Venturing & Investments
All the latest insight, news and analysis on venturing and investment activity involving BT, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone.
DT’s RAN buddy Cellwize gets HPE investment
Automated RAN platform provider and Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners’ investment Cellwize takes cash injection from Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s Pathfinder venturing programme.
T-Labs and TMUS scoping out immersive shopper tech
Group R&D arm and US NatCo open applications for T‑Challenge 2022. Focus on retail vertical, with telco keen to enhance post‑COVID experiences for those shopping at home and in‑store. Scheme offering share of €600,000 prize pot.
AtlasEdge reels in more investment, new CEO
Liberty-backed European datacentre operation gets investment boost from Digital Realty. Giuliano Di Vitantonio to become CEO in January. Virgin Media O2 confirmed as AtlasEdge customer.
BT forms team to target strategic startup investments
Group getting back in funding game, focusing on startups in North America and Europe. New Digital division’s focus on platforms and partnerships at centre of push.
Vodafone venturing alumni earn No Big Deal backing
Marketing platform provider No Big Deal banks €465,000 in funding to scale in Benelux region. Founded in 2020 by former Vodafone Procurement Company and Tomorrow Street managers Bergstra and Klemetz.
Wayra buys into eSIM startup Airalo
Telefónica one of four telco investors in eSIM specialist. Funding to be used to expand to more countries and recruit more staff.
Wayra opens wallet for security startup Gabriel
£8.8m total funding raised in Series‑A round. Startup eyeing growth opportunities in domestic market and beyond. Telefónica teaming up on the distribution of home security solutions in LatAm.
Vodafone seeks in-house ‘unicorns’ as part of platforms push
New startup innovation division established, with Group veteran Jorge Bento appointed Director.
Wayra adds e-sports brains to portfolio with Wiper buy-in
Wayra Family unit makes co‑investment in Spanish ed‑tech platform developer Wiper Gaming. Investment likely to be in line with previously mooted “up‑to‑€2m” commitment.
BT establishes new digital health unit
Group recruiting for newly formed Digital Healthcare division. Unit to develop e‑health startup ecosystem, with provision of path‑to‑market options. ‘BT Incubation’ revealed as working title for broader tech accelerator branch.
DT’s hubraum buys into in-building player PHYTunes
In‑building coverage solutions specialist secures funding from hubraum.
Vodafone ups investment in collaboration player VOSS
Group contributes to new funding round by long‑time unified comms services partner. Rare sign of activity at Group’s startup investment unit Vodafone Ventures. VOSS bidding for growth following pandemic shake‑up to business collaboration.
Deutsche Telekom Investment & Innovation Roundup: hubraum frees up cash
hubraum freeing funding cash, invests in precise positioning and in‑building wireless partners; DT quietly exits Dynamic Signal.