A1 Start Up Campus

What A1 Start Up Campus does

A1 Start Up Campus is a corporate startup incubator program operated by A1 Telekom Austria Group, headquartered at Lassallestraße 9 in Vienna, Austria. Founded in 2017, the program offers a 3-year structured engagement for early-stage Austrian startups, providing office space, IT infrastructure, business consulting (drawing on 30+ in-house consultants across sales, communications, legal, and branding), media and PR support, and direct access to A1's sales channels and customer base. Rather than taking traditional equity, A1 receives virtual shares that pay out only upon startup exit, preserving founder ownership while aligning long-term incentives. The incubator is led by Mario Mayerthaler (Head of A1 Start Up Campus and concurrent CEO of portfolio company Invenium) with Pavlina Filippi as Start Up Manager, supported by a core team of three dedicated experts plus additional A1 Group resources.

The portfolio spans cybersecurity (Whalebone, embedded into A1 Net Protect), mobility data analytics (Invenium, sold as A1 Mobility Insights via HERE Marketplace), EV fleet management (NECTURE), TV advertising analytics (All eyes on screens), educational technology (eSquirrel, MatheHero, Yoovis), retail and consumer SaaS (Warrify digital receipts, Jolioo marketing, WISCH'N decision aids), embedded software development (Sleeve), ESG engagement (Clymates), and smart emergency response (myResQ). Notable technical capabilities include Whalebone's network-level DNS security (serving 30+ telcos globally and blocking 5.5 billion threats in 2023), Necture's AI-driven fleet optimization (yielding 20-50% revenue increases for operators), and Invenium's TUEV-certified, GDPR-compliant anonymized mobility data platform. Strategic exits include A1's 2017 majority acquisition of Invenium.

The revenue model combines multiple streams: virtual share participation upon startup exits, embedded product revenue through A1's distribution channels (e.g., A1 Net Protect at EUR 1.90/month), SaaS subscriptions for B2B products (WISCH'N, Jolioo, Warrify, Sleeve), data monetization (A1 Mobility Insights), and freemium consumer adoption for edtech apps. Geographic reach leverages A1 Telekom Austria Group's 7-country footprint plus international partnerships such as HERE Marketplace and O2 Czech Republic distribution for Whalebone.

Name

A1 Start Up Campus

Legal name

A1 Start Up Campus

Website

https://a1startup.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Short description

A1 Start Up Campus is a Vienna-based corporate incubator operated by A1 Telekom Austria Group, offering a 3-year program of office space, consulting, and sales channel access to early-stage Austrian startups in exchange for virtual shares, with a portfolio spanning cybersecurity, mobility analytics, edtech, and SaaS.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415), Computer Training (611420)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Corporate Venture Studios & Incubators (Build/launch ventures) (FSANAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD)

Keywords

• Corporate startup incubation
• Technology accelerator programs
• Telecom venture partnerships
• Virtual shares investment
• Portfolio integration services

Headquarters

HQ city

Vienna

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

Revenue model

1. Virtual shares / revenue share from incubated startups: A1 Start Up Campus receives a percentage of virtual shares from startups in compensation. Virtual shares are a partial replica of real shareholding — A1 has no voting power and only receives renumeration upon exit. The program lasts 3 years.
2. Whalebone / A1 Net Protect subscription: DNS security product A1 Net Protect sold to A1 customers for EUR 1.90/month. Whalebone's service is embedded into A1's product portfolio and sold across 5 A1 ecosystem countries. Whalebone also serves other telcos globally.
3. A1 Mobility Insights data platform: Commercial product based on Invenium's anonymized mobility data analysis. Sold to tourism experts, cities, municipalities, and enterprises for transportation planning. Available via A1's own dashboard and HERE Marketplace internationally.
4. WISCH'N SaaS platform fees: Partner companies (retailers, e-commerce) pay a monthly fee to access the WISCH'N platform. Fee depends on number of users and integrated products. Used as a digital sales and marketing tool with gamified purchase decision aids.
5. Jolioo marketing SaaS subscription: Complete marketing solution for SMEs and municipalities. Revenue share model between A1 and Jolioo. The platform combines CRM, online customer cards, bonus points systems, and marketing automation.
6. Warrify digital receipt SaaS: SaaS solution implemented in all A1 shops. Retailers deploy Warrify to digitize receipts via QR codes. Retailers can target customers with services, warranty extensions, and discounts without setting up loyalty programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

A1 Start Up Campus is a corporate startup incubator program operated by A1 Telekom Austria Group, offering a 3-year program that provides office space, IT infrastructure, business consulting (30+ in-house experts), media work, and access to A1's sales channels and 2+ million customer base to early-stage Austrian startups. In return, startups provide virtual shares (a partial replica of real shareholding with no voting power) that only pay out upon successful exit. The program also embeds successful portfolio startup technologies (e.g., Whalebone's DNS security as A1 Net Protect, Invenium's mobility analytics as A1 Mobility Insights) directly into A1's product portfolio for distribution to millions of subscribers.

Product overview

A1 Start Up Campus is a corporate incubator program operated by A1 Telekom Austria Group, offering a 3-year program with business consulting (30+ in-house consultants), media support, office space, IT infrastructure, equipment, and access to A1's sales channels. The program focuses on startups in Digital Services & Technology, Environment & Sustainability, Educational Technology, Cybersecurity, and Data Analysis. Notable portfolio products include A1 Net Protect (DNS-based cybersecurity), A1 Mobility Insights (anonymized mobility analytics), and Warrify (QR-based receipt digitization). The startup portfolio includes educational platforms (MatheHero, eSquirrel, Yoovis), mobility services (EDDI Bike, NECTURE, JUHUU), analytics tools (Invenium, All eyes on screens, ITjobsaustria), ESG platforms (Clymates), cybersecurity (Whalebone), and SaaS solutions (Sleeve, Wisch'n, Jolioo, myResQ). Startups benefit from A1's customer base, sales channels, and media reach while receiving operational support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• A1 Net Protect: DNS-based network security product for A1 customers, developed in partnership with Whalebone, providing protection against cyber threats at the network level.
• A1 Mobility Insights

Quantifiable outcome

• Whalebone blocked over 5.5 billion threats in 2023 (830M+ within A1 Group alone)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability13 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, minor and core.

• WhaleboneflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Whalebone, a Czech-based DNS cybersecurity company, has been an A1 Start Up Campus alumni member since 2017. The partnership has deepened significantly — A1 uses Whalebone's DNS security as 'A1 Net Protect' sold across 5 countries. As of Q4 2023, Whalebone serves 30+ telcos globally, blocking 5.5 billion threats in 2023. CEO Alejandro Plater of A1 Group stated deep impressment with Whalebone's subscriber numbers and prevented attacks.
• InveniumflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Invenium, a Styrian mobility data analytics startup spun off from Technical University Graz and Know-Center, has been a member of A1 Start Up Campus since 2017. A1 Telekom Austria Group acquired a majority stake and increased it over time. CEO Mario Mayerthaler of A1 Group Innovation has been CEO of Invenium since November 2020. The partnership produced 'A1 Mobility Insights', now available via HERE Marketplace internationally.
• Technical University Graz (TU Graz)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInvenium emerged as a spin-off from Technical University Graz, one of Austria's leading technical universities, which contributed research expertise in mobility and data analysis.
• Know-CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKnow-Center is a leading European research center for data-driven business and artificial intelligence. Invenium is a startup from Know-Center's research ecosystem. Know-Center brings together competencies from science, politics, and business to create ideal conditions for successful startups.
• HERE MarketplacecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerA1 Telekom Austria Group joined the HERE Marketplace, enabling anonymized and aggregated motion analysis to be offered via international platforms alongside the world's largest providers. This partnership extends A1 Mobility Insights' distribution globally beyond A1's regional footprint.
• A1 Telekom Austria Group (TV Customer Panel)coreTechnology or IntegrationAll eyes on screens uses IPTV viewer data from the A1 TV customer panel and combines it with a proprietary video recognition algorithm. This proprietary data source enables classification into unique viewer types ('TV zombies', 'cherry pickers') and supports addressable TV targeting beyond current market standards.
• Yoovis EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYoovis Education developed YooQuiz, a curriculum-based learning app that connects teachers, pupils, and parents. The edu-tech startup is part of A1 Start Up Campus and focuses on learning through play — alone, with friends, in community, or with family. A full learning ecosystem for schools is planned.
• JolioocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerJolioo joined A1 Start Up Campus and entered a revenue share model with A1's SBS sales team. A1's business customer base was targeted with Jolioo's complete marketing solution for SMEs and municipalities. Over 60 partners now sell Jolioo in their own stores after initial pilot and partner inquiry accumulation.
• O2 Czech Republic (Telefonica)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBeyond A1, international telecommunications company O2 in the Czech Republic also relies on Whalebone's DNS-based security solution, extending Whalebone's market reach beyond the A1 ecosystem.
• EdTech companies (eSquirrel, MatheHero, Yoovis)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA1 Start Up Campus works closely with industry-leading edutechs. eSquirrel enables smartphone/tablet learning motivated by gamification aligned with textbooks. MatheHero prepares students for Austrian Central Matura. Even if classic textbooks cannot be replaced, digital learning aids allow students a more carefree learning life.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• BT Voyager Program: BT Group's innovation and corporate venturing arm connecting startups to BT's UK enterprise and consumer base. Comparable as a telco-incubator model with similar startup-distribution-bridge value proposition.
• Startupbootcamp: Global accelerator network with vertical-specific programs including fintech, health, and smart cities. Comparable as a corporate-partnered accelerator offering structured 3-month programs with mentor networks and demo days.
• Y Combinator: The benchmark global startup accelerator. Comparable as a competing founder-friendly early-stage program offering mentorship and capital, though A1's virtual shares / no-real-equity model is structurally distinct from YC's standard 7% equity take.
• Techstars: Global accelerator network operating 50+ programs with structured 3-month mentorship-driven cohorts. Comparable as a competing early-stage accelerator offering mentorship, capital, and network access — though independent (not corporate-tied) and equity-heavy.
• Antler: Global early-stage VC and accelerator operating across 30+ cities. Comparable as a competing founder-support program with global reach, contrasting with A1 Start Up Campus's Austrian-only intake restriction.
• Orange Fab: Orange's corporate accelerator program operating across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Directly comparable as a telco-led accelerator offering startup access to Orange's customer base and infrastructure in exchange for equity — same playbook as A1 Start Up Campus.
• Deutsche Telekom hub:raum: Deutsche Telekom's corporate incubator/accelerator focused on telco-adjacent startups in cybersecurity, IoT, and cloud. Directly comparable as a DACH-region telco incubator with similar structure: equity-for-services, distribution access, and corporate venturing focus.
• Vodafone Tomorrow Street: Vodafone's Luxembourg-based tech hub and corporate venture program for scaling telecom and IoT startups. Comparable as a tier-1 telco corporate venture platform with structured startup selection and distribution partnerships.
• Wayra (Telefónica Open Innovation): Telefónica's global corporate accelerator operating across 10+ countries. Directly comparable as a telco-operated startup hub providing distribution, mentorship, and capital to early-stage startups in exchange for equity — same business model as A1 Start Up Campus but at much larger scale.

Broad incumbents

• Microsoft for Startups: Microsoft's global startup program providing Azure credits, technical mentorship, and enterprise distribution to early-stage companies. Comparable as a Big Tech corporate-startup program, though broader in scope and capital-backed rather than virtual-share-based.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/a1-start-up-campus

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about A1 Start Up Campus