Revolutionizing Cybersecurity: How o2 Telefónica Enhances Protection with Startup Whalebone
In today's digital landscape, a disturbing trend has emerged: seven out of ten internet users fell victim to cybercrime last year alone. For o2 Telefónica Germany, this statistic represented not just a number, but a critical wake-up call. Customers faced increasingly sophisticated threats - from phishing attempts to data theft - yet traditional security solutions often require technical expertise and complex software installations, leaving many users vulnerable.
From Challenge to Innovation: A Revolutionary Security Solution
The response to this challenge came from o2 Telefónica's innovation hub, Wayra, which identified Whalebone, a startup with promising AI-driven security technology. Through Wayra's venture client model, this partnership would transform how the telecommunication company approaches customer security.
For over ten years, we have been supporting start-ups through Wayra, and our goal at o2 Telefónica is to help these start-ups grow their ideas. This partnership allows start-ups to develop innovative solutions while we provide access to our business and consumer customers. We test these ideas with our customer base, and if they align with our offerings, we market these products directly to our customers. This creates a powerful synergy where we learn from new ideas while giving start-ups the opportunity to scale their concepts.”
Markus Haas (CEO Telefónica Germany)
"For over ten years, we have been supporting start-ups through Wayra, and our goal at o2 Telefónica is to help these start-ups grow their ideas. This partnership allows start-ups to develop innovative solutions while we provide access to our business and consumer customers. We test these ideas with our customer base, and if they align with our offerings, we market these products directly to our customers. This creates a powerful synergy where we learn from new ideas while giving start-ups the opportunity to scale their concepts.” (Markus Haas, CEO Telefónica Germany).
The result of this collaboration is o2 Onlineschutz - a groundbreaking security service that operates entirely at the network level. Launched on September 4, 2024, the solution eliminates the need for software installation while providing comprehensive protection against cyber threats.
Creating Lasting Value
Today, o2 customers enjoy enterprise-level security without complexity. The solution actively blocks dangerous websites, prevents data theft, and neutralizes threats before they reach the user - all automatically and invisibly at the network level.
In the future, customers will be able to easily access internet protection for their smartphones without the need to download any apps or software; the network handles everything. We are excited about this collaboration, as it benefits both Whalebone and our customers by enhancing their internet security."
Markus Haas (CEO Telefónica Germany)
"In the future, customers will be able to easily access internet protection for their smartphones without the need to download any apps or software; the network handles everything. We are excited about this collaboration, as it benefits both Whalebone and our customers by enhancing their internet security." (Markus Haas, CEO Telefónica Germany).
This success story shows how collaboration between established companies and startups can solve real customer challenges while creating mutual benefits: Customers receive seamless protection, o2 Telefónica expands its security portfolio, and startups gain valuable market access. The partnership has established a new standard for telecommunications security and continues to drive innovative solutions that make digital protection accessible to everyone.
Partnering with o2 Telefónica Germany is a significant milestone for us. With the support of Wayra's venture client model, we were able to navigate this process effectively and achieve immense success."
Richard Malovic, CEO of Whalebone.
"Partnering with o2 Telefónica Germany is a significant milestone for us. With the support of Wayra's venture client model, we were able to navigate this process effectively and achieve immense success." (Richard Malovic, CEO of Whalebone).
A Decade of Innovation: o2 Telefonica and Wayra's Startup Success Model
In 2018, o2 Telefónica's open innovation hub was one of the pioneers in Germany to introduce the venture client model. Wayra seeks and connects start-ups that help o2 Telefónica address everyday business challenges. This could involve developing a new app for customer service or creating an artificial intelligence solution for employee development.
The fact that we are now jointly launching a product on the market shows the strength of our venture clienting model. We are delighted to have successfully integrated this product into the corporation, supporting o2 Telefónica in protecting its customers while tapping into new revenue potential through innovative products."
Florian Bogenschütz, Managing Director of Wayra Germany.
"The fact that we are now jointly launching a product on the market shows the strength of our venture clienting model. We are delighted to have successfully integrated this product into the corporation, supporting o2 Telefónica in protecting its customers while tapping into new revenue potential through innovative products." (Florian Bogenschütz, Managing Director of Wayra Germany).
