The telecommunications infrastructure industry in the US is crucial for ensuring reliable communication and connectivity. It encompasses companies that focus on building and maintaining essential networks, including data centers, fiber optic systems, and wireless towers. Satellite technology, cloud services, and Internet of Things (IoT) are also part of the growing sphere. With the increasing demand for high-speed internet and mobile services, significant investments are pouring into advancements like 5G and edge computing. This sector is poised for rapid evolution as it adapts to technological innovations and the need for improved infrastructure to support greater connectivity across urban and rural areas alike.


The investors featured in this list represent a blend of venture capital, private equity, and corporate funding, primarily headquartered in California and New York. Established between 1911 and 2023, these firms vary in size, serving anywhere from 11 to over 10,000 employees, and collectively participated in more than 400 investments in 2024 alone. Their focus encompasses substantial contributions to the telecommunications infrastructure sector, showcasing both financial prowess and strategic insights to foster growth in emerging technologies.


Top 16 Telecommunications Infrastructure 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 specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. Notably, Intel Capital has made several investments in the telecommunications infrastructure sector, including multiple funding rounds for Tejas Networks India, which raised $20 million in Series D, $15 million in Series C, and $6.6 million in Series B. Additionally, they invested $40 million in UTStarcom in Series E-K. These transactions highlight Intel Capital's engagement in the telecommunications infrastructure space, providing funding and strategic support to companies that are integral to the development and innovation of telecommunications technologies.


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 specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has made significant investments in the telecommunications infrastructure sector. For instance, it participated in funding rounds for Tizeti, a Nigerian Internet Service Provider, which raised $2.1 million in a seed round in 2017 and $3 million in a Series A round in 2018, aimed at expanding its operations and enhancing customer experience. Furthermore, Y Combinator invested in Astranis, a company that raised $40 million in Series B funding in 2020 and $200 million in Series D funding in 2024, focusing on satellite technology to improve internet access. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's commitment to supporting innovations that bolster telecommunications infrastructure.


3. 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, catering to businesses and organizations across various industries. In the telecommunications infrastructure context, Cisco has made notable investments and acquisitions, including the acquisition of Acacia for $4.5 billion in 2019, which enhances their capabilities in optical networking. They have also been involved with Mavenir, which raised $13.6 million in a Series D round, focusing on cloud-native network solutions. Furthermore, Cisco's participation in funding rounds for companies like Actility, which is advancing LPWAN technology, showcases their commitment to supporting innovative telecommunications infrastructure solutions.


4. 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 prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. Specializing in investment management and advisory services, NEA partners with startups, particularly in technology and healthcare sectors, to provide funding and strategic guidance. NEA emphasizes long-term relationships with entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. In the telecommunications infrastructure context, NEA has made notable investments, including a $10 million Series B investment in Boingo Wireless, which specializes in wireless services, and a $75 million post-IPO equity investment in Airspan Networks, a company focused on broadband wireless access. Additionally, NEA led a $20 million Series C funding round for Mimosa Networks, which develops wireless networking solutions, and participated in a $46 million Series D funding for Cohere Technologies, a company that provides advanced wireless technology solutions. These transactions highlight NEA's active role in the telecommunications infrastructure industry, alongside their broader investment focus.


5. 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 array of services, including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. In the telecommunications infrastructure space, Goldman Sachs has made notable investments, such as raising $130 million and $420 million for IHS Towers in 2014, which is a leading independent tower company in emerging markets. Additionally, they participated in a significant funding round for Cellnex Telecom, raising approximately $877 million in 2020, and were involved in a recent investment in Sterlite Technologies in 2024. These transactions highlight Goldman Sachs' active role in the telecommunications infrastructure sector, alongside its broader investment portfolio.


6. 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 provides asset management solutions to institutional investors and individual clients, helping them navigate complex investment landscapes and achieve strong financial returns. KKR operates globally, leveraging its extensive expertise and resources to support its clients' investment needs. In the telecommunications infrastructure space, KKR has made notable investments, including the acquisition of Deutsche Glasfaser, which focuses on expanding fiber optic networks in Germany. They also participated in funding rounds for Indus Towers, a major player in the telecom tower sector in India, and Singtel, a leading telecommunications company in Asia. These transactions underscore KKR's active involvement in the telecommunications infrastructure industry, making them a significant player in this sector.


7. 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, with a strong focus on the wireless ecosystem. They provide capital and strategic support to startups across various sectors, including automotive, digital health, and IoT. Notably, Qualcomm Ventures has been involved in several key transactions within the telecommunications infrastructure space. For instance, they participated in multiple funding rounds for Siklu, a company that develops millimeter-wave technology for wireless broadband, raising significant amounts in Series B, C, and D rounds. Additionally, Qualcomm Ventures invested in Celona, a company specializing in private 5G LAN systems, which closed a $60 million funding round aimed at global expansion and R&D for private 5G networks. Their investment in Reliance Jio, a leading telecommunications provider in India, further highlights their engagement in the telecommunications sector. Overall, Qualcomm Ventures plays a pivotal role in supporting innovations that enhance telecommunications infrastructure.


8. IFC - International Finance Corporation

  • Website: ifc.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, headquartered in Washington, D.C. It focuses on private sector development in emerging markets by providing investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions. IFC aims to foster economic growth and alleviate poverty by facilitating access to capital and expertise. In the telecommunications infrastructure sector, IFC has been involved in several notable transactions, including a $400 million debt raise for PTCL - Pakistan Telecommunication in April 2024, and a $184.5 million debt raise for Telecom Argentina in July 2022. Additionally, IFC has supported WIOCC in multiple funding rounds, including a $30 million venture round in September 2022 and a $200 million debt and equity capital raise aimed at expanding connectivity and launching pan-African data centers. These investments highlight IFC's active role in enhancing telecommunications infrastructure in emerging markets.


9. 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 in the technology sector. Notably, Accel has been involved in significant transactions within the telecommunications infrastructure space, including a $100 million Series B investment in QMC Telecom in 2015, which highlights their commitment to supporting growth in this sector. Additionally, Accel has invested multiple times in Cambridge Broadband Networks, contributing to their funding rounds from 2006 to 2010, with investments totaling over $50 million. These transactions underscore Accel's engagement in the telecommunications infrastructure industry, alongside their broader technology investment strategy.


10. 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 made significant investments in the telecommunications infrastructure sector, including a Series C investment in Ciena, a leading provider of networking systems, in 1995 and 1994. Additionally, they led a Series C funding round for Affirmed Networks in 2013, a company focused on network function virtualization solutions, which are critical for modern telecommunications infrastructure. Their investment in Sonus Networks further highlights their commitment to this sector. Overall, Bessemer Venture Partners has a diverse portfolio but maintains a notable presence in telecommunications infrastructure through strategic investments in key players in the industry.


11. 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 (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in several notable transactions in the telecommunications infrastructure space, including a significant investment in Helium (now Nova Labs), which raised $200 million in its Series D funding round, highlighting its commitment to innovative telecommunications solutions. Other relevant investments include Movandi, which raised $27 million in Series C funding, and Concealfab, which secured funding in a venture round. These transactions demonstrate the fund's engagement with companies that are shaping the future of telecommunications infrastructure.


12. 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. The firm connects startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In the telecommunications infrastructure context, Plug and Play has been involved in notable transactions such as Next Level Networks, which raised funds in both Pre-Seed and Seed rounds, focusing on networking solutions. Additionally, they invested in Noviflow, a company that specializes in network virtualization and performance optimization. These investments highlight Plug and Play's engagement with companies that contribute to the telecommunications infrastructure landscape, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovation in this sector.


13. 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, located in Santa Clara, California, that specializes 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, Silicon Valley Bank has been involved in several significant transactions within the telecommunications infrastructure sector. For instance, they provided a $50 million venture round to Calix in 2009, which focuses on broadband communications. They also participated in a $50 million post-IPO debt round for Boingo Wireless in 2014, a company that provides wireless internet services. Additionally, they supported Global Telecom & Technology (GTT) with $15 million in post-IPO equity in 2010, and provided debt financing to Cambridge Broadband Networks in 2012. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their active role in financing telecommunications infrastructure companies, making them a relevant investor in this space.


14. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments. Founded in 1985, the firm offers a diverse range of services, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions to both institutional and individual investors. Blackstone is known for its strategic approach to building strong businesses and delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio. In the telecommunications infrastructure sector, Blackstone has made significant investments, including a $1.4 billion recapitalization of Phoenix Tower International, which operates over 8,000 cell towers globally. They also acquired a stake in Sipartech, a French dark fiber company, showcasing their commitment to expanding digital infrastructure. Furthermore, their acquisition of Sabre Industries, a provider of energy and telecom infrastructure, highlights their focus on supporting companies that enhance telecommunications capabilities. These transactions illustrate Blackstone's active role in the telecommunications infrastructure industry.


15. 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 that can enhance U.S. national security. IQT partners with various government agencies to identify and support innovative solutions in areas such as software, materials sciences, and telecommunications. Notably, IQT has invested in companies like Transcelestial Technologies, a wireless communications provider, and Swarm Technologies, which focuses on satellite communications. These investments highlight IQT's engagement in the telecommunications infrastructure sector, alongside its broader mission to address the technological needs of the intelligence community.


16. Morgan Stanley

  • Website: morganstanley.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 79
  • LinkedIn: morgan-stanley

Morgan Stanley is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1986, headquartered in New York, New York. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, the firm provides a wide array of services including wealth management, investment banking, and capital markets. Morgan Stanley serves a diverse clientele, including individuals, families, corporations, and governments, helping them manage and grow their financial assets. In the telecommunications infrastructure space, Morgan Stanley has made notable investments, such as acquiring a 49.99% stake in Altice USA's Lightpath fiber enterprise business, which underscores their commitment to the sector. They also participated in a $128 million funding round for Zayo, a key player in the telecommunications infrastructure market, and were involved in funding rounds for Fusion Connect, further solidifying their role in supporting telecommunications infrastructure growth.



Telecommunications Infrastructure 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
CiscoSan Jose, California, United States (USA)10001+19845
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Qualcomm VenturesSan Diego, California, United States (USA)10001+200018
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
AccelPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-2001983101
Bessemer Venture PartnersSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50191178
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Silicon Valley BankSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)5001-10000198331
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
IQT (In-Q-Tel)Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)51-200199924
Morgan StanleyNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+198679


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