Wayra To Invest Up To 5m Per Startup
Under the leadership of Irene Gómez, Head of Open Innovation, Wayra is transitioning into an autonomous operational unit within Telefónica, signaling a new phase of growth and autonomy. The decision to increase investment capacity reflects a strategic shift towards supporting ventures with substantial potential, with Wayra holding an active portfolio of 530 startups, 330 of which have already collaborated with Telefónica.
This expansion is part of Wayra’s broader strategy to position itself as a leading Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) service, streamlining Telefónica’s investment activities under one roof. The change aims to enhance innovation across the board, aligning with the conglomerate’s centenary transformation. With over €230 million already invested, Wayra’s revamped focus underscores its pivotal role in nurturing business ties between startups and Telefónica, having already facilitated contracts worth €500 million.
2024 and 2025 are earmarked as pivotal years for scaleups, according to Gómez, highlighting the importance of fostering investments in growth-stage companies. Wayra’s involvement in Leadwind, a fund created in collaboration with K Fund, exemplifies its commitment to advancing the scaleup ecosystem, not only in Spain but across all Telefónica’s operational territories. Additionally, Wayra’s engagement with emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and the apification of networks, reflects its dedication to driving innovation and sustainable investment practices within the tech landscape.
