strategic move for KIO Networks to expand its footprint into the United States and consolidate its position in the managed IT services market. The integration added redIT's six technology campuses and multiple data centers to KIO's portfolio, creating a combined entity with 28 data centers and extensive fiber optic networks across Mexico and the U.S.