Memphis-based Catch12 invests in Ornn, an AI infrastructure platform standardizing GPU compute markets, to advance access, transparency, and cultural participation in the next wave of AI.
In a move that bridges technology, culture, and community, Catch12, Inc., the media and business entity established by the Morants, has announced a strategic investment in Ornn, an emerging AI infrastructure platform reshaping how the world accesses and trades GPU compute.
The investment is led by Berry Winn (COO) and Sumair Khan (CBLO), with strategic support from Jonathan Thomas (Director of Business Strategy) and Nie Williams (Director of Content and Culture).
Ornn is building foundational infrastructure for artificial intelligence: standardized swaps and derivatives for GPU compute markets that bring transparency and tradability to a historically opaque space. Through its marketplace, Ornn.trade, the platform publishes the H100 Index real-time benchmarks for GPU pricing and usage trend offering market participants a clear point of reference.
“From a business and strategy perspective, we believe Ornn is foundational infrastructure. We’re not buying software that solves one problem. We’re investing in a platform that can shape how creators, brands, and communities access compute in the future. Being early gives us a seat at the table to help steer its growth.”
-Berry Winn
Purpose, Access, and the Future of Culture
For Jonathan Thomas, the decision reflects Catch12’s ongoing evolution and commitment to intentional growth
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“Everything we’ve done at Catch12 has been intentional. We want to build and access tools that strengthen communities and prepare us for an ever-changing world. Ornn gives us that entry point into AI infrastructure so we can empower systems for the future. That’s how we stay ahead.”
-Jonathan Thomas
Viewing the move through a cultural lens, Nie Williams emphasizes AI literacy as empowerment, not fear. “AI’s not going anywhere, so we can either run from it or learn how to move with it. A lot of folks hear ‘artificial intelligence’ and think it’s some robot takeover thing. But really, it’s a new language. We just gotta make sure our people speak it. If Catch12 can help the culture see how to use AI to create, build, and win, then we’re doing what we’re supposed to do.”
– Nie Williams
Aligning with Industry Leaders
This partnership places Catch12 alongside a notable cohort of Ornn’s early supporters, including OpenAI, McKinsey, LangChain, Turing, Blackstone, Coinbase, Palantir, Mrecor, and Warburg Pincus, signaling confidence from leaders across AI and finance.
Looking Ahead
As AI reshapes every industry, Catch12’s leadership argues that now is the time for cultural organizations to invest not only in creativity, but in the infrastructure that powers it. Ornn represents that foundation one designed to help the next generation of creators, entrepreneurs, and communities thrive in the era of intelligent systems. “For us, this isn’t about following trends. It’s about building the future and making sure our people have a place in it.”
-Berry Winn
Instagram: @catch12media
