Venturing & Investments
All the latest insight, news and analysis on venturing and investment activity involving BT, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone.
Telefónica ploughs second batch of funding into “critical” Nozomi
Group’s Tech Ventures vehicle adds to funding in industrial cybersecurity player Nozomi Networks. Telefónica Ventures MD Gawendo talks up the value of the tie‑up as Group seeks to beef up IoT security capabilities. Additional investment strengthens relationship between the commercial and strategic partners, started in 2020.
Wayra buys into sustainable energy startup Solum
Open Future-accelerated Solum adds Wayra cash to funding pot. Embryonic startup to initiate recruitment drive and go-to-market expansion strategy. Move builds on existing relationship with Telefónica.
BT investment signals cybersecurity intent
BT named lead investor in $33m Safe Security funding round. SAFE cyber risk quantifier to be added to BT security offering, with the potential to target 30 million BT Consumer customers flagged by the partner. As well as exclusive securing UK rights, BT’s cash injection to fund accelerated innovation ...
Movistar gives fitness startup Volava distribution leg up
Wayra interest Volava taps into Spanish OB’s customer base, with flexible payment options for its hardware. Movistar raises possibility that early‑stage link‑up could be expanded upon, as startup pounces on COVID‑19‑spurred exercising‑at‑home trend.
Deutsche Telekom builds out Growth Equity leadership
Lance Matthews and Michael Rager ascend to MD, Growth Equity roles at Deutsche Telekom’s venturing arm.
DT-backed Innovid agrees SPAC merger
Legacy T-Venture enters “definitive agreement” to combine with special purpose acquisition vehicle. Trading name to remain “Innovid”. Advertising technology player eyeing further M&A opportunities to fuel growth.
Open Telekom Cloud goes full Circle
T‑Systems’ infrastructure‑as‑a‑service offering adds Circle partner benefits packages, with spend‑based reward tiers. Not a one‑way street, says Partner Manager Ulf Mayer, who is looking for commitment from customers.
Elsewhere in Telefónica Infra-Tech: Telefónica Tech Ventures expands into IoT
Telefónica Tech Ventures expands into IoT; roads, manufacturing, and tourism targeted as Group continues to build “smart” business-to-business alliances.
Iterable goes double unicorn with DTCP backing
Customer communications platform player takes $200m in funding, with Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners on the ticket. Medium‑term IPO a potential exit route for Group investment arm. Martech continuing to pique interest for DTCP.
Deutsche Telekom Venturing and Investments roundup
DTCP’s monetary fuel fires up One Store expansion plan; 2017 “strategic” IoT investment offloaded; hubraum targets greater accuracy.
Elsewhere in T-Mobile US: TMUS on the prowl for e‑health startups
TMUS on the prowl for e‑health startups; SyncUP product portfolio expanded; get-go for Hometown grant scheme.
Rejigged tie‑up could find Vodafone Egypt a home
Vodafone secures route to in‑Group transfer of Egypt stake in quid pro quo deal with local partner. Kenya-esque Vodacom hand-off of Egyptian interest one possibility.
Shopper tracking startup earns Wayra investment and O2 deal
Wayra UK dials up London-based startup’s already substantial financing. Investment sets the stage for a “multi-million-pound” retail partnership with the Group’s UK operator.