twitteryou tubeacpRSS Feed

Frances Orange said that it has partnered with search engine giant Google through the companys venture capital arm, Orange Digital Ventures (ODV), to explore investment opportunities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa

ODV and Google will look at start-up companies in areas such as new connectivities, IoT, cybersecurity, cloud, AI and fintech. They will also look to invest in companies with new business models in the Middle East and Africa.

Large legacy companies are increasingly looking to invest in up and coming products and businesses in areas such as IoT and AI, which are expected to see fast growth in coming years.

"We are very proud to announce this partnership which will enable start-ups supported by Orange Digital Ventures to explore potential co-investment opportunities with Google. Through this partnership, we stand to reinforce Orange Digital Ventures’ "Smart Money" value-proposition by offering entrepreneurs with whom we work much more than just financing," said Stéphane Richard, CEO of Orange.

"We are delighted to support Orange's ecosystem of start-ups and innovation and to explore alongside them opportunities for co-investment in Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EMEA). Orange's ecosystem is consistent with Google's know-how and our ability to accelerate the growth of start-ups. This partnership is a way to enhance our collective contribution to innovation in this region," said Carlo d'Asaro Biondo, EMEA president of Google Partnerships.

SEACOM debuts LEO satellite service, enhancing connectivity in South Africa; industry leaders endorse its potential for digital transformation. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Paratus Group pioneers fastest fiber express route linking Johannesburg to Europe, revolutionising telecommunications with low latency and high-speed connectivity. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Empowering girls through innovation in education across Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

(L-R): Dr Diane Karusisi, CEO, Bank of Kigali and Dr Reda Helal, group managing director – processing, Africa and co-head group processing, Network International. (Image source: Network International)

Kagiso Mothibi, MTN SA’s general manager for fintech products and services. (Image source: MTN)

Huawei Cloud pledges US$10mn in credits, aims to support 100 Nigerian startups, fostering innovation & digital transformation. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Microsoft envisions AI empowering Africa's progress, highlighting strategies for governance and partnerships to ensure equitable advancement. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

American Tower and ProFuturo join forces to revolutionise education in Africa, bridging the digital divide and empowering underserved communities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Orange Digital Center and Coursera join forces to offer free certification courses for new digital professions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Africa Data Centres & DPA SA pioneer solar farm for sustainable data solutions in South Africa. (Image source: African Data Centres)

MTN leads South Africa's mobile networks with exceptional speeds, while Vodacom excels in 5G. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

MainOne, an Equinix subsidiary, partners with Akwa Ibom state for high-speed connectivity, enhancing Nigeria's digital landscape. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Debbie Beech, country manager: SA and SADC at cybersecurity expert, Exclusive Networks Africa. (Image source: Exclusive Networks Africa)

South African government plans to extend Wi-Fi connectivity to 5.5 million households in rural and township regions over the course of the next three to four years. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

MTN & Airtel create APEP to boost mobile money in Congo. (Image source: Adobe Stock)