Singapore-based SingTel is teaming up with three other operator groups to create a start-up ecosystem spanning Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
The start-up innovation arms of SingTel (SingTel Innov8), Orange (Orange Fab), Deutsche Telekom (hub:raum) and Telefónica (Telefónica Open Future) will work together to bridge the start-up ecosystems in their respective regions.
The partnership aims to allow start-ups to expand beyond their home markets and grow more rapidly.
Selected start-ups supported by the incubation arms will be able to use the resources and networks of the four operator groups, including potential access to a collective mobile customer base of over 1 billion.
The project also aims to provide start-ups with resources including market insights, introductions to partners and the use of co-working spaces.
“This is a great opportunity for us to deepen our connections with leading innovation hubs around the world. More start-ups harbour aspirations to venture beyond their own markets and go global,” SingTel Innov8 CEO Edgar Hardless said.
“Through Singtel Innov8’s deep connections in Southeast Asia, we can help open doors for African, European, Middle Eastern and Latin American start-ups to the region. Similarly, our portfolio companies can leverage this partnership to expand beyond their home markets.”