French billionaire and telecom entrepreneur Xavier Niel has received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to acquire a 16.2% stake in UK-based Vodafone Group.
The proposed transaction, valued at approximately €5.1 billion, will take place through Vega SAS, Niel’s family investment company. The shares will be purchased from Emirates Telecommunications Group Co PJSC. Once completed, the deal could make Vega SAS Vodafone’s largest single shareholder.
Vega SAS is wholly owned by Maya SAS, a company registered in France. Niel is also the founder of French telecom operator Iliad.
Who Is Xavier Niel?
Born on August 25, 1967, in Créteil, France, Xavier Niel built his fortune through technology, telecommunications and investments. His interest in computers began at the age of 16, when he received an Apple II computer.
He started exploring computer programming and hacking as a teenager. Later, he used his technical knowledge to develop online chat services and France’s first reverse telephone directory. These early ventures helped him earn money before entering the mainstream business world.
Niel left his mathematics studies at the age of 20 and launched an adult chat and dating service through Minitel, France’s early online communication network.
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How Did Xavier Niel Build His Telecom Business?
A major milestone in Niel’s career came in 1999, when he launched Free, a telecommunications brand that challenged established operators with competitively priced internet services.
The company later expanded into mobile services, attracting millions of customers with affordable plans.
Niel’s telecom group, Iliad, became the foundation of much of his wealth. After taking the company private in 2021, he retained a 96% stake. Iliad generates approximately €10 billion in annual revenue, according to the reported figures.
Xavier Niel’s Investments Beyond Telecom
Niel has built a diverse investment portfolio covering media, technology, startups and artificial intelligence.
Some of his notable initiatives include:
- Kima Ventures (2010): Niel established this venture capital firm to support early-stage technology companies. It reportedly invests around €15 million annually and backs more than 120 founders each year.
- 42 Coding School (2013): He launched a tuition-free coding education network to make technical training accessible to aspiring developers.
- Station F (2017): Niel opened a major startup campus in Paris to support entrepreneurs and technology businesses.
- Kyutai AI Lab (2023): Through Iliad, he committed €100 million to establish an open-source, non-profit AI research organisation in Paris, alongside other prominent investors.
- AI Infrastructure (2025): Iliad announced plans to invest €3 billion in AI data centres and open-source artificial intelligence research in Europe.
His business interests also extend to media investments, including a stake in French newspaper Le Monde and co-ownership of production company Mediawan.
Xavier Niel’s Net Worth and Personal Life
Niel’s personal life has also attracted public attention. His partner is Delphine Arnault, the CEO of Dior and daughter of LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault.
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index figures cited in the original report, Niel ranked 254th globally as of October 31, 2026, with an estimated net worth of $13.3 billion.
His journey from a young computer enthusiast to a global telecom investor reflects his long-standing interest in technology, entrepreneurship and innovation.
The proposed Vodafone investment represents another significant step in expanding his influence in the international telecommunications industry.
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