Venturing & Investments
All the latest insight, news and analysis on venturing and investment activity involving BT, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone.
T-Mobile joins Bezos in backing ‘$39bn’ robots biz Figure AI
T-Mobile’s venture capital arm adds another AI-focused business to its portfolio with investment in $1bn+ funding round for robotics developer. Figure AI sets sights on infrastructure and robot manufacturing expansion with the extra funds…
TDF sale speculation: American Tower and Ardian are latest names in frame
Bidders are said to be circling the French wireless infraco and a sale is estimated to be worth up to €10bn.
Indian magnate joins BT board to give long-term investor Bharti a voice at the top
BT Group’s largest shareholder Bharti Enterprises firms up relationship to secure two boardroom seats.
Vivo moves to expand in fintech with Asaas investment
Vivo Ventures makes eighth and largest investment to date in financial management services player. Further collaboration with Brazilian telco on fintech services also under discussion…
TPG: Vodafone up for £360m windfall as Oz outpost splashes the cash
Following the multi-billion-dollar sale of its fixed assets, TPG Telecom is initiating a major capital return. The “novel and complex” AUD 3bn plan is designed to reward major shareholders while courting minority investors and improving the telco’s stock exchange and credit profile. It also boasted a cracking H1…
Legendary corporate raider reveals 3% Vodafone stake
Deep Dive: Following Liberty Global’s sharp exit, billionaire Martin Ebner has emerged as a prominent shareholder. The investor, known for forcing major change at Swiss firms, is now fourth on the shareholder roster, leaving the market to ponder the activist’s next move.
Vi shares plummet: no further state support for Vodafone’s India affiliate
With share price diving after government indicated no further state help, at least on current basis, beleaguered Vi under renewed pressure to secure future and fund critical 5G rollout…
Q2 FY25: DT moves to put more fibre in T-Mobile diet
Deutsche Telekom sees potential for more ‘clean, incremental’ buyouts in American fibre space, to keep growth engine at T-Mobile US stoked. Comments come as T-Mobile ups expectations for FY25 on back of takeover spree, string of new industry tie-ups, and further customer base expansion.
GoFibre closes £125m funding round to boost Scottish fibre build
Altnet secures additional financing from the Scottish National Investment Bank and Hamburg Commercial Bank, with aspiration to reach additional Scottish premises while supporting ongoing Project Gigabit build. Read more…
DTCP and Porsche said to explore €500m defence tech fund
Venture capital partners DTCP and Porsche are reportedly talking about setting up a €500m defence-focused fund, which would be the pair’s second tie-up.
AXA still seen as likely partner in Telefónica, Vodafone Spain fibreco
Operator duo reportedly in advanced stages of discussions to offload stake in Fiberpass. Telefónica expected to retain a majority holding, as it seeks to take greater control over its European infra asset base…
Deutsche Telekom lines up Brookfield for AI data centre investment
Deutsche Telekom turns to towerco partner Brookfield Asset Management for co-investment in AI data centres and considers setting up an off-balance sheet partnership as competition heats up for EU-funded contracts.
Liberty CEO: Vodafone stake sell-off is not a judgement on telco’s strategy
Mike Fries says decision to sell a 5% Vodafone Group stake should not be seen as a reflection of the UK operator’s strategy, but purely a rotation of Liberty capital…