Thomas Grota

Strategy Advisor @ DT | Scaling B2B Digitization with AI & Automation | Business Continuity & Cybersecurity | Fiber & Roaming Expert

Cologne Bonn Region

About

For over two decades, I have been driving digital innovation at Deutsche Telekom AG, helping shape how Germany’s business sector connects and competes. My passion lies in the evolution of connectivity—moving beyond traditional models to embrace the "network of networks," including 5G, LEO satellites, and AI-driven infrastructure. My Mission: To translate the complexity of modern telecommunications into clear, profitable strategies for the B2B and Mittelstand markets. I guide enterprises from the ideation phase through to go-to-market execution, ensuring technical innovation meets commercial viability. Key Expertise: 📡 Future Connectivity: Leading strategies for Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), 5G Campus networks, and the convergence of terrestrial and satellite (HAPS/LEO) communications. 🌍 Global Roaming: Redefining how we monetize connectivity through 5G Standalone roaming, IoT, and eSIM evolution. 🤖 AI Integration: moving beyond the buzzwords to implement practical AI for network optimization and predictive B2B services. 💼 M&A & Venture Capital: Bringing an investor’s mindset to strategy, drawing on my experience as an Investment Director to manage due diligence and post-merger integrations. I thrive in dynamic environments where technology meets business strategy. If you are interested in discussing the future of FWA, global roaming, or AI in telecom, let’s connect.

Experience

  • Deutsche Telekom (19 yrs 6 mos)
    • Senior Manager B2B Corporate Strategy / PMI / M&A at Telekom Deutschland Geschäftskunden
      Jul 2017 - Present · 9 yrs

      Establishing forward looking strategy for business customers of Deutsche Telekom's German market unit Telekom Deutschland GmbH. My work focuses on German “Mittelstand” customer segment across all industries. Operational management of subsidiaries of Telekom Deutschland (Beteiligungsmanagment). Coordinating Post Merger Integration processes and developing new partnering models.

    • Investment Director at T-Venture GmbH
      Jul 2009 - Jun 2017 · 8 yrs

      Identifying possible investment in the fields of mobile platforms, WebTV, social gaming and enabling software technologies on a global scale. Evaluating new entrants and startups based on their business models and technology strategies. Leading investment process and finalize closing for investments. Member of supervisory board of his portfolio companies such as 6Wunderkinder, MyTaxi, flaregames, NumberFour, Gini, apprupt and supporting business development in related industries and Deutsche Telekom group. Sold his portfolio company Swoodoo to kayak.com in 2010. Mentor of Seedcamp www.seedcamp.com - Seedcamp is a programme created to jumpstart the entrepreneurial community in Europe by connecting next generation developers and entrepreneurs with over 400 mentors.

    • Managing Consultant at Detecon International GmbH
      Jan 2007 - Jun 2009 · 2 yrs 6 mos

      Defining strategic technologies to enable customers to implement innovative service offering portfolio to extend revenue opportunities. Generating new business and revenues in IPTV architectures for interactive applications and advertising models. Main Focus on converged TV strategies and market trends analysis of Web 3.0 development. Supporting clients to broaden their service portfolio with new BSS / OSS systems and driving efficiency. Implementing NG telecommunications technologies involving IMS and SDP.

  • Senior Manager Strategy Business Development at Deutsche Telekom Global Business Solutions Schweiz
    Sep 2022 - Nov 2022 · 3 mos

  • Advisor to The Head of Accelerator Program at 1. FC Köln GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Oct 2018 - Jul 2022 · 3 yrs 10 mos

    Advising the head of accelerator program of 1.FC Köln regarding program strategy, investment models and selection process. Mentoring participating startups in fundraising, market entry strategies and financial planing.

  • VC Investor at Lookout
    Jan 2014 - Jun 2017 · 3 yrs 6 mos

    Responsible at T-Venture for investment and leading business development for portfolio company Lookout Inc. into Deutsche Telekom AG.

  • VC Investor at NumberFour AG
    Jun 2013 - Jun 2017 · 4 yrs 1 mo

    Responsible at T-Venture for investment and leading business development for portfolio company into Deutsche Telekom AG.