Wayra Telefónica

Overview

Wayra Telefónica is a global open innovation hub and the corporate venture capital arm of Telefónica, dedicated to investing in early-stage technology companies. Established in 2011, Wayra operates across multiple countries in Europe and Latin America, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Germany, Mexico, Peru, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela. With a focus on fostering innovation and driving progress, Wayra has invested in over 1,100 startups, with a total investment exceeding €233 million. The firm primarily invests in sectors such as technology, healthcare, real estate, financial services, consumer goods, media, telecommunications, energy, transportation, education, agriculture, retail, automotive, logistics, and tourism. Wayra's investment stages range from seed to late-stage funding, including Series A, Series B, growth, pre-IPO, buyout, turnaround, and distressed investments. By leveraging Telefónica's extensive network of 380 million customers, Wayra provides startups with unparalleled access to global markets, facilitating their growth and scalability. The firm's investment size typically ranges from $50,000 to $400,000, supporting startups at various stages of development. Wayra's mission is to foster innovation and drive progress by investing in startups and facilitating their collaboration with organizations to generate impact. Over the years, Wayra has evolved from a startup accelerator to a comprehensive corporate venture capital fund, recognized as a leader in corporate venture capital within the entrepreneurial ecosystems it operates in. Through its unique venture-client approach, Wayra helps startups scale globally by offering them access to Telefónica's vast network and resources. With a portfolio of over 530 active startups and more than 140 partners and clients, Wayra continues to play a pivotal role in open innovation, supporting major corporations and contributing to the evolution of entrepreneurial ecosystems worldwide. Wayra's commitment to innovation is further demonstrated by its recent investments, such as the €2 million funding round in GrabrFi, a fintech company enabling non-residents to open U.S. bank accounts. This investment underscores Wayra's dedication to supporting innovative solutions that address significant challenges in the financial sector. By connecting entrepreneurs with Telefónica's business units, Wayra generates joint opportunities, fostering a mutually beneficial collaboration that drives growth and innovation. Through its global presence and strategic partnerships, Wayra continues to empower startups, providing them with the tools, resources, and networks necessary to succeed in the competitive technology landscape. With a strong track record and a clear mission, Wayra Telefónica remains a key player in the corporate venture capital space, driving innovation and progress in the startup ecosystem.

Investment Focus

• No investments in Foodtech, Biotech, Life Sciences

Portfolio Companies