PARIS — Orange S.A. (EPA: ORA), a leading French telecommunications group, has unveiled its plan to invest in the Move Capital I fund through its holding company, Orange Digital Investment. This strategic move underscores Orange’s commitment to nurturing emerging digital B2B startups and safeguarding European technological sovereignty. The Move Capital I fund, managed by Kepler Cheuvreux Invest as a “Tech Growth” fund, focuses on bolstering European B2B technology firms operating in key sectors such as IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Cloud, and Industry 4.0, according to a press release published on EuropaWire.

Orange’s investment in the Move Capital I fund is poised to energize Orange Business Services, the enterprise arm of the Orange Group. Both Orange Business Services and Move Capital share a common vision of fostering the growth and development of French and European tech companies in the digital B2B sphere, thereby reinforcing European technological independence.

The dynamic landscape of B2B technology is undergoing significant transformations, characterized by the proliferation of 5G, exponential data growth, the surge in connected devices, the migration to cloud-based services, and the paramount need for robust cybersecurity solutions. In light of these developments, Orange Business Services recognizes the importance of strategic partnerships to navigate this evolving terrain effectively.

Laurent Godicheau, Chief Strategy Officer of Orange Business Services, emphasized the strategic significance of the Move Capital I fund investment: “We believe that investing in the Move Capital I fund is instrumental in anticipating our clients’ evolving needs, enhancing our innovation capabilities, and solidifying our position in the dynamic B2B market landscape.”

Maï de la Rochefordière, Deputy CEO of Orange Digital Investment, highlighted the broader implications of this partnership: “Beyond financial returns, our investment in the Move Capital I fund strengthens our collaboration with Move Capital and Kepler Cheuvreux Invest, propelling Orange Business Services’ innovation agenda forward.”

Sophie Sursock and Hervé Malausséna, co-founders of Move Capital, expressed their appreciation for Orange’s endorsement of the fund: “We are thrilled by Orange’s confidence in the Move Capital fund. With a shared vision and commitment to supporting French and European tech startups, we look forward to fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation.”

Orange’s strategic partnership with the Move Capital I fund signals a significant step towards fortifying Europe’s position in the global tech landscape, fostering innovation, and nurturing the growth of digital B2B startups.