The wireless communication equipment industry in the US is a vital component of modern technology, facilitating connectivity through various devices and networks. Companies in this sector range from startups developing innovative wireless solutions to established corporations creating the infrastructure that supports communication. Key products include antennas, routers, and signal amplifiers, essential for both consumer and enterprise use. As 5G technology continues to roll out, the industry is poised for growth, with discussions around spectrum allocation and next-gen applications, like IoT and smart cities, capturing attention. Investment activity remains robust, shaping the future of communication technologies.


The list of investors in the wireless communication equipment sector showcases a mix of veteran venture capital firms and corporate giants. Spanning locations like San Francisco and New York, these investors vary in size and investment strategy. Firms founded as early as 1972 and as recent as 2023 have made noticeable strides in backing emerging technology. Collectively, they participated in over 1,100 deals in 2024 alone, underlining their commitment to nurturing innovation in the wireless landscape. Notable names include Y Combinator, prominent for its early-stage investments, and Qualcomm Ventures, with a robust focus on growth-stage companies.


Top 15 Wireless Communication Equipment Investors in the US


1. Intel Capital

  • Website: intelcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: intelcapital

Intel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1991. The firm invests in early-stage technology companies, focusing on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. Notably, Intel Capital has made significant investments in the wireless communication sector, including multiple rounds of funding for BridgeWave Communications, a company that specializes in high-capacity wireless communication solutions. Their investments in BridgeWave include a Series D round of $10 million in 2008, a Series C round of $7.8 million in 2007, and several other funding rounds totaling over $10 million. Additionally, they invested in Fibocom, a company involved in wireless communication technologies, further solidifying their presence in this industry. Through these investments, Intel Capital provides funding, strategic support, and access to Intel's resources, helping startups scale and innovate within the tech ecosystem, including the wireless communication equipment space.


2. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, Y Combinator participated in the Series A funding rounds for Hubble Network, which is focused on launching satellites for wireless communication, and Tizeti, a Nigerian Internet Service Provider that operates in the wireless sector. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the wireless communication equipment industry, alongside its broader investment strategy across various technology sectors.


3. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)

  • Website: nea.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a venture capital firm founded in 1977, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. NEA partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. Notably, NEA has been involved in significant transactions within the wireless communication equipment sector, including a $20 million Series C funding round for Mimosa Networks, aimed at expanding its wireless product line, and participation in multiple funding rounds for Kumu Networks, a company focused on increasing the capacity of wireless networks. These investments highlight NEA's active role in the wireless communication equipment industry, demonstrating their commitment to supporting innovation in this field.


4. Qualcomm Ventures

  • Website: qualcommventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: qualcomm-ventures

Qualcomm Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Diego, California, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in early to growth stage technology companies, particularly within the wireless ecosystem. Qualcomm Ventures provides not only capital but also strategic support to help startups scale in competitive markets. Notably, they have participated in significant funding rounds for companies such as Siklu, which raised multiple rounds of funding (Series B, C, and D) to enhance its market position in wireless communication technology. Additionally, they invested in BaiCells Technologies, which raised over $14 million in Series B funding, further solidifying their commitment to the wireless communication equipment sector. Their diverse portfolio also includes investments in automotive, digital health, and IoT, but their active engagement in wireless communication makes them a relevant player in this industry.


5. Cisco

  • Website: cisco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: San Jose, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1984
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: cisco

Cisco Systems, Inc. is a technology company based in San Jose, California, specializing in digital communications and cybersecurity solutions. Founded in 1984, Cisco has established itself as a leader in networking hardware, software, and security services for businesses and organizations across various industries. Notably, Cisco has made strategic investments in the wireless communication equipment sector, including a $25 million Series C funding round for Kumu Networks, which focuses on advanced wireless technologies. They also invested in Mavenir, a company that provides software solutions for mobile networks. Furthermore, Cisco's acquisition of Acacia for $4.5 billion in 2019 highlights their commitment to enhancing wireless communication capabilities through innovative optical technologies. These transactions underscore Cisco's active role in the wireless communication equipment industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.


6. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It provides accredited investors and institutions access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors. The fund has made significant investments in the wireless communication equipment sector, including a $27 million Series C investment in Movandi, a company focused on 5G technology. They also participated in a Series A funding round for Finwave Semiconductor, which raised $12.2 million and is recognized as a 5G tech-enabler. Additionally, their involvement with Concealfab, although the amount is undisclosed, suggests a commitment to companies operating within the wireless communication domain. These transactions highlight the fund's strategic interest in advancing technologies that are pivotal to the wireless communication industry.


7. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing not only venture capital but also resources to help startups grow and succeed. In 2024 alone, SOSV has made 170 investments, showcasing its active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, Sosv has invested in Mesh++, a company that has raised multiple rounds of funding, including a significant $4.9 million in a Seed Round in October 2021, and additional funding rounds in 2023 and 2024. Mesh++ is focused on improving wireless connectivity solutions, making it a relevant player in the wireless communication equipment industry.


8. IQT (In-Q-Tel)

  • Website: iqt.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: in-q-tel

In-Q-Tel (IQT) is a not-for-profit venture capital firm founded in 1999, based in Arlington, Virginia. It specializes in investing in technology startups to enhance U.S. national security by partnering with various government agencies to identify and support innovative solutions. IQT has been involved in several notable transactions in the wireless communication equipment sector, including investments in Lime Microsystems, which raised $3,988,233 in a Series C round in 2011, and Transcelestial Technologies, a wireless communications provider based in Singapore, which raised $10 million in a Series A2 funding round in 2023. Additionally, IQT invested in GainSpan, which raised $18 million in a Series C round in 2011. These transactions highlight IQT's commitment to advancing technologies that are crucial for national security, including those in the wireless communication domain.


9. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They specialize in connecting startups with corporations to drive growth and innovation across various technology sectors. With a robust portfolio of 253 investments in 2024 alone, Plug and Play has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering new technologies. Notably, they have invested in companies like Shoof Technologies, which has developed advanced wireless solutions for asset monitoring, and Next Level Networks, which raised funds for its early-stage wireless technology initiatives. Their accelerator programs and investment opportunities are designed to enhance business development, making them a significant player in the technology investment landscape, including wireless communication equipment.


10. Motorola Solutions


Motorola Solutions, Inc. is a telecommunications equipment and software provider based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in critical communications and video security solutions. Founded in 1928, the company serves public safety agencies and enterprises with a range of products including two-way radios, body cameras, and cybersecurity services. In recent years, Motorola Solutions has actively invested in the wireless communication sector, participating in funding rounds for Ruckus Wireless, which raised significant capital in multiple series to enhance its wireless networking capabilities. Additionally, Motorola Solutions played a role in a Series A funding round for Council Rock, a company focused on LTE-based industrial routers, indicating their interest in advancing wireless technology. Furthermore, the acquisition of Barrett Communications in 2022 underscores Motorola's strategy to enhance its offerings in critical communications across various sectors, including civil and border security. These transactions highlight Motorola Solutions' active engagement in the wireless communication equipment industry.


11. Goldman Sachs

  • Website: goldmansachs.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 59
  • LinkedIn: goldman-sachs

Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm based in New York, founded in 1998. It offers a wide range of services, including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele of corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. In the context of wireless communication equipment, Goldman Sachs has made notable investments, such as a $24 million investment in Tejas Networks in 2007, which focuses on telecom equipment. They also participated in a significant $877 million post-IPO secondary investment in Cellnex Telecom in 2020, a leading operator of wireless telecommunications infrastructure in Europe. Additionally, they were involved in a recent funding round for Sterlite Technologies, which raised ₹1,000 Crore in 2024, further emphasizing their commitment to the wireless communication sector. Their investment in IHS Towers, which raised $130 million in 2014, also highlights their strategic interest in wireless infrastructure.


12. Silicon Valley Bank

  • Website: svb.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 31
  • LinkedIn: silicon-valley-bank

Silicon Valley Bank is a commercial bank founded in 1983, specializing in providing financial services to the innovation economy, particularly tech startups and venture capital firms. They offer a range of products including business banking, global payments, and asset management, helping clients navigate financial challenges and support their growth. Notably, SVB has been involved in several significant transactions within the wireless communication equipment sector, such as providing $50 million in post-IPO debt to Boingo Wireless, a company focused on wireless connectivity solutions. They also financed Cambridge Broadband Networks with $7 million and Icera with $12 million in debt financing, both of which are key players in the wireless communication space. Additionally, SVB supported Plume Design with $25 million in debt financing, further emphasizing their commitment to the wireless communication industry.


13. Accel

  • Website: accel.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 101
  • LinkedIn: accel-vc

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983, based in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, India, and China. The firm specializes in investing in startups and early-stage companies primarily within the technology sector. Accel has been involved in several significant transactions in the wireless communication equipment space, including investments in Sonim Technologies, which raised $8 million in 2006, and multiple funding rounds for Cambridge Broadband Networks, which raised a total of $58.5 million across several rounds from 2006 to 2010. These investments highlight Accel's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the wireless communication sector, further establishing their relevance in this industry.


14. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored solutions to institutional and individual investors. The firm has been actively involved in the wireless communication equipment sector through various strategic transactions. Notably, KKR, via HKE Holdings, made a tender offer to acquire Hitachi Kokusai Electric for approximately JPY 257.1 billion, which includes a significant stake in the video and communication solutions business. Additionally, KKR has invested in Viasat, a company known for its satellite communication services, and participated in funding rounds for major telecommunications players like Reliance Jio and Singtel. These investments highlight KKR's commitment to the wireless communication industry, making it a relevant investor in this space.


15. Bessemer Venture Partners

  • Website: bvp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1911
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 78
  • LinkedIn: bessemer-venture-partners

Bessemer Venture Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1911, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and investment management services to startups and growth-stage companies across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Bessemer has been involved in multiple funding rounds for Avnera, a company focused on wireless communication technology. They participated in Series B through Series E funding rounds for Avnera, contributing significant amounts such as $12 million in Series B and $37.25 million in Series E. This track record highlights Bessemer's engagement in the wireless communication equipment industry, showcasing their ability to identify and support innovative companies in this space.



Wireless Communication Equipment Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Intel CapitalSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)11-50199123
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
Qualcomm VenturesSan Diego, California, United States (USA)10001+200018
CiscoSan Jose, California, United States (USA)10001+19845
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
IQT (In-Q-Tel)Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)51-200199924
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Motorola SolutionsChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)10001+19283
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
Silicon Valley BankSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)5001-10000198331
AccelPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-2001983101
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Bessemer Venture PartnersSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50191178


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