
Swisscom Ventures
Description
Swisscom Ventures operates as the corporate venture capital arm of Swisscom, Switzerland's leading telecommunications provider, based in Zürich. Established to foster innovation and identify strategic growth opportunities, the firm primarily focuses on early-stage to growth-stage technology companies. Its investment mandate is deeply intertwined with Swisscom's strategic objectives, seeking out startups that can either enhance Swisscom's core business or open new avenues for growth in areas critical to the future of connectivity and digital services. This strategic alignment provides portfolio companies with not only capital but also access to Swisscom's extensive market reach, technical expertise, and customer base.
The firm's investment thesis spans a broad spectrum of disruptive technologies and innovative business models. Key areas of interest include artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, cloud computing, fintech, digital health, media & entertainment, and enterprise software. Swisscom Ventures actively seeks companies that demonstrate strong technological differentiation, scalable business models, and experienced management teams capable of executing on their vision. Their approach emphasizes long-term partnerships, aiming to support companies through multiple funding rounds as they scale.
Swisscom Ventures has demonstrated a growing commitment to the venture ecosystem through its fund development. In 2022, the firm launched Swisscom Ventures III, a substantial fund totaling CHF 350 million. This significant increase in capital from previous funds underscores its expanded capacity and ambition to make more substantial investments and support a larger number of companies. The firm has built a robust portfolio, currently comprising over 80 companies, reflecting its active participation across various technology sectors and stages.
Typically, Swisscom Ventures engages in Seed, Series A, and Series B funding rounds. While specific check sizes can vary based on the stage and needs of the company, initial investments generally range from multi-million dollar figures. This strategic capital, combined with the operational support and market access provided by Swisscom, positions Swisscom Ventures as a valuable partner for technology startups looking to scale globally, particularly those with solutions relevant to the telecommunications and digital services industries.
Investor Profile
Swisscom Ventures has backed more than 143 startups, with 7 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 38 rounds, about 27% of its total and boasts 38 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series B, Series Unknown, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Switzerland, United States, France.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, Information Technology, SaaS.
- Led 2 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $1M – $7M.
Stage Focus
- Series B (23%)
- Series Unknown (22%)
- Series C (17%)
- Series A (16%)
- Seed (11%)
- Series D (6%)
- Convertible Note (3%)
- Series F (1%)
- Post Ipo Equity (1%)
- Angel (1%)
Country Focus
- Switzerland (57%)
- United States (22%)
- France (5%)
- Belgium (3%)
- United Kingdom (3%)
- Israel (2%)
- Denmark (1%)
- Germany (1%)
- Sweden (1%)
- Austria (1%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Information Technology
- Saas
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Health Care
- Medical
- Mobile
- Manufacturing
- Machine Learning
- Cloud Computing
Frequently Asked Questions
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