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The networking hardware industry in Europe focuses on devices and infrastructure crucial for data communication. It involves companies that design, manufacture, and sell equipment like routers, switches, and optical networking tools. As connectivity demands grow with trends like 5G and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Internet of Things (IoT), this sector is evolving rapidly, emphasizing scalability and interoperability. Notably, Europe shows a robust push towards sustainable and innovative networking solutions, reflecting in increased funding for emerging technologies. Growth sectors include fiber infrastructure, smart home networking solutions, and advanced data management systems, indicating promising potential for future advancements and investments.

The list features 13 influential investors in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware sector across Europe, including private equity firms and venture capital entities. The investors are headquartered in key cities such as London, Stockholm, and Paris. With founding years ranging from 1945 to 2016, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y represent various sizes, from small firms managing fewer than ten employees to larger corporations with over 5,000 staff. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors collectively engaged in over 500 funding rounds, significantly impacting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking landscape.

Top 13 Networking Hardware Investors in Europe

1. 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 aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Bpifrance has been involved in several notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware sector, including a â‚�115 million investment in Wifirst, which focuses on Wi-Fi solutions, and multiple funding rounds for SIGFOX, a leading provider of IoT connectivity. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Scintil Photonics, which specializes in silicon photonic integrated circuits for optical interconnects, highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to advancing networking technologies. These transactions illustrate Bpifrance's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware industry, making it a significant player in this space.

2. 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) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIB has made 99 investments, showcasing its active role in financing initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIB has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware industry, including a $584 million post-IPO debt raised by Nokia in 2018, and a $455.2 million funding deal with Ericsson in December 2023. Additionally, Ericsson raised $293 million in post-IPO debt in June 2018, and Atea secured $55 million in April 2023. The EIB also financed Cellnex Telecom with â‚�315 million to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ expansion of 5G infrastructure across Europe in July 2023. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIB's commitment to investing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware sector, making it a relevant player in this field.

3. Almi

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth and competitiveness of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Almi invested in Netrounds, which raised $1,000,000 in a seed round in 2013, and InCoax Network Europe, which raised $1,046,601 in a venture round in 2012. These investments highlight Almi's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware sector, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting innovative companies in this field.

4. 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. Notably, 3i has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware industry, including a $20 million investment in Netronome Systems Inc. during a Series C financing round to support its virtualization vision. Additionally, 3i has made multiple investments in Polatis, a company focused on optical networking solutions, raising significant funds across various rounds. These transactions highlight 3i's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware sector, reinforcing its relevance as an investor in this field.

5. 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 prominent investment firm founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware and infrastructure space, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Zayo for $14.3 billion in 2020, which is a leading provider of communications infrastructure. Additionally, EQT acquired Segra, a regional fiber network provider, and EdgeConneX, which focuses on edge data centers, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking sector. Their acquisition of GlobalConnect, a company that provides connectivity and data center services, also aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategy in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware industry. These transactions highlight EQT's active role in shaping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking landscape.

6. 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 prominent telecommunications company based in London, England, providing a wide range of services including gigabit broadband, 5G mobile services, and entertainment platforms. Founded in 2005, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company serves both consumers and businesses across multiple European countries, leveraging its extensive network infrastructure. Liberty Global has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware sector, including a $30 million investment in Tibit Communications, which is focused on scaling its 25G ASIC program. They have also participated in multiple funding rounds for Plume Design, a company that specializes in smart home services and relies on advanced networking technology. Their investment in Technetix furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting companies that contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware ecosystem.

7. 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 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 Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se startups access technical infrastructure and market channels. Swisscom Ventures operates across various technology sectors, including AI and Fintech, but has also made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware industry. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in funding rounds for Tibit Communications, which raised $30 million in Series C funding to accelerate its 25G ASIC program, and $20 million in Series B funding for its access devices for Passive Optical Networking (PON). Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y led a Series A funding round for Netrounds, a provider of software-based active testing and monitoring solutions, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware domain.

8. 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, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across various sectors 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 invested in companies relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware industry, such as Lumenisity, a fibre optic and cabling technology firm, where Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y contributed £5 million to a £7.5 million funding round aimed at commercializing research and building a new manufacturing facility. Additionally, BGF has invested in Calnex Solutions and Sub10 Systems, both of which are involved in networking technologies, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in this sector. Their diverse portfolio and focus on growth make Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ venture capital landscape.

9. Amadeus Capital Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

Amadeus Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies across various sectors, including AI, Cyber Security, and FinTech. They provide funding and strategic support to help startups and growth-stage companies scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations and bring innovative technologies to market. Notably, Amadeus has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware context, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement with Nu Quantum, a quantum networking startup that raised £7M in a Pre-Series A round, and iPronics, which focuses on photonic computing. These investments highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to advancing technologies that are crucial for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ future of networking hardware.

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, specializing 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. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, LDC has invested in Wifinity, a company that provides wireless networking solutions, and Commsworld, which offers telecommunications services. Additionally, LDC backed Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ management buyout of Giacom World Networks, a cloud IT and communications solutions provider, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking and communications space. These investments highlight LDC's active role in supporting companies that contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware industry.

11. 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, serving institutional investors seeking to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capital through strategic investments in private equity funds. Notably, Apax has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware industry, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in MeshNetworks, which raised $26 million in Series B funding, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Bezeq Israeli Telecommunication Corp Ltd, a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ telecommunications sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Melita Plc, a leading telecommunications operator in Malta, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking space. These transactions demonstrate Apax's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware and telecommunications sectors, reinforcing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position as a relevant investor in this field.

12. Index Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 67
• LinkedIn:

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Notably, Index Ventures has invested in companies relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware industry, such as eero, which raised $50 million in Series B funding in 2016 for its home Wi-Fi systems, and Fon, a Spanish startup that raised $13 million in 2007 to expand its Wi-Fi network. Fon has been instrumental in building a community-driven Wi-Fi network, showcasing Index Ventures' interest in networking solutions. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Hi Net, which also indicates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking space. Overall, Index Ventures is focused on building long-term partnerships with founders to drive success across various innovative sectors, including networking hardware.

13. Ericsson

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1876
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Ericsson is a telecommunications company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1876. With over 10,000 employees, Ericsson specializes in providing advanced connectivity solutions, including 5G networks and IoT platforms, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and user experiences across various industries. Notably, Ericsson has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware space, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Cradlepoint for $1.1 billion, which aims to bolster Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir 5G enterprise offerings. Additionally, Ericsson has participated in funding rounds for Pluribus Networks, contributing to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir Series D round alongside oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investors, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic interest in networking technologies. These transactions underscore Ericsson's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ networking hardware industry, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant investor in this sector.

Networking Hardware Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	1958	99
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	2005	7
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2007	4
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	1997	7
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1981	15
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1981	8
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	10001+	1876	3

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