Transport

Telecoms investment funds had a boom in 2014-16 which has not been repeated since. But 2021 saw signs of an uptick with telcos in emerging markets creating investment funds.

Telecoms companies had 91 exits for their portfolio companies last year, with an estimated total value of $50bn.

As telecoms networks continue to expand their services, what even counts as a strategic investment these days? A selection of industry figures tell Global Venturing it can include Web3, ESG and 5G-related technologies.

Corporate investors shied away from big funding rounds for telecoms startups, with the value of deals down to $2.42bn in 2021 from $5.14bn the year before.

Next47 has participated in a $205m series D round for Verkada while UPMC Enterprises has co-led SparingVision’s $75m series B.

Invest in a business development function — early. Be creative with funding and careful with how your strategic value is measured.

Spinouts working on ketamine-based therapeutics, regenerative medicines for dogs and better sleep are among those that caught our eye this month.

The global food system is creaking — creating an impetus for global agriculture companies to invest in new solutions. Corporates took part in agtech deals worth a record $18bn last year. But are they investing fast enough?

Access Industries, Pfizer and SR One were among the investors in a $125m round for Nimbus Therapeutics while Aerwins agreed a reverse takeover.

Alphabet led a $1bn round for its Verily subsidiary while Kimco Realty and The Silverman Group were part of Gotham Greens’ $310m series E.