The digital world runs on data—and behind every AI model, streaming service, and cloud platform lies an invisible yet critical challenge: heat. As data centers expand to support ever-growing computational demands, the heat they generate threatens efficiency, sustainability, and scalability.

When veteran entrepreneur Chris Bentley, Co-Founder & CEO of InfraTechDC, first encountered the growing strain AI workloads were placing on data centers, his decades of business experience kicked in—seeing not just a problem, but an opportunity for reinvention. With more than 25 years of entrepreneurial ventures under his belt, Bentley had learned how to connect dots others might overlook. That insight became the foundation for InfraTechDC, a company transforming data center cooling with advanced, waterless liquid systems designed to make high-performance computing more sustainable and efficient.

This week, we sat down with Chris to learn more about his journey. In our conversation, he shared the story behind the company, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and his vision for building a more sustainable digital future.

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Q1: Could you tell us a little bit about your company?

At InfraTechDC, we’re tackling one of the most pressing challenges in the data industry: managing the extreme heat produced by high-performance computing. Our solution is a waterless liquid cooling system that not only handles thermal management more efficiently but also captures and reuses the heat generated. Our goal is to turn cooling from an operational cost into a source of power and sustainability—enabling the next generation of high-density, energy-efficient data centers.

Q2: What inspired you to start your own company?

After seeing the benefits of AI during the Open Playground period of ChatGPT, I knew something big was being introduced, but didn’t grasp the scale of it until I was presented with a problem via my network. That was, the chips were throwing off the entire server room environment and air couldn’t handle the heat.

As I dug deeper, I was shocked to see water being used to cool electronics at scale. It didn’t sit right with me—after all, we’ve always been taught to keep water away from electricity. I knew there had to be a better way, and there was and someone was already doing it. At least in their own way, but I knew it could be better. So I found a few like minded innovators and engineers and set out to do just that; be better.

Q3: What previous experiences influence your role today?

Nearly 25+ years of experience in business have quite an effect on viewing problems, and I’m fortunate enough to see the threads that connect otherwise unconnected technology and solutions. But to name a few, my previous entrepreneurial endeavors helped me get comfortable with rejection and failing fast in certain areas (it really can be a good thing); the resourcefulness of being the youngest of five brothers; and mentors that I’ve been fortunate enough to call friends being amassed along the way.

Q4: What are the biggest challenges you’ve encountered as a startup founder this far, and how did you overcome them?

Fundraising has been, without question, the toughest challenge. Entrepreneurship always comes with its share of masochistic moments, but raising capital tests your patience, creativity, and persistence in ways you don’t expect. What surprised me most were the unexpected reactions. I never thought I would hear an investor say, “You’re not asking for enough money,” or “That’s too much information.” As for overcoming these challenges, I’m looking forward to disclosing that story in another interview.

Q5: Do you have any mentors or role models who have inspired you while you have been building your business?

Obviously the entire RIoT team has been great, and they’ve connected me with some stellar individuals in Allen Gray and Josh Robertson. Also, Bill Jones and Matt Roth, my mentors from New York. And I can say honestly I had the best role model as a Dad. Since his passing I’m lucky enough to have four older brothers that all are echoes of him when I need inspiration.

Q6: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and future startup founders based on your own experiences and lessons learned?

Keep going… your passion is unlike many that are around you and it’s a superpower.

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👉 Why it matters: InfraTechDC isn’t just cooling data centers—it’s redefining what sustainable infrastructure can be. By merging innovation, experience, and an unwavering belief in doing things better, the team is helping shape a more efficient and eco-conscious digital future.

Follow Their Journey
Website: www.InfraTechDC.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/infratechdc