Telecoms company, Orange, has launched an early stage investment program to identify and fund start-ups during their initial development as well as provide the strategic relationships needed for them to become valuable companies.
Orange Digital Ventures, as it is called, intends to leverage its already active role in the global digital ecosystem, and through these new investments get closer to companies that are agile at grasping and acting on technology shifts vital to the creation of tomorrow’s digital services.
Orange Digital Ventures will focus on start-ups working on leading edge transformations in the telecoms and digital sectors; particularly in the fields of communication, connectivity, the cloud, payment, the Internet of Things and big data, e-Health and security services developing innovative solutions and technologies as well as inventing new business models.
With 20 million Euros earmarked for its first year, Orange Digital Ventures will proceed by making capital investments via minority holdings. This support will be available to start-ups in all geographical regions where Orange is present.
The funding venture intends to deliver entrepreneurs a first response in less than 30 days hence it has a dedicated team of digital specialists and a simplified, rapid selection methodology.
In its press release, Orange says “Orange Digital Ventures will be more than a shareholder; it is designed to be a growth catalyst. The immediate priority is on the economic development of the portfolio companies and their global expansion. The ambition for Orange Digital Ventures is to work alongside them to transform far-sighted, talented entrepreneurs into key players in their chosen markets and in so doing, benefit Orange and its customers.”
“Orange, as an investor and catalyst, will benefit participating start-ups through its international commercial footprint and its reputation. Entrepreneurs will be able to develop technical or commercial relationships through access to Orange experts and decision-makers.”
This new approach will reinforce existing Orange open innovation initiatives, like Orange Fab, while also allowing the support of new companies in their ramp-up phases.
Start-ups can get in touch with the teams of Orange Digital Ventures on digitalventures.orange.com
