Dutch Infrastructure Fund (DIF) Capital Partners announced its leadership in a funding round aimed at accelerating the expansion of its optical fibre rollout by Valoo (Adola Oy) to underserved regions and municipalities in Finland.
The total funding raised surpasses €250M and combines both equity and debt investments. DIF’s equity investment comes through its CIF III fund, building upon the initial investment made by DIF’s CIF I fund that supported the company’s initial growth trajectory.
While DIF serves as the lead investor, the funding round also enjoys support from Tesi (Finnish Industry Investment Ltd) and other investors. Senior debt for the project has been provided by a consortium of SEB, NORD/LB, and NIBC.
The investment will pave the way for the long-awaited high-speed fibre connectivity in areas primarily relying on mobile connectivity for internet access. With this funding package, over 300,000 households will gain access to fibre, and nearly 1,000 jobs will be secured within the company and the wider market.
About Valoo
Valoo specializes in building and operating fibre-optic networks across Finland. Unlike traditional models, Valoo does not charge customers for network connection construction; instead, it focuses on establishing long-term customer relationships to provide internet services.
Valoo is poised to emerge as Finland’s leading platform for fibre connectivity, bolstered by its expanding reach and strong national brand.
The investment will also facilitate the creation of a future wholesale fibre access market in Finland, enhancing consumer choice.
DIF's Role and Strategy
As an independent global infrastructure fund manager and a leading investor in optical fibre rollouts, DIF Capital Partners has funded significant projects in various countries, including Canada, Germany, France, the UK, and the USA.
Willem Jansonius, Partner and Head of CIF Investments at DIF Capital Partners, commented on the follow-up investment in Valoo, stating,
“Our follow-up investment in Valoo enables it to connect a much larger number of underserved areas in Finland to fibre broadband infrastructure.”
DIF’s investment in Valoo further solidifies its position as a major investor in the Finnish market and underscores the company’s continued focus on digital infrastructure across Europe and North America.
The investment also reflects a vote of confidence in Valoo’s successful business transformation in recent years.
