The telecommunication tower industry in DACH focuses on building and maintaining the infrastructure needed for wireless communication. Tower companies partner with mobile operators to host their antennas and equipment, enabling a reliable transmission of voice and data services. With the rise of 5G and increased data consumption, there’s a growing demand to expand and modernize tower networks. Companies in this sector not only provide space and structural support but also offer maintenance and technical upgrades. Innovations like small cells and shared towers are shaping the future, making connectivity more accessible, especially in rural and underserved areas.


This list highlights 14 significant investors in the DACH telecommunication tower sector, showcasing a blend of corporate, venture capital, and private equity firms. Based in regions like Frankfurt, Zurich, and Amsterdam, these investors range in size from startups to large financial institutions. Established between 1870 and 2015, they collectively contributed to an impressive 115 investments in 2024, with standout commitments from Deutsche Bank and DEG. While many focus on infrastructure growth, others also support innovation in technology advancement, reflecting the dynamic nature of the telecommunications landscape.


Top 14 Telecommunication Tower Investors in DACH


1. Deutsche Bank

  • Website: db.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a leading investment bank and financial services provider. It offers a wide array of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. The bank serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. Notably, Deutsche Bank has participated in several significant transactions within the telecommunications sector, including a $500 million debt financing for Vertical Bridge Holdings in 2014, a $1.4 billion debt financing for NBN Co in 2023, and involvement in debt financing for FirstDigital Telecom. These transactions highlight Deutsche Bank's active role in supporting the growth and development of telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in the area of telecommunication towers.


2. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. In the telecommunications sector, Partners Group has made significant investments, including the acquisition of Axia NetMedia, a Canadian fiber business, and a 75% equity stake in EOLO, Italy's largest fixed wireless access broadband provider, valued at over €1.2 billion. Additionally, they have provided equity for Seaborn Networks, which is involved in the Seabras-1 subsea cable project connecting New York and Sao Paulo. These transactions highlight Partners Group's active role in the telecommunications infrastructure market, particularly in fiber and broadband services.


3. Swisscom Ventures


Swisscom Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investing in high-potential technology startups, providing not only financial support but also strategic advisory services to help these companies access technical infrastructure and market channels. Swisscom Ventures operates across various technology sectors, including AI and Fintech, but has also made significant investments in the telecommunications space. Notable transactions include their participation in Kumu Networks, which focuses on developing telecommunications technologies, and SWISSto12, a provider of telecommunications components for satellite and aerospace industries, which is also exploring opportunities in terrestrial communications such as 5G. These investments highlight Swisscom Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative companies that are shaping the future of telecommunications, including aspects relevant to telecommunication towers.


4. Deutsche Telekom

  • Website: telekom.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: telekom

Deutsche Telekom AG, founded in 1995 and headquartered in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading telecommunications company with a strong presence in over 50 countries. The company provides a wide range of services including mobile communications, fixed-network, broadband, and ICT solutions for both consumers and businesses. Deutsche Telekom has been involved in several significant transactions that enhance its telecommunications capabilities. Notably, the acquisition of T-Mobile in 2014 for approximately $1.13 billion expanded their mobile communications services. Additionally, the acquisition of GTS Central Europe for €546 million aimed to enhance their fixed-line capabilities and expand telecommunications services across Central Europe, which is crucial for building and maintaining telecommunication towers. Furthermore, their acquisition of Goingsoft and a minority stake in Teridion Technologies demonstrates their commitment to enhancing their technological capabilities and infrastructure. These transactions highlight Deutsche Telekom's strategic focus on expanding its telecommunications infrastructure, making it a relevant investor in the telecommunication tower sector.


5. Dtcp


DTCP is an investment firm based in Hamburg, Germany, specializing in Growth Equity and Infrastructure. Founded in 2015, DTCP focuses on investing in transformative technology leaders and digital infrastructure to support their growth and accelerate digital transformation. Their investment portfolio includes notable transactions in the telecommunications sector, such as Cellwize, an Israeli startup in mobile network automation, which raised significant funding rounds with DTCP's participation. They have also been involved in funding rounds for companies like Kumu Networks, which develops technologies relevant to network infrastructure. These investments highlight DTCP's commitment to supporting advancements in telecommunications and digital infrastructure.


6. Deg

  • Website: deginvest.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1962
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: deg

DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH is a public entity based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1962. As a development finance institution, DEG provides long-term financing and advisory services to private enterprises in developing and emerging markets, with a strong focus on sustainable development and job creation. DEG supports businesses across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Notably, DEG has participated in significant transactions within the telecommunications sector, such as its involvement in the investment round for Africa Mobile Networks, which aims to expand connectivity to rural areas by establishing over 5,000 towers across more than 15 countries. This investment highlights DEG's commitment to enhancing telecommunications infrastructure in emerging markets. Additionally, DEG has engaged in other financing activities related to telecommunications, such as debt financing for Liquid Intelligent Technologies and AXIAN, further demonstrating its active role in the sector.


7. Deutsche Beteiligungs AG

  • Website: dbag.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1965
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-beteiligungs-ag

Deutsche Beteiligungs AG (DBAG) is a private equity firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 1965. The firm specializes in investments in mid-sized companies, focusing on providing capital and advisory services to enhance the growth potential of its portfolio companies. DBAG has a diverse investment strategy that includes sectors such as telecommunications, IT services, software, and healthcare. Notably, DBAG has made significant investments in the telecommunications sector, including the acquisition of a majority stake in Netzkontor Nord, a telecommunications service provider, in January 2018. This transaction highlights DBAG's commitment to the telecommunications industry, which is integral to the infrastructure of telecommunication towers. Additionally, DBAG has been involved in other funding rounds related to telecommunications, such as investments in Vitronet Group and DNS:Net, further demonstrating its active role in this sector.


8. Swisscom

  • Website: swisscom.ch
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ittigen, Bern, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: swisscom

Swisscom AG is a leading telecommunications provider based in Ittigen, Bern, Switzerland, founded in 1998. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including mobile communication, broadband internet, and television, catering to both individual consumers and businesses. Swisscom has been actively involved in the telecommunications sector through various acquisitions, notably acquiring Antenna Hungaria in 2005, which enhances their capabilities in broadcasting and telecommunications infrastructure. In 2024, Swisscom further expanded its portfolio by acquiring Vodafone Italia, indicating a strategic move to strengthen its position in the telecommunications market. These transactions highlight Swisscom's commitment to enhancing connectivity solutions in a digital landscape, making them a significant player in the telecommunications industry.


9. Cobatest

  • Website: commerzbank.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: cobatest

Cobatest, operating under Commerzbank AG, is a public financial institution based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 1870. The bank provides a wide range of banking services, including current and savings accounts, loans, and investment management for both private individuals and businesses. In recent years, Commerzbank has been involved in several notable transactions in the telecommunications sector. For instance, they participated in a $1 billion debt financing for Reliance Jio, a leading telecommunications provider in India, which highlights their engagement in the telecom industry. Additionally, Commerzbank was part of a bank syndicate that financed the Seaborn Networks project, a subsea cable initiative connecting New York and Sao Paulo, further demonstrating their involvement in telecommunications infrastructure. These transactions reflect Commerzbank's capability and interest in the telecommunications sector, making them a relevant investor in this field.


10. Meag

  • Website: meag.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: meag

MEAG Munich Ergo Assetmanagement GmbH is an asset management company based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 1999. It provides investment management services for institutional and private clients, specializing in a diverse range of asset classes, including bonds, equities, real estate, and renewable energy investments. In recent years, Meag has been involved in notable transactions within the telecommunications sector, such as the debt financing of euNetworks Group, which raised approximately $858 million in December 2021, and the private equity round for Vantage Data Centers, which secured over $1.47 billion in December 2024. Additionally, Meag's investment in LiveOak Fiber further demonstrates its engagement in the telecommunications infrastructure space. These transactions highlight Meag's commitment to supporting companies that are integral to the telecommunications industry, making it a relevant player in this sector.


11. Bayern Kapital

  • Website: bayernkapital.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Landshut, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: bayern-kapital-gmbh

Bayern Kapital is a venture capital firm based in Landshut, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in providing investment and growth capital to innovative high-tech startups and scale-ups in Bavaria. With a focus on supporting clients with financial resources and access to a network of industry experts, Bayern Kapital helps navigate the challenges of growth and development in various sectors, including life sciences and software. Notably, Bayern Kapital has been involved in transactions such as Conntac, which raised funds to develop an app aimed at improving telecommunications provider hotlines, indicating their engagement in the telecommunications sector. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for other startups, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio, although not all are directly related to telecommunications. Their investment in Conntac highlights their potential interest in the telecommunications industry, making them a noteworthy player in this space.


12. Aptiv

  • Website: aptiv.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Schaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: aptiv

Aptiv PLC is an automotive technology company founded in 2008, headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. The company specializes in providing advanced solutions for vehicle safety, connectivity, and electrification, serving automotive manufacturers and OEMs. Aptiv has made significant acquisitions to bolster its capabilities, including the acquisition of Gabo Systemtechnik in 2019 for approximately $310 million, which specializes in cable management and protection products for the telecommunications industry. This acquisition allows Aptiv to operate within the telecommunications market, enhancing its offerings. Additionally, Aptiv acquired HellermannTyton Group in 2015 for $1.7 billion, further expanding its reach in related sectors. These strategic moves indicate Aptiv's interest in diversifying its portfolio to include telecommunications, making it a noteworthy player in the industry.


13. Sunrise

  • Website: sunrise.ch
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Opfikon, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: sunrise-upc-gmbh

Sunrise LLC is a telecommunications provider based in Opfikon, Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2021. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including mobile, internet, TV, and landline phone services, catering to both individual consumers and businesses. Notably, Sunrise has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its market presence. In 2019, it acquired UPC Cablecom GmbH, enhancing its service offerings in the broadband and cable sectors. Additionally, in 2013, Sunrise acquired Lebara GmbH, a provider of mobile prepaid services, and Ortel Mobile, further strengthening its position in the prepaid mobile market. These acquisitions reflect Sunrise's commitment to expanding its telecommunications capabilities, which may involve investments in telecommunication infrastructure, including towers, to support its service delivery.


14. OeEB Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank AG - The Development Bank of Austria


OeEB Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank AG, established in 2008, is a public development bank based in Vienna, Austria. It focuses on providing investment financing and advisory services to support sustainable projects in developing countries, particularly enhancing the role of the private sector in economic development. OeEB aims to facilitate access to capital and promote financial inclusion, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Notably, OeEB has been involved in significant transactions in the telecommunications sector, including a recent investment in TowerCo of Africa, where it contributed to a $40 million financing round aimed at installing 506 new telecom towers in rural Uganda. This investment is expected to improve access to 4G and 5G services in underserved areas, demonstrating OeEB's commitment to enhancing telecommunications infrastructure and supporting local communities. Additionally, OeEB has engaged in other financing activities, such as supporting energy transition projects, but its involvement in telecom tower financing underscores its relevance in this specific sector.



Telecommunication Tower Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Swisscom VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020074
Deutsche TelekomBonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+19951
DtcpHamburg, Hamburg, Germany51-20020156
DegNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany501-1000196217
Deutsche Beteiligungs AGFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany51-20019652
SwisscomIttigen, Bern, Switzerland10001+19982
CobatestFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany1-1018706
MeagFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany501-100019995
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527
AptivSchaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland10001+20082
SunriseOpfikon, Zurich, Switzerland1001-500020211
OeEB Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank AG - The Development Bank of AustriaVienna, Vienna, Austria51-20020083


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