Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The broadband providers industry in Europe is vital for modern life, linking millions to online resources. Companies range from large telecommunications firms, like Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom, to innovative startups focused on niche technologies and services. They offer high-speed internet, mobile connectivity, and entertainment platforms, all essential in our digital age. The industry is witnessing explosive growth due to increased demand for faster connectivity, driven by remote work and streaming services. With advancements in fiber and 5G technology, future developments promise even greater speeds and accessibility, ensuring Europe remains at Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ forefront of broadband innovation.

In this curated list, you'll find a mix of venture capitalists and corporate investors, predominantly located in financial hubs like London, Paris, and Frankfurt. The 16 investors span small to large firms, with a wide range of funds and strategic focuses. Established from Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ 1850s to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ 2000s, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors have reported varying investment activities in 2024, with some making upwards of 50 deals, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband space.

Top 16 Broadband Providers Investors in Europe

1. European Investment Bank (EIB)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 99
• LinkedIn:

The European Investment Bank (EIB), founded in 1958 and based in Luxembourg, is a public entity that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. The EIB aims to support sustainable projects that promote growth and job creation across various sectors. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIB has been involved in several significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband sector, including debt financing for companies such as Hyperoptic, which raised approximately $27.5 million in 2016, and Gigaclear, which secured around $27.2 million in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ same year. More recently, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIB provided substantial debt financing to Deutsche Glasfaser, amounting to approximately $391 million in 2024, and to Telefonica Germany, which raised about $497 million in 2020. These investments highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIB's commitment to enhancing broadband infrastructure and supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of broadband providers.

2. EQT Group

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn:

EQT Group is a private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in various investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband sector, acquiring Deutsche Glasfaser for approximately $2.73 billion in 2020, which focuses on fiber-optic broadband services in Germany. Additionally, EQT acquired a 91% stake in IP-Only Telecommunication AB in 2013, enhancing its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Swedish fiber network market. In 2019, EQT acquired Melita Plc, a telecommunications provider with operations in Italy, and in 2018, it acquired Broadnet Holding AS, a leading fiber-based data communications provider in Norway. These transactions highlight EQT's strategic focus on expanding its portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband industry.

3. Liberty Global

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

Liberty Global Ltd. is a telecommunications company based in London, England, that provides a wide range of services, including gigabit broadband, 5G mobile services, and entertainment platforms. Founded in 2005, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has grown significantly through strategic acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband sector. Notably, Liberty Global acquired Unitymedia, Germany's second-largest cable operator, for $5.2 billion in 2009, which strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ned its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ German cable market. In 2013, it furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidified its position by acquiring Virgin Media for £15 billion ($23.3 billion), creating Europe's largest broadband business. Additionally, in 2014, Liberty Global acquired Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ remaining shares of VTR Wireless SpA, allowing it to own 100% of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Chilean broadband communications and wireless businesses. More recently, in 2023, Liberty Global acquired a 4.92% stake in Vodafone Group, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r diversifying its investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ telecommunications sector. With a focus on providing reliable internet and entertainment services to both consumers and businesses, Liberty Global operates across multiple European countries, leveraging its extensive network infrastructure.

4. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn:

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding and private equity investments. The firm has been involved in several significant transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband sector, such as investing in Wifirst, where it participated in a â‚�115 million funding round to acquire a 55% stake from Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Bolloré Group. Additionally, Bpifrance has backed E-Blink, a developer of wireless fronthaul technology, in multiple funding rounds, including a â‚�2.8 million financing round aimed at international market introduction. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's commitment to fostering innovation and growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband industry.

5. Deutsche Bank

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 1870
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 32
• LinkedIn:

Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a prominent investment bank and financial services provider. With a workforce exceeding 10,000, Deutsche Bank offers a comprehensive range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. The bank serves corporate and institutional clients, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m manage Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of broadband providers, 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 expanding broadband access in Australia. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a $1.4 billion debt financing round for CityFibre in December 2018, a major player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK broadband market. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Deutsche Bank was part of a group of investors that provided debt financing to FirstDigital Telecom, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir ongoing support for companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband sector.

6. Vodafone

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn:

Vodafone Group Plc, founded in 1982 and headquartered in London, England, is a prominent telecommunications company with a vast customer base exceeding 330 million. The company offers a range of services, including mobile and fixed telecommunications, broadband, and financial technology solutions. Vodafone has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband sector, notably acquiring Liberty Global in 2019 for $21.3 billion, which expanded Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband market. Additionally, in 2022, Vodafone agreed to acquire Nowo, a Portuguese broadband provider, for approximately $146 million, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband industry. These strategic acquisitions reflect Vodafone's commitment to enhancing digital inclusion and providing essential services across multiple countries, focusing on sustainability and innovation in technology.

7. Accenture

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 51
• LinkedIn:

Accenture is a global consulting firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in information technology and management consulting services. Founded in 2001, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has grown to employ over 10,000 professionals and operates across various industries, providing solutions that help businesses innovate and improve efficiency. In 2024, Accenture has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband sector through its acquisitions of companies like Fibermind, which specializes in fiber and mobile 5G networks, and Award Solutions, a provider of training and consulting services in advanced wireless and network technologies. These acquisitions aim to bolster Accenture's capabilities in network engineering and telecommunications, positioning Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm as a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband providers industry. Additionally, Accenture's focus on digital transformation, cloud computing, and data analytics furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r supports its involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband sector, as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se areas are critical for modern network services.

8. Apax

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Apax Partners LLP is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including technology, internet/consumer, healthcare, and services. Apax collaborates with management teams of high-potential companies to drive growth and innovation. Notably, Apax has made several key investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ telecommunications sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Salt Mobile in 2011, Melita Plc in 2016, and Cabovisão in 2016. These transactions highlight Apax's commitment to enhancing its portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband providers space, serving institutional investors seeking to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capital through strategic investments in private equity funds.

9. Bgf

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 53
• LinkedIn:

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm focuses on providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK and Ireland. BGF addresses Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding gap in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has been active in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband sector, having invested in Bigblu Broadband plc, which raised over $15 million in post-IPO equity, and broadbandchoices, which secured over $16 million in a venture round. Additionally, BGF invested £10.25 million in Jola Cloud Solutions Ltd, taking a 25% stake, and contributed £5 million to Lumenisity, a firm specializing in fibre optic and cabling technology. These transactions highlight BGF's commitment to supporting growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband industry.

10. Ldc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn:

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, that specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. Founded in 1981, LDC is part of Lloyds Banking Group and focuses on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband providers context, LDC has been involved in several significant transactions, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments in Wifinity and Commsworld, both of which are key players in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband sector. Additionally, LDC acquired Uswitch, a price comparison service that includes broadband providers, and made a significant investment in Onecom, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK's largest independent business telecommunications provider. Their investment in Cellhire, a global provider of mobile Voice and Data and IoT communications services, also highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ telecommunications landscape. These transactions demonstrate LDC's commitment to supporting growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband and telecommunications industries.

11. 3i Group plc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1945
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1945. The firm specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband sector, 3i Group acquired Wireless Infrastructure Group in 2016 for approximately $421.6 million, which focuses on providing infrastructure for wireless communications. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Eltel in 2007 furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to investing in companies that enhance telecommunications infrastructure. These investments highlight 3i Group's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband providers industry, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

12. Cvc

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

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 â‚�193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has made notable investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Hong Kong Broadband Network for approximately HK$5 billion in 2012, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ telecommunications industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Arteria Networks, a fibre operator, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic focus on broadband and telecom services. CVC's diverse portfolio and expertise in managing substantial investments position Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband providers market.

13. °Õ±ð±ô±ð´Úó²Ô¾±³¦²¹

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Madrid, Madrid, Spain
• Founded year: 1924
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

°Õ±ð±ô±ð´Úó²Ô¾±³¦²¹, S.A., founded in 1924 and headquartered in Madrid, Spain, is a leading telecommunications company that offers a comprehensive range of services, including mobile and fixed communications, broadband, and digital solutions. With over 10,000 employees, °Õ±ð±ô±ð´Úó²Ô¾±³¦²¹ operates in multiple countries, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance customer experiences. The company has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Global Village Telecom (GVT) for approximately $9.2 billion in 2014, which expanded Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broadband services in Brazil. They also acquired O2, a major UK telecom provider, for $31 billion, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband market. In addition, °Õ±ð±ô±ð´Úó²Ô¾±³¦²¹'s investment in Nexfibre, which raised $1.7 billion in a private equity round, highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir ongoing commitment to developing broadband infrastructure. These transactions underscore °Õ±ð±ô±ð´Úó²Ô¾±³¦²¹'s strategic focus on enhancing connectivity and digital transformation across various sectors.

14. Telenor

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Fornebu, Akershus, Norway
• Founded year: 1855
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Telenor ASA, founded in 1855 and headquartered in Fornebu, Akershus, Norway, is a leading telecommunications company that provides mobile telecommunications, broadband, and TV distribution services. With a customer base of 209 million subscribers, Telenor operates primarily in Scandinavia and Asia, focusing on empowering societies through connectivity. The company is committed to responsible business practices and innovation in telecommunications. Telenor has been actively involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband sector, having made several key acquisitions to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its position in this market. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Bredbandsbolaget, Sweden's second-largest broadband provider, which has over 340,000 customers, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Tele2 Sweden's fibre and cable firm, which includes a portfolio of 370,000 households. These strategic moves highlight Telenor's dedication to expanding its broadband services and enhancing its market presence.

15. Proparco

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1977
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 19
• LinkedIn:

Proparco is a not-for-profit development finance institution based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 1977. It supports economic growth in developing countries by providing financial tools, investment funds, and technical assistance to businesses and financial institutions. Proparco focuses on sectors such as agriculture, health, and infrastructure, with a mission to enhance private sector contributions to sustainable development. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of broadband providers, Proparco has been involved in several key transactions, including a $41 million debt financing for WIOCC, which is aimed at expanding connectivity across Africa. Additionally, Proparco participated in a $36 million investment round for Africa Mobile Networks, which seeks to improve connectivity in rural areas by expanding its network of towers. These transactions highlight Proparco's commitment to enhancing broadband access and infrastructure in developing regions.

16. Swisscom Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Swisscom Ventures is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2007, specializing in high-potential technology startups. With a team size of 11-50, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y 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 Tibit Communications, which raised $30 million in Series C funding to enhance its 25G ASIC program and scale manufacturing capabilities, as well as $20 million in Series B funding for its access devices for Passive Optical Networking (PON). Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved with ASSIA, a company that focuses on broadband technologies, securing funding in multiple rounds. These transactions highlight Swisscom Ventures' active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband providers industry.

Broadband Providers Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	1958	99
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	2005	7
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany	10001+	1870	32
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1982	0
	Dublin, Dublin, Ireland	10001+	2001	51
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1981	8
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1981	15
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Madrid, Madrid, Spain	10001+	1924	9
	Fornebu, Akershus, Norway	10001+	1855	2
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	201-500	1977	19
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2007	4

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broadband providers industry?

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