The telecommunication equipment industry in Benelux focuses on providing vital infrastructure and advanced technologies that facilitate communications. From established giants like KPN and SES Satellites to innovative startups, companies are engaged in manufacturing devices, network equipment, and providing connected services. These organizations are increasingly pivoting toward the growing demand for broadband connectivity, 5G deployments, and IoT integration. As the industry evolves, collaboration is key, with firms emphasizing research and development for future capabilities. With an increasing reliance on digital communications, the sector remains poised for growth, adapting to the fast-paced technological advancements that define modern interactions.


The investors featured in this list represent a varied mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate investors headquartered across Benelux. Ranging in size from small firms with under 50 employees to large entities with thousands, each brings unique expertise and capital to the telecommunications equipment sector. Notably, 2024 saw investors such as CVC Capital Partners and EIB making significant investments, reflecting a robust engagement in telecommunications innovation. Many have been established for over a decade, demonstrating their commitment to funding the transformative technologies within the industry.


Top 16 Telecommunication Equipment Investors in Benelux


1. 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 recent years, EIB has been actively involved in the telecommunications sector, providing substantial funding to key players in the industry. Notable transactions include a $584 million post-IPO debt raised by Nokia in August 2018, a $455.2 million funding deal with Ericsson in December 2023, and additional debt financing for Ericsson and Tele2 in 2018 and 2024, respectively. These investments highlight EIB's commitment to supporting growth and innovation in the telecommunications equipment sector, making it a significant player in this field.


2. 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 diverse sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding transactions relevant to the telecommunications equipment sector, such as Tessares, which raised funds in both venture rounds and grants, and Oledcomm, which also received significant grant funding. These transactions highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting innovative companies that may contribute to advancements in telecommunications technology.


3. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has made notable investments in the telecommunications sector, including the acquisition of Hong Kong Broadband Network in 2012 for approximately HK$5 billion (US$644 million), and the acquisition of Sunrise Communications, TDC's Swiss subsidiary, for an enterprise value of CHF 3.3 billion in 2010. Additionally, CVC's acquisition of Wireless Logic, a leading M2M managed services platform, highlights their strategic focus on technology and telecommunications. These transactions reflect CVC's commitment to delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments in the telecommunications industry.


4. SES Satellites

  • Website: ses.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Betzdorf, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: ses

SES Satellites, founded in 1985 and based in Betzdorf, Luxembourg, is a leading satellite telecommunications provider that offers a wide range of services including video broadcast and data connectivity solutions. The company operates a fleet of over 70 satellites in geostationary and medium Earth orbits, ensuring global coverage for its customers across various sectors such as broadcasting, government, and maritime. SES has been actively involved in significant transactions that highlight its commitment to the telecommunications equipment industry. Notably, in 2024, SES announced its acquisition of U.S.-based Intelsat for $3.1 billion, which is set to create the world's largest satellite services provider. Additionally, SES participated in a Series A funding round for ALCAN Systems, a German smart antenna start-up, demonstrating its interest in innovative telecommunications technologies. These transactions underscore SES's strategic focus on enhancing its telecommunications capabilities and expanding its market presence.


5. Gimv

  • Website: gimv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: gimv

Gimv is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across various sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably. Notably, Gimv has been involved in significant transactions within the telecommunications equipment sector, such as the acquisition of Onedirect Comunicaciones in 2010 for approximately $19.3 million, which highlights their commitment to this industry. Additionally, they have made multiple investments in CoreOptics, raising substantial funds over the years, indicating their interest in companies that develop technology relevant to telecommunications. Their clientele primarily consists of entrepreneurial companies seeking capital and expertise to navigate market challenges, further emphasizing their role as a supportive investor in the telecommunications space.


6. Kpn

  • Website: kpn.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: kpn

KPN is a leading telecommunications provider based in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1989. With over 10,000 employees, KPN offers a wide range of services, including fixed and mobile telephony, internet, and television, catering to both consumers and businesses. The company is known for its reliable network and comprehensive service offerings. KPN has made significant investments in the telecommunications sector, including the acquisition of iBasis, a global VoIP provider, in 2009, and Telfort, a major wireless carrier in the Netherlands, in 2005, which expanded its market share significantly. In 2017, KPN acquired Solcon, a Dutch internet service provider, to enhance its service offerings, and in 2016, it acquired RoutIT, further strengthening its position in the telecommunications market. KPN also participated in a funding round for Actility, a company focused on IoT network solutions, showcasing its commitment to advancing telecommunications technology.


7. M Ventures

  • Website: m-ventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: merck-ventures

M Ventures is a venture capital fund based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investing in transformative ideas within the biotechnology and technology sectors, providing funding and strategic guidance to startups in healthcare, life sciences, and advanced technology. Among their notable transactions, M Ventures participated in the Series A funding for ALCAN Systems, a German smart antenna start-up, which raised EUR 7.5 million to develop low-cost, ultra-thin flat smart antennas, directly linking them to the telecommunications equipment industry. Additionally, they were involved in funding rounds for Celestial AI, a company that creates Photonic Fabric Optical Interconnect Technology, which has significant applications in telecommunications. These investments highlight M Ventures' commitment to supporting innovation in technology, including telecommunications equipment.


8. Cipio Partners

  • Website: cipiopartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: cipio-partners

Cipio Partners is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2003, specializing in European growth capital and minority buyouts for technology companies. They provide financial support and strategic guidance to help businesses scale and prepare for liquidity events. Cipio Partners focuses on technology firms with proven business models and significant revenue, primarily in the software and B2B sectors. Notably, they have been involved in multiple funding rounds for BridgeWave Communications, a company that supplies 4G millimeter wave backhaul solutions, which is critical for mobile and LTE networks. Their investments in BridgeWave, including a $10.3 million financing round in 2012 and several earlier rounds, highlight their engagement in the telecommunication equipment space, reinforcing their position as a relevant investor in this industry.


9. ABN AMRO Clearing Bank

  • Website: abnamro.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: abn-amro-clearing-bank-n-v-

ABN AMRO Clearing Bank is a banking institution based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, that provides a range of financial services including personal banking, business banking, and investment management. Founded in 1982, the bank serves individual consumers and businesses, helping them manage their financial needs and investments while ensuring compliance with financial regulations. In recent years, ABN AMRO has been involved in several notable transactions within the telecommunications sector, particularly in debt financing. For instance, they participated in a $1.35 billion debt financing for euNetworks Group in June 2024, which focuses on providing high-capacity bandwidth services. Additionally, they were core lenders in a £4.9 billion debt package for CityFibre, a UK-based network operator aiming to expand fiber connectivity to millions of homes. Their involvement in financing projects for companies like Gigaclear and Fibrus further emphasizes their active role in supporting the telecommunications infrastructure, making them a relevant investor in the telecommunication equipment industry.


10. Mutares Benelux

  • Website: mutares.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: mutares-benelux

Mutares Benelux, a private equity firm based in Amsterdam, was founded in 2021 and is part of Mutares SE & Co. KGaA. The firm specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition, providing operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Notably, Mutares has made significant investments in the telecommunications equipment sector, including the acquisition of Alan Dick Communications Limited, a UK-based provider of critical communications and security systems, and ADComms, which also focuses on critical communications. These transactions highlight Mutares' strategic interest in the telecommunications industry, complementing its broader investment portfolio.


11. KPN Ventures

  • Website: kpnventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: kpn-ventures

KPN Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2015. The firm focuses on investing in innovative technology companies across various sectors, including Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, and Digital Healthcare. Notably, KPN Ventures has been involved in several key transactions relevant to the telecommunications industry. For example, they participated in a $75 million Series D funding round for Actility, a leading provider of network solutions for the IoT market, which is crucial for telecommunications infrastructure. Additionally, KPN Ventures invested in a Series C funding round for Actility, further emphasizing their commitment to supporting companies that enhance network capabilities. Their investment in CUJO AI, which provides AI-driven services for network operators, also reflects their strategic interest in telecommunications. Overall, KPN Ventures combines capital, expertise, and networking opportunities to help early-stage companies grow, particularly those that contribute to the telecommunications sector.


12. imec.xpand

  • Website: imecxpand.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: imec.xpand

imec.xpand is a venture capital fund based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2017. The fund specializes in providing investment and operational support to early-stage deep tech companies, particularly in the semiconductor and nanotechnology sectors. Leveraging imec's expertise and infrastructure, imec.xpand helps startups navigate their development and market challenges. Among their notable transactions, imec.xpand participated in the funding rounds for Pharrowtech, which raised €15 million in Series A funding for its 5G unlicensed fixed wireless access technology, and €6 million in a Seed round to enhance its product capabilities. Additionally, imec.xpand invested in Celestial AI, a company focused on Photonic Fabric Optical Interconnect Technology, which raised significant funding in both Series A and Series B rounds. These investments highlight imec.xpand's commitment to fostering innovation in telecommunications technology.


13. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)


De Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) is a development agency based in Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 1983. BOM supports startups and scale-ups in the Brabant region by offering various programs aimed at enhancing business growth, including readiness programs for venture capital and innovation in sustainable food and energy sectors. In the telecommunications equipment context, BOM has made significant investments in companies such as EFFECT Photonics, which raised funds in Series A rounds in 2015 and 2016, and SMART-Photonics, which secured $44,562,237 in debt financing in July 2023. These transactions highlight BOM's commitment to fostering innovation in the telecommunications sector, making them a relevant player in this industry.


14. TKH Group

  • Website: tkhgroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Haaksbergen, Overijssel, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1930
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: tkh-group-n.v.

TKH Group is a technology company based in Haaksbergen, Netherlands, specializing in innovative solutions for automation, digitalization, and electrification. Founded in 1930, the company operates globally, providing smart vision, manufacturing, and connectivity systems to enhance efficiency and sustainability across various sectors. Notably, TKH Group has made several strategic acquisitions in the telecommunication equipment space, including the acquisition of Commend International in 2015, a leader in mission-critical intercom systems, and Schneider Intercom in 2006. These transactions highlight their focus on expanding their portfolio in communication technologies, reinforcing their position in the telecommunication equipment industry. Additionally, their recent acquisition of JCAI Inc., which specializes in guidance software for airports, further demonstrates their commitment to integrating advanced technologies that support connectivity and communication needs.


15. Innovation Industries


Innovation Industries is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in deep tech investments, focusing on catalyzing growth in technology companies across various sectors, including industrial tech, med tech, and food & agri tech. In 2024, they have already made 10 investments. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in EFFECT Photonics, which raised significant funding rounds (including $38 million in Series D and $40 million in a venture round) to develop single-chip coherent optics, a technology critical for telecommunications. Additionally, they led a €15 million Series A funding for Pharrowtech, which is developing 60 GHz CMOS RFICs for 5G unlicensed fixed wireless access. These investments demonstrate Innovation Industries' active role in the telecommunication equipment sector, supporting innovations that enhance communication technologies.


16. Altice Group

  • Website: altice.net
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: altice-group

Altice Group, founded in 2001 and based in Luxembourg, is a prominent telecommunications and mass media company that provides internet, TV, and phone services across Western Europe, Israel, the United States, and the Caribbean. The company focuses on delivering connectivity solutions to both residential and business customers. Altice has been actively involved in the telecommunications sector through several significant acquisitions, including Covage for over $1.1 billion in 2019, OniTelecom in 2013, and PHAROL, SGPS for nearly $9 billion in 2014. Additionally, they signed an agreement to acquire Coriolis Télécom in 2021 for €415 million. These transactions highlight Altice's strategic focus on expanding its telecommunications capabilities, making it a key player in the industry.



Telecommunication Equipment Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
SES SatellitesBetzdorf, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg1001-500019852
GimvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20019808
KpnRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands10001+19892
M VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200918
Cipio PartnersLuxembourg11-5020032
ABN AMRO Clearing BankAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands501-1000198219
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116
KPN VenturesRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands1-1020153
imec.xpandLeuven, Flanders, Belgium1-1020175
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
TKH GroupHaaksbergen, Overijssel, Netherlands5001-1000019301
Innovation IndustriesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201710
Altice GroupLuxembourg10001+20010


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