The telecommunications software industry in Europe revolves around developing solutions that enhance communication services. Companies in this space create software for network management, customer experience, and data analytics. This sector includes startups designing VoIP systems and established firms offering cloud-based services. With the rise of 5G technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), there's a growing need for innovative solutions to manage increased data traffic and connectivity demands. As digital transformation accelerates across various sectors, investment in this industry is expected to rise, leading to more robust growth and technological advancements.


The list features a combination of corporate investors, venture capital firms, and private equity groups primarily based in the UK, France, Sweden, and Ireland. From early-stage ventures to established enterprises, these investors vary in size, with some managing assets in the thousands. Established between 1945 and 2010, they made significant strides in 2024, collectively participating in numerous deals that reflect their keen interest in telecommunications software innovation.


Top 15 Telecommunications Software Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Bpifrance has been involved in several notable transactions in the telecommunications software space, including investments in Cirpack, a French cloud telephony business, and Actility, a leading provider of network solutions for the IoT market. Actility has raised significant funding rounds, including $75 million in Series D and $17.3 million in a recent funding round, highlighting Bpifrance's role in supporting key players in the telecommunications software industry.


2. Accenture

  • Website: accenture.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 51
  • LinkedIn: accenture

Accenture is a global consulting firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in information technology and management consulting services. Founded in 2001, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 professionals and has made significant strides in various industries, including telecommunications. In 2024, Accenture has been particularly active, announcing several key acquisitions aimed at bolstering its telecommunications capabilities. Notably, the acquisition of Award Solutions enhances its offerings in advanced wireless and network technologies, including 5G. Additionally, the planned acquisition of Fibermind, which specializes in fiber and mobile 5G networks, further underscores Accenture's strategic focus on the telecommunications sector. These transactions reflect Accenture's commitment to innovating and improving efficiency in telecommunications, making it a relevant player in the telecommunications software industry.


3. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm focuses on investing in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. They provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of growing their businesses. Notably, Index Ventures has invested in telecommunications software companies such as Sinch, a communications platform that raised $12 million in funding, and Fuze, an 8x8 company that raised $20 million in Series A funding. Additionally, they have invested in Fon, a company that has developed a Wi-Fi sharing network, further showcasing their involvement in the telecommunications sector. Their approach emphasizes building long-term partnerships with founders to drive success, making them a significant player in the venture capital landscape.


4. Enterprise Ireland


Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has been involved in several transactions within the telecommunications software sector, such as Openmind Networks, which raised funds in 2017, and Cicero Networks, which secured funding in 2008. Additionally, it participated in the funding round for Intune Networks, a Dublin technology firm, which raised €22 million to expand its market coverage in telecommunications. These transactions highlight Enterprise Ireland's active role in supporting telecommunications software companies.


5. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship to help them navigate initial challenges and achieve success. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in Gaiia, an emerging player in connectivity operating systems, which raised $13 million in seed funding to enhance its development and integration capabilities for communication service providers (CSPs). Additionally, Kima Ventures has invested in Opencell Software, which raised funds to accelerate the development of its open-source billing solution tailored for the telecommunications sector, among others. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' active role in the telecommunications software industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.


6. Microsoft Accelerator


Microsoft Accelerator is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in London, England. It is part of Microsoft, a leading technology company specializing in artificial intelligence and cloud computing solutions. The accelerator aims to enhance productivity for businesses across various industries through innovative technologies. Notably, Microsoft Accelerator has made investments in telecommunications-related companies, such as Lavelle Networks, which raised $600,000 in a seed round in 2017, focusing on network management solutions. Other investments include Thinxtream Technologies, which also received seed funding, indicating a broader interest in technology solutions that may intersect with telecommunications software. While Microsoft Accelerator's primary focus is on AI and cloud computing, its engagement with telecommunications software through these investments demonstrates its relevance in this sector.


7. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions within the telecommunications software sector, including investments in COS Systems, Sweratel, Nipsoft, and Netrounds. These companies focus on delivering software solutions that improve telecommunications services, showcasing Almi's commitment to supporting innovation in this field. In 2013, Almi participated in a seed round for Netrounds, which raised $1,000,000, further emphasizing their active role in the telecommunications software industry.


8. Seedcamp

  • Website: seedcamp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: seedcamp_2

Seedcamp is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2007, specializing in early-stage startups across Europe. With a team of 11-50 professionals, Seedcamp provides financial backing and support to founders, helping them achieve product-market fit, sales growth, and access to a vast network of investors. They focus on technology-driven companies looking to innovate and grow. Notably, Seedcamp has participated in various funding rounds for startups, including Yodel.io, which raised funds in 2017 and operates in the telecommunications sector. Additionally, they have invested in Re:infer, a British AI startup, and Tanaza, which raised funds in 2014. These transactions highlight Seedcamp's engagement with companies that have relevance to telecommunications software, showcasing their potential interest in this industry.


9. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in several telecommunications software-related companies, including a GBP7.3 million investment in AdEPT Telecom, which focuses on telecom services, and a £10.25 million investment in Jola Cloud Solutions, a cloud-based telecom solutions provider. Other relevant transactions include investments in Calnex Solutions and NewVoiceMedia, both of which operate in the telecommunications space. These investments highlight BGF's active role in supporting the growth of businesses within the telecommunications software industry.


10. Apax

  • Website: apax.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: apax-partners

Apax Partners LLP is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including technology, internet/consumer, healthcare, and services. Apax collaborates with management teams of high-potential companies to drive growth and innovation. Notably, Apax has made significant investments in the telecommunications sector, including the acquisition of Infovista, a company known for its network performance and analytics solutions, in May 2016. They also acquired Salt Mobile, a telecommunications provider, in December 2011. Additionally, Apax was involved in funding Bezeq Israeli Telecommunication Corp Ltd and Starhome Mach, further emphasizing their commitment to the telecommunications software industry. Apax serves institutional investors seeking to enhance their capital through strategic investments in private equity funds.


11. Partech

  • Website: partechpartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: partech

Partech Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1982, based in Paris, Île-De-France, France. The firm specializes in providing funding and support to startups across various sectors, particularly in technology. Partech operates globally and has a diverse portfolio of companies. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Allot, which raised significant funding in Series D and E rounds, focusing on network intelligence and security solutions. Additionally, they supported NetBeez, a network performance monitoring company, in a seed funding round, highlighting their commitment to telecommunications software. Other investments include Transcelestial Technologies, which raised funds for innovative telecommunications solutions, further showcasing Partech's engagement in the telecommunications software space. With 24 investments in 2024 alone, Partech continues to play a significant role in the technology landscape, including telecommunications software.


12. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as the SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund based in London, UK, founded in 2017. The fund primarily invests in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and related fields. With a diverse portfolio, SoftBank supports growth-stage technology firms across various sectors, including health tech and fintech. Notably, their investments in the telecommunications software domain include a significant $300 million minority equity investment in Plume Design, which aims to provide AI-driven, cloud-controlled services for residential consumers and small businesses. Additionally, SoftBank has invested in Kigen, a company that raised $20 million in Series B funding, focusing on secure connectivity solutions, further emphasizing their engagement in the telecommunications software industry. These strategic investments reflect SoftBank's commitment to fostering technological advancements in telecommunications and connectivity.


13. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to telecommunications software, such as funding for Nestwave, a company specializing in low-power geolocation IP and cloud services for IoT applications. This investment highlights the EIC's commitment to supporting technologies that intersect with telecommunications. Other transactions include grants to companies like Tessares, Deep Render, and Compira Labs, which may also have implications for telecommunications software development.


14. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, the EIB has been involved in 99 investments, showcasing its active role in financing initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, the EIB has engaged in significant transactions within the telecommunications sector, including a $584 million post-IPO debt raise for Nokia in 2018, a $455.2 million funding deal with Ericsson in December 2023, and multiple debt transactions with Orange totaling over $1 billion. These investments highlight the EIB's commitment to supporting key players in the telecommunications industry, making it a relevant investor in the telecommunications software space.


15. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. The firm has been actively involved in the telecommunications sector, with notable transactions including the acquisition of Zayo for $14.3 billion in 2020, which is a leading provider of communications infrastructure. Additionally, EQT acquired Segra, a regional fiber network provider, in 2018, and GlobalConnect, which offers connectivity solutions in Northern Europe, in 2016. They also acquired Adamo Telecom Iberia, which focuses on broadband services in Spain. These transactions highlight EQT's commitment to investing in telecommunications infrastructure and services, making them a relevant player in the telecommunications software industry.



Telecommunications Software Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
AccentureDublin, Dublin, Ireland10001+200151
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
Microsoft AcceleratorLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020130
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
SeedcampLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200740
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
ApaxLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019818
PartechParis, Île-De-France, France51-200198224
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430


Want to find more investors focusing on the telecommunications software industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the telecommunications softwareindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!