A Digital Infrastructure Unicorn: Introducing John Anderson and His Industry Journey

As the world continues to embrace digital transformation, the need for digital infrastructure is growing exponentially. Companies are looking for ways to store, connect, and access their data via data centers and fiber connectivity, all the while conscious of the carbon footprint. With over 20 years of experience in digital infrastructure deployments, including multiple fiber network deployments, data center builds, land acquisitions, company mergers and more, John Anderson’s experience covers it all. As such, we introduce John Anderson of Quantum Loophole as a digital infrastructure unicorn, nominee for Lawyer of the Year for the 2023 Tech Capital Global Awards.

As the Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel, and Secretary of Quantum Loophole, John plays a critical role in the success of the company. His expertise in data center site development, land procurement, fiber optic networks,  data center power, and renewable energy has helped Quantum Loophole become a burgeoning leader in the digital infrastructure industry.

John's journey began in 1999 when he joined Broadwing Communications (acquired by Level 3 in 2006 and now part of CenturyLink as of 2017). At Broadwing, he managed fiber deals, network real estate, IRUs, and IT deals while supporting the company's financial operations. John spearheaded his first national fiber network deal worth nearly half a billion dollars in the same year. He went on to provide legal counsel for notable companies like Cincinnati Bell and CyrusOne, among others.

In 2019, Josh Snowhorn, Founder and CEO of Quantum Loophole, brought John on board to the new company he was forming. Having worked with John at Cincinnati Bell and Cyrus One, he knew John's holistic experience was key to the formation and development of Quantum Loophole. John’s  skill in creating and submitting founding documents was critical to officially forming Quantum Loophole in January 2020, at the onset of the global pandemic crisis.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, John successfully guided Quantum Loophole through the global crisis and helped to secure ~$13 million in Seed A funding in February 2021. He repeated these efforts for the Seed B funding stage, which brought in all-important early-stage institutional funding.

One of John's most notable accomplishments was his role in the deal between Quantum Loophole and TPG Real Estate Partners (TREP), the dedicated real estate equity investment platform of global alternative asset firm TPG. The investment from TREP was used, in part, to fund Quantum Loophole’s land purchase of the 2,100+ acre data center campus that is now known as Quantum Frederick.

John is part of a team leading a project that has never been done before. He is creating a blueprint for other lawyers in the industry to show what it means to be able to bring together different aspects of business and legal operations. John has surrounded himself with a great team of lawyers supporting Quantum Loophole’s initiatives, ensuring the company stays ahead of the curve.

“With over two decades of experience, John is a force to be reckoned with in the industry,” comments Josh Snowhorn, Founder and CEO of Quantum Loophole. “John is instrumental in the success of Quantum Loophole. His expertise in data center site development, land procurement, fiber optic networks, data center power, and renewable energy has proved invaluable to the company.  We are honored to have him among our rockstar management team.” 

As a nominee for the Tech Capital Global Awards for Lawyer of the Year, John Anderson is among other industry leading Lawyers, including Gabriel Silva, Partner at Vinson & Elkins; Mark Chester, Partner, Co-head, Global DC Group for Eversheds Sutherland;  and Tim Kuester, General Counsel, STACK Infrastructure. At Quantum Loophole we are rooting for John Anderson, whom we dub a digital infrastructure unicorn due to his holistic experience and accomplishments leading our success, from seed funding and capital raises to land and fiber sale agreements. John is leading a project that has never been done before, clearing a path for other lawyers in the industry to follow. 

For more information about the Tech Capital Awards, visit www.thetechcapital.com. For information about Quantum Loophole, go to: www.quantumloophole.com.