The networking hardware industry in the DACH region focuses on the production and design of devices that facilitate communication and connectivity. It includes companies that create routers, switches, and various telecommunications equipment essential for both businesses and consumers. Crucial innovations like 5G technology, IoT devices, and cloud computing solutions are driving growth and transformation. As companies embrace digital transformation, the demand for robust networking solutions is increasing, paving the way for newer technologies. Insight: the DACH region's strong emphasis on research and development fosters groundbreaking solutions that redefine how data is transmitted globally.


In evaluating the key investors within the DACH region's networking hardware sector, we observe a variety of profiles. Corporate giants, like Deutsche Bank and Deutsche Telekom, coexist with nimble venture capital firms including Swisscom Ventures and Speedinvest. The investors range from large organizations with expansive resources to smaller, agile funds focused on innovation. Founded primarily between the 1990s and 2010s, these investors demonstrate a strong interest in the tech sector, with 2024 deal counts reflecting this robust engagement in a rapidly evolving market.


Top 18 Networking Hardware 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 across various sectors, including AI and Fintech. They provide not only financial support but also strategic advisory services to help startups access technical infrastructure and market channels. Notably, Swisscom Ventures has invested in companies like Tibit Communications, which raised significant funding to enhance its 25G ASIC program and scale manufacturing capabilities, and Netrounds, which focuses on software solutions for testing and monitoring in networking. These investments highlight Swisscom Ventures' commitment to empowering innovative companies in the networking hardware space, alongside their broader technology investment strategy.


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, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a leading investment bank and financial services provider. 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 recent years, Deutsche Bank has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the networking hardware industry. For instance, in March 2023, NBN Co raised over $1.4 billion in debt financing, which Deutsche Bank facilitated. Additionally, it has supported companies like Transtelco and DC BLOX through debt financing, further demonstrating its engagement in the telecommunications and networking sectors. These activities highlight Deutsche Bank's role as a significant player in financing the infrastructure that supports networking hardware and services.


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 recognized for its innovative investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions in the networking hardware context, Partners Group acquired Curvature, a company specializing in networking hardware solutions, in August 2016. They also invested in Axia NetMedia, a Canadian fiber business, further emphasizing their focus on the fiber optics sector. Additionally, Partners Group provided equity for Seaborn Networks, which is involved in the Seabras-1 subsea cable project connecting New York and Sao Paulo, showcasing their engagement in significant networking infrastructure projects. These transactions highlight Partners Group's active role in the networking hardware industry, alongside their broader investment portfolio.


4. 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 headquartered in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading telecommunications company that provides a wide 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. Notably, Deutsche Telekom has made strategic investments in companies relevant to the networking hardware industry, such as acquiring a minority stake in Teridion Technologies, which specializes in cloud-based networking solutions, and acquiring Goingsoft, a company that may contribute to networking capabilities. These transactions highlight Deutsche Telekom's commitment to advancing networking technologies and solutions, reinforcing its role as a significant investor in the networking hardware space.


5. 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 has grown to employ approximately 320,000 people globally and generates significant revenue. As an investor, Siemens has made notable acquisitions that enhance its portfolio in the networking hardware context. For instance, their acquisition of Garderos Software Innovations in 2005, a company focused on operational support systems, highlights their commitment to improving networking capabilities. Additionally, the acquisition of the eHouse manufacturing division of Integrated Electrical Services, Inc. in 2010, which provides electrical and communications services, further emphasizes their strategic interest in the networking hardware industry. These transactions illustrate Siemens' active role in the networking sector, making them a relevant player in this field.


6. 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 technology companies, including those in the networking hardware sector. Notable transactions include their investment in WLAN AG, which raised $8,834,486 in a venture round in 2002, indicating their engagement in the networking hardware industry. Additionally, they have invested in Garderos Software Innovations and Collax, which, while primarily software-focused, may intersect with networking technologies. This blend of investments showcases Wellington Partners' capability to support innovative startups across various sectors, including networking hardware.


7. 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. Notably, Earlybird has been involved in significant transactions such as the recent investment in NcodiN, which secured €3.5 million for its optical interposer technology, highlighting their engagement in the networking hardware domain. Additionally, their history includes investments in various technology companies, showcasing their commitment to nurturing early-stage companies through funding and mentorship, helping them navigate growth challenges across multiple sectors.


8. Dtcp


DTCP (dtcp.capital) is a venture capital firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in growth equity and infrastructure investments, focusing on transformative technology leaders and digital infrastructure to support their growth and accelerate digital transformation. DTCP's clients primarily include businesses in the technology sector seeking capital investment. Notably, DTCP has been involved in several significant transactions in the networking hardware context, including a $45 million investment in Aryaka Networks, a global SD-WAN and cloud computing platform, and a $6 million Series A investment in RtBrick, a cloud-infrastructure networking startup. These investments highlight DTCP's active role in the networking hardware industry, making them a relevant player in this sector.


9. Target Partners


Target Partners is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments, focusing on providing capital and strategic support to innovative startups in the tech sector. Notably, Target Partners has been involved in several transactions within the networking hardware space, including investments in WLAN AG, which raised funds in both Series A and a later venture round, and Cube Optics, which received multiple rounds of funding to expand its access network product portfolio. Additionally, their investment in Sicoya GmbH highlights their commitment to supporting companies that are developing technologies relevant to networking hardware. This expertise and history of investment in the networking hardware sector distinguish Target Partners in the investment landscape.


10. 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, headquartered 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 reflected in their innovative technology solutions. In recent years, Bosch has made significant investments in the networking hardware sector, including the acquisition of Telex Communications, a manufacturer of professional audio and communication equipment, for $420 million in 2006. This acquisition aligns with their strategy to enhance their capabilities in communication technologies. Additionally, Bosch participated in a Series D funding round for PubNub, a real-time Data Stream Network company, alongside other notable investors, indicating their interest in networking solutions. These transactions highlight Bosch's active role in the networking hardware industry, despite their broader focus on various technology sectors.


11. BlueYard Capital

  • Website: blueyard.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: blueyard-capital

BlueYard Capital is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in early-stage investments across a variety of innovative sectors, including cryptocurrency, biotechnology, and engineering. The firm is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs by providing funding and resources to develop groundbreaking technologies that address significant global challenges. Among their notable transactions, BlueYard Capital invested in AnySignal, a radiofrequency technology company, which raised $5 million in a seed round to fulfill a backlog of commercial and government contracts. Additionally, they participated in the seed funding for Ingonyama, a semiconductor company that raised $20 million to develop advanced cryptography technology, which is essential for secure networking applications. Their portfolio also includes investments in deepstreamHub and Corintis, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative technology solutions. Overall, BlueYard Capital's diverse investments, particularly in companies relevant to networking hardware, highlight their role as a significant player in this sector.


12. 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 participated in significant transactions such as their investment in Stateless, which raised $11.33 million in a Series A funding round to introduce Software-Defined Interconnect (SD-IX) to the market, addressing opportunities for colocation providers. This involvement highlights Speedinvest's engagement in the networking hardware industry, alongside their other investments in diverse tech sectors.


13. Matterwave Ventures

  • Website: matterwave.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: matterwave-ventures

Matterwave Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in funding early-stage industrial hardware and software companies across Europe, providing both capital and strategic support to help these businesses navigate growth challenges. In 2024, Matterwave Ventures has been involved in several notable transactions, including Firecell, which raised €6.6M in Seed funding, and ZeroPoint Technologies, which secured $5.4M in Series A funding. Additionally, they participated in the Series A funding of Cybus, which raised $8.8M in 2022, indicating their engagement in sectors that may overlap with networking hardware, particularly in industrial applications. Their investment strategy aims to support companies seeking to achieve market leadership in the industrial technologies sector.


14. 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 founded in 2012, based in Engelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland. 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 that highlight its interest in technology and connectivity. 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. This investment reflects Momenta's engagement in the networking hardware context, particularly in IoT solutions. Additionally, they have invested in other technology-focused companies, indicating a broader interest in digital transformation and operational efficiency.


15. IBB Ventures


IBB Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in early-stage financing and has invested in over 270 startups, providing not only funding but also expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive in competitive markets. Among their notable transactions, IBB Ventures has invested in Nanotron Technologies, which raised significant funding in both 2007 and 2008, focusing on wireless communication technologies that are integral to networking hardware. Additionally, their investment in cloudControl and other technology-driven startups showcases their commitment to innovative solutions, further solidifying their position as a relevant player in the networking hardware sector.


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 several transactions relevant to the networking hardware context, such as its investment in Conntac, which raised a seven-figure amount in a Series A financing round aimed at relieving the hotlines of telecommunications providers. This involvement highlights Bayern Kapital's interest in the networking and telecommunications industry, making it a relevant player in the networking hardware investment space.


17. Future Energy Ventures

  • Website: fev.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: innogyinnovationhub

Future Energy Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in climate-tech startups that focus on energy transition and sustainability. They provide funding, mentoring, and strategic connections to help these startups scale their operations. Notably, Future Energy Ventures has participated in several transactions relevant to the networking hardware sector. For instance, they were involved in the seed funding of HypeLabs, a software-only mesh networking provider, and in the funding rounds for ShieldIOT, which specializes in IoT and IIoT network cybersecurity. These investments highlight their engagement in the networking hardware industry, alongside their broader focus on energy and technology sectors.


18. Infineon Technologies


Infineon Technologies AG is a semiconductor manufacturer based in Neubiberg, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in a wide range of semiconductor products and systems for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications. Founded in 1999, the company has a strong focus on innovation in semiconductor technology, enhancing energy efficiency, safety, and connectivity across various sectors. Notably, Infineon has made significant acquisitions that bolster its position in the networking hardware context, such as the acquisition of 3db Access AG in October 2023, which focuses on secured low power Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, enhancing its IoT roadmap and connectivity portfolio. Additionally, the acquisition of GaN Systems in March 2023 further demonstrates Infineon's commitment to advancing its technology offerings, which can be applicable in networking hardware solutions. These strategic moves highlight Infineon's role as a key player in the networking hardware industry, despite its broader focus on semiconductor manufacturing.



Networking Hardware Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Swisscom VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020074
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Deutsche TelekomBonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+19951
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
Wellington PartnersMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019989
Earlybird Venture CapitalGermany51-200199729
DtcpHamburg, Hamburg, Germany51-20020156
Target PartnersMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019990
BoschBirenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18865
BlueYard CapitalBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020169
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
Matterwave VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-10202113
MomentaEngelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland11-5020127
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527
Future Energy VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020164
Infineon TechnologiesNeubiberg, Bavaria, Germany10001+19990


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