In this interview, JB Gouret, based in Dubai, shares his journey from GPU mining to becoming the first certified GPU supplier for Compute with Hivenet. He discusses his experience, the transition to AI workloads, and his insights into AI.
Q: How did you get started with GPUs? Was it always about AI and cloud compute?
JB: Not at all! I started with crypto mining when it was booming. Back then, I had a few GPUs running in my apartment. Over time, I scaled up to about 30 GPUs, which took up a good portion of the space.
That hands-on experience was invaluable—I mastered cooling systems, energy efficiency, and hardware management. But as mining profitability dropped, I saw a better opportunity in AI and cloud computing workloads.
Q: How did you transition from mining to becoming a certified GPU supplier for Hivenet?
JB: It was a mix of timing and opportunity. I’ve known Hivenet’s Founder, David, for about a decade. When Hivenet began expanding its compute platform, David suggested I join as one of the first certified GPU suppliers.
What drew me to Hivenet was the idea of distributed cloud computing. Unlike crypto mining, which is volatile, AI workloads provide consistent demand. Partnering with Hivenet allowed me to use my expertise and resources for something sustainable and impactful.
Q: Why are AI workloads more appealing than crypto mining?
JB: The stability. Crypto mining depends on unpredictable markets and fluctuating energy costs, while AI workloads offer steady demand from businesses that need reliable compute power.
What’s even better is being part of something meaningful—helping startups and developers access affordable resources to innovate. That’s far more rewarding than chasing crypto profits.
Q: Why did you choose Dubai as the base for your operations?
JB: Dubai is a fantastic location for several reasons. First, its strategic position bridges Asia and Europe, which makes it ideal for global operations. Second, the investment in green energy here means electricity costs are competitive—an important factor for GPU operations.
The tech and AI ecosystem in Dubai is thriving, and there’s growing demand for high-performance compute power. On a personal note, as a mixed family (Hong Kong and French), Dubai is also a convenient base for travel.
Q: How has GPU demand changed over the years?
JB: GPUs used to be all about gaming and crypto mining. Now, AI workloads like machine learning, deep learning, and 3D rendering are driving demand. These applications require serious compute power, and the demand is steady and predictable.
In fact, I’ve seen many crypto miners pivot to AI workloads because they’re more reliable and profitable.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a GPU provider?
JB: Here’s what I’d recommend:
- Invest in the right GPUs. Models like the RTX 4090 or the upcoming 5090 are excellent for AI workloads.
- Understand the workloads. AI has different requirements compared to gaming or mining, so it’s important to know what you’re optimizing for.
- Choose a reliable platform. Hivenet makes it easy to connect your GPUs with businesses that need compute power.
Q: What’s the future of GPU compute, in your opinion?
JB: AI will continue to drive GPU innovation. Companies like Nvidia are already developing specialized hardware for AI workloads, and we’ll see even more efficient GPUs and smarter software for optimization.
As AI models grow more complex, the demand for compute power will only increase. GPUs are going to remain at the heart of this transformation.
Q: How has your experience been working with Hivenet?
JB: It’s been fantastic. The Hivenet team is collaborative and focused on building something valuable for both GPU providers and developers.
The platform makes it easy for me to connect my GPUs with businesses that need them, and it’s fulfilling to be part of an ecosystem that’s making cloud computing more accessible and affordable.
Q: Any final thoughts for people considering joining Hivenet as a GPU provider?
JB: If you have GPUs that aren’t being fully utilized, this is a fantastic opportunity. AI workloads are here to stay, and Hivenet gives you a way to put your GPUs to work while supporting innovation.
Thank you to JB for sharing his story and insights!
At Hivenet, we’re building a network of certified providers who share our vision of democratizing cloud computing. If you’re interested in becoming a certified GPU provider, reach out to our team via Discord or email to learn more about getting started.
