Deutsche Telekom has set up a $620 million fund for investing in technology ventures over the next five years.
Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners (DTCP) aims to invest in new and mature tech startups in order to bring greater innovation to the wider organisation. It will also explore private equity investments and ways to enhance operational co-operation with OTT players.
DTCP claims to be one of the largest investment funds of its kind in Europe, and will advise Deutsche Telekom on existing investments in STRATO, Interactive Media, Scout and Deutsche Telekom Innovation Pool (TIP).
It more than doubles the company’s investments in this space, replacing its existing investment vehicle T-Venture. Established in 1998, T-Venture will be closed to new investments, but its team will continue to manage the existing portfolio of approximately 100 companies.
"DTCP combines the expertise and strength of a large corporation with the agility and flexibility of a small investment company: the best of both worlds to take Deutsche Telekom forward," said Tim Höttges, CEO of Deutsche Telekom.
Telcos are increasingly exploring ways to tap in to the lucrative tech start-up scene, with the likes of Telefónica experiencing success with its startup incubator Wayra, which was launched in 2011.
