The telecommunication equipment industry in DACH is essential for both connectivity and communication. It includes companies that design, manufacture, and sell products like switches, routers, and base stations, which are vital for telecommunication networks. Looking ahead, the focus is shifting toward advanced technologies such as 5G, IoT, and smart networking solutions. As reliance on digital infrastructure grows, firms in this sector are increasingly investing in innovations that support high-speed data transfer and seamless connectivity. The sector is also experiencing consolidation as larger entities acquire startups to enhance their technological capabilities, driving future growth.


Within the DACH region, the group of telecommunication equipment investors is quite varied. It consists of corporate giants like Deutsche Telekom and Siemens, alongside venture capital firms such as Swisscom Ventures and Earlybird. These investors range in size from well-established entities with over 10,000 employees to smaller firms with a handful of team members. Founded between the mid-1800s to 2000s, they showcase a robust timeline, reflecting their adaptability. In 2024, these investors made notable contributions with 1 to 45 investments each, highlighting their commitment to bolstering the telecommunications landscape in DACH.


Top 17 Telecommunication Equipment Investors in DACH


1. 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 a notable focus on telecommunications. Their investment portfolio includes significant transactions in the telecommunications equipment space, such as Tibit Communications, which raised $30 million in Series C funding to accelerate its 25G ASIC program, and Actility, a provider of network solutions for the IoT market, which secured substantial funding to enhance its open standard IoT network solution. These investments demonstrate Swisscom Ventures' commitment to empowering innovative companies within the telecommunications sector.


2. 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 is a prominent investment bank and financial services provider based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany. Founded in 1870, the bank offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. It serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. In the telecommunications sector, Deutsche Bank has been involved in several key transactions, such as providing $1.4 billion in debt financing to NBN Co in March 2023, which is crucial for the development of Australia's national broadband network. Additionally, they facilitated $1.4 billion in debt financing for CityFibre in December 2018, supporting the expansion of fiber optic networks in the UK. Their earlier investments include $237 million in post-IPO equity for Rostelecom in 2013 and $20 million in Series A funding for Nuera Communications in 2003, showcasing their long-standing interest in the telecommunications equipment industry.


3. 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 known for its innovative investment solutions tailored for institutional investors, private banks, and individual clients. Among their notable transactions in the telecommunications sector, Partners Group acquired Curvature, a company focused on network equipment and services, and made significant investments in fibre infrastructure through the acquisition of Axia NetMedia. Additionally, their acquisition of a 75% equity stake in EOLO, Italy's largest fixed wireless access broadband provider, further underscores their commitment to the telecommunications industry. These strategic investments highlight Partners Group's role in enhancing telecommunications infrastructure while maintaining a diverse investment portfolio.


4. Dtcp


DTCP is a venture capital firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in Growth Equity and Infrastructure, focusing on transformative technology leaders and digital infrastructure to support their growth and accelerate digital transformation. DTCP has been involved in several relevant transactions in the telecommunications sector, including investments in Cellwize, an Israeli startup specializing in mobile network automation, and Kumu Networks, which raised $25 million in a Series C funding round to develop its telecommunications technology. These investments highlight DTCP's active role in supporting companies that are integral to the telecommunications equipment industry.


5. 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 based in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a prominent telecommunications company that provides a comprehensive range of services, including mobile communications, fixed-network, broadband, and ICT solutions for both consumers and businesses. With a strong presence in over 50 countries, Deutsche Telekom focuses on delivering integrated digital solutions to enhance connectivity and support digital transformation for its diverse customer base. Notable transactions include the acquisition of T-Mobile for approximately $1.13 billion in 2014, which significantly bolstered their mobile communications capabilities. Additionally, their acquisition of GTS Central Europe for €546 million in 2013 aimed to enhance their fixed-line capabilities and expand telecommunications services across Central Europe. Furthermore, Deutsche Telekom's involvement in funding rounds for 1NCE, a company focused on cloud-based IoT platform services, highlights their commitment to advancing telecommunications technology and solutions.


6. Siemens

  • Website: siemens.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1847
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: siemens

Siemens AG is a leading technology conglomerate based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. Founded in 1847, Siemens operates globally with approximately 320,000 employees and generates significant revenue. The company has made notable investments in the telecommunications sector, including the acquisition of Garderos Software Innovations, a start-up focused on operational support systems, which enhances Siemens' capabilities in telecommunications. Additionally, Siemens Energy's acquisition of the eHouse manufacturing division of Integrated Electrical Services, Inc. further demonstrates its interest in communications services. These transactions highlight Siemens' strategic approach to integrating telecommunications technologies into its broader portfolio, reinforcing its position as a relevant investor in the telecommunication equipment industry.


7. Wellington Partners


Wellington Partners is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in life sciences, focusing on early- and growth-stage companies in sectors such as therapeutics and medical devices. However, Wellington Partners has also made significant investments in the telecommunications sector. Notably, they participated in funding rounds for Truphone, a VOIP company, which raised substantial amounts in both Series A and Series B funding. Additionally, they co-led a funding round for Cavendish Kinetics, a company that provides RF tuning solutions for mobile and wearable devices. These transactions highlight Wellington Partners' capability and interest in supporting innovative technologies within the telecommunications equipment industry, alongside their primary focus on life sciences.


8. Momenta

  • Website: momenta.one
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Engelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: momentapartners

Momenta is a venture capital firm based in Engelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in industrial impact and digital transformation, providing strategic investments and advisory services to Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups across various sectors, including energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and supply chain. Notably, Momenta has been involved in several transactions relevant to the telecommunications equipment industry. One significant investment was in Thingstream, a Zurich-based provider of IoT Connectivity-as-a-Service, where Momenta participated in a Series A funding round aimed at accelerating the company's go-to-market activities. Additionally, Momenta invested in Thingstream during its Seed Round, further demonstrating its commitment to the telecommunications sector. These transactions highlight Momenta's role in enhancing operational efficiency and driving innovation within the telecommunications landscape.


9. Bosch

  • Website: bosch.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1886
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: bosch

Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and technology company founded in 1886, based in Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Bosch offers a diverse range of products and services across mobility, consumer goods, industrial technology, and energy solutions. Their commitment to sustainability and enhancing quality of life is evident in their innovative technology solutions. Notably, Bosch has made significant investments in the telecommunication equipment sector, including the acquisition of Telex Communications, Inc. for $420 million, which specializes in professional audio and communication equipment. This acquisition, along with others such as Paladin Technologies, which focuses on security and life safety solutions, highlights Bosch's strategic expansion into technology sectors that intersect with telecommunications. Furthermore, their acquisition of Akustica and TeleAlarm also reflects their interest in technology solutions that can complement their telecommunications-related offerings.


10. Earlybird Venture Capital


Earlybird Venture Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1997, based in Germany, that specializes in investing in European technology innovators. They provide financial resources and strategic support to startups, particularly in the digital health and deep tech sectors. Earlybird has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in Esmertec and NFON. Esmertec, which raised significant funding in the early 2000s, is a company that has contributed to mobile software solutions, while NFON, a cloud-based telecommunications provider, raised funds in 2012 and 2015. These investments highlight Earlybird's engagement in the telecommunications equipment sector, alongside their broader focus on technology innovation.


11. 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 telecommunications provider based in Switzerland, offering a range of services including mobile communication, broadband internet, and television. The company serves both individual consumers and businesses, providing essential connectivity solutions in a digital landscape. Notably, Swisscom has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its telecommunications capabilities, including the acquisition of Vodafone Italia in 2024, which strengthens its mobile communication services. Additionally, the acquisition of Antenna Hungaria in 2005 further expands its broadcasting and telecommunications reach. Other acquisitions, such as Publigroupe S.A. and CT Cinetrade, while not directly related to telecommunication equipment, demonstrate Swisscom's commitment to diversifying its portfolio within the broader telecommunications sector.


12. 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 and provides capital and advisory services to enhance the growth potential of its portfolio companies. DBAG operates primarily in sectors such as telecommunications, IT services, software, and healthcare. Notably, DBAG has been involved in several significant transactions in the telecommunications sector, including the acquisition of a majority stake in Netzkontor Nord, a telecommunications service provider, in January 2018. Additionally, they have invested in companies like inexio and DNS:Net, which are also related to telecommunications. These transactions highlight DBAG's commitment to the telecommunications industry and its strategy of supporting growth in this sector.


13. Speedinvest

  • Website: speedinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 45
  • LinkedIn: speedinvest

Speedinvest is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in funding early-stage tech startups across Europe, providing both capital and hands-on support to help these startups scale their operations. Speedinvest's investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, they have been involved in several funding rounds for Sipwise, a company that develops software solutions for telecommunications. Their investments in Sipwise include a Seed Round in 2011, Series A rounds in 2012 and 2014, and additional venture rounds in 2016 and 2017, totaling over $3 million. This involvement highlights Speedinvest's engagement in the telecommunications equipment sector, showcasing their ability to support companies within this industry.


14. 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 that operates as a development finance institution, founded in 1962 and based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. 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. They support businesses across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Notably, DEG has been involved in significant transactions in the telecommunications sector, such as their participation in a funding consortium for Africa Mobile Networks, which raised USD 36 million to expand connectivity to rural areas in Africa. This investment aims to establish over 5,000 towers across more than 15 countries, highlighting DEG's commitment to enhancing telecommunications infrastructure. Additionally, DEG has engaged in debt financing for companies like Liquid Intelligent Technologies and AXIAN, further demonstrating their active role in the telecommunications equipment industry.


15. Target Partners


Target Partners is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in early-stage technology investments. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to innovative startups in the tech sector, helping them grow and succeed in a competitive market. Notably, Target Partners has been involved in significant transactions within the telecommunication equipment industry, such as their investment in Cube Optics, which has developed products for access networks and next-generation Ethernet interfaces. They also led a Series A funding round for Sicoya GmbH, a company that is likely engaged in telecommunications technology, further demonstrating their active role in this sector. Their expertise in venture capital and commitment to long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs distinguishes them in the investment landscape.


16. 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. It supports its clients with financial resources and access to a network of industry experts, helping them navigate the challenges of growth and development in various sectors, including life sciences and software. Notably, Bayern Kapital has been involved in significant transactions such as leading a Series A financing round for Conntac, a startup focused on improving telecommunications provider hotlines through its app. This investment highlights Bayern Kapital's engagement in the telecommunications sector. Additionally, the firm has participated in other funding rounds for diverse companies, showcasing its broad investment strategy while still maintaining a foothold in telecommunications-related ventures.


17. BayBG Venture Capital

  • Website: baybg-vc.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hirschbach, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1972
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: baybg-venture-capital

BayBG Bayerische Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH is a venture capital firm based in Hirschbach, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1972. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups, particularly in Bavaria, and provides venture capital and advisory services to help these startups grow and scale their operations. BayBG has a strong focus on technology companies, leveraging its extensive network and experience to support its portfolio. Notably, BayBG has been involved in several transactions relevant to the telecommunications sector, including investments in NFON, which raised significant funding in multiple rounds, indicating its commitment to supporting companies in the telecommunication equipment space. Other investments, such as those in Speed Signal and HiproCall, further demonstrate BayBG's engagement with the telecommunications industry, making it a relevant player in this field.



Telecommunication Equipment Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Swisscom VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020074
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
DtcpHamburg, Hamburg, Germany51-20020156
Deutsche TelekomBonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+19951
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
Wellington PartnersMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019989
MomentaEngelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland11-5020127
BoschBirenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18865
Earlybird Venture CapitalGermany51-200199729
SwisscomIttigen, Bern, Switzerland10001+19982
Deutsche Beteiligungs AGFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany51-20019652
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
DegNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany501-1000196217
Target PartnersMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019990
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527
BayBG Venture CapitalHirschbach, Bavaria, Germany51-20019723


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