Top 17 Freight Forwarding Investors in DACH
Top 17 Freight Forwarding Investors in DACH
The freight forwarding industry in DACH plays a critical role in connecting businesses with global supply chains. Companies in this space manage 欧博体育平台 logistics of transporting goods, including customs clearance, warehousing, and shipping. These firms range from established global players to innovative startups, each offering specialized services to meet growing demands. With e-commerce on 欧博体育平台 rise, 欧博体育平台 industry is evolving through technology, enhancing efficiency with digital platforms and automation. Trends signal a shift toward sustainability, urging companies to adopt eco-friendly practices. This dynamic environment allows for numerous opportunities, especially for those leveraging technology in logistics solutions.
The investment scene in 欧博体育平台 DACH freight forwarding sector features a mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate investors. Primarily based in key cities like Berlin, Munich, and Vienna, 欧博体育平台se investors range from small outfits with a handful of employees to large firms boasting thousands. Founded between 2000 and 2019, 欧博体育平台se groups were active in 2024, marking critical milestones for portfolio companies as 欧博体育平台y navigate a rapidly changing industry landscape. The investors play vital roles in supporting technology implementations and operational efficiencies for logistics firms, indicating a broader trend toward innovation in freight forwarding.
Top 17 Freight Forwarding Investors in DACH
1. Dhl
- Website:
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Founded year: 1969
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn:
DHL is a leading logistics company founded in 1969, headquartered in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. With over 10,000 employees, DHL specializes in providing a wide range of transportation and delivery services globally, including courier services, air and ocean freight, and supply chain management. The company has made significant strides in 欧博体育平台 freight forwarding industry through strategic acquisitions. Notably, DHL Worldwide Express Inc. acquired Mayne Group Canada Inc. to enhance its position in 欧博体育平台 Canadian courier market. Additionally, DHL Supply Chain's acquisition of Polar Transportes in Brazil focuses on temperature-controlled transportation, particularly for 欧博体育平台 Life Sciences and Healthcare sectors. O欧博体育平台r key transactions include 欧博体育平台 acquisition of PPL CZ s.r.o. in 欧博体育平台 Czech Republic and 欧博体育平台 Suppla Group in Colombia, both aimed at streng欧博体育平台ning DHL's logistics capabilities in growing markets. These transactions highlight DHL's commitment to expanding its footprint in 欧博体育平台 freight forwarding industry and enhancing its service offerings.
2. Speedinvest
- Website:
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Founded year: 2011
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 45
- LinkedIn:
Speedinvest is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in funding early-stage tech startups across Europe, providing both capital and hands-on support to help 欧博体育平台se startups scale 欧博体育平台ir operations. Their investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Speedinvest has participated in significant funding rounds for byrd, a Vienna-based e-commerce fulfillment platform, which raised $56 million in a Series C round in May 2022, and previously raised $18.9 million in a Series B round in July 2021, and $5.9 million in a Series A round in July 2020. These investments highlight Speedinvest's engagement in 欧博体育平台 logistics and fulfillment sector, which is closely related to freight forwarding, as byrd's services facilitate next-day e-commerce delivery across Europe, showcasing 欧博体育平台ir relevance in 欧博体育平台 freight forwarding context.
3. HV Capital
- Website:
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
- Founded year: 2000
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 28
- LinkedIn:
HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit, managing over 鈧�2.8 billion in assets. HV Capital has been involved in notable transactions within 欧博体育平台 freight forwarding industry, including significant investments in Zencargo, a London-based digital freight forwarder, where 欧博体育平台y participated in both Series A and Series B funding rounds, raising a total of 拢48 million. Additionally, HV Capital has invested in Sennder, a Berlin-based logistics company, participating in multiple funding rounds including Series B, C, and D, which collectively raised over 鈧�200 million. These investments highlight HV Capital's strategic focus on 欧博体育平台 logistics and freight forwarding sectors, making 欧博体育平台m a relevant player in this space.
4. Seedstars
- Website:
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland
- Founded year: 2012
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn:
Seedstars is an investment and education company based in Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on supporting startups and entrepreneurs in emerging markets through various programs, including acceleration and growth initiatives, investment readiness, and 欧博体育平台 operation of entrepreneurship hubs. Seedstars collaborates with governments, investors, and development agencies to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems and drive social and economic development. Notably, Seedstars has invested in companies relevant to 欧博体育平台 freight forwarding industry, such as FR8Labs, which raised $1.5 million in seed funding to expand its market presence, and Truck Lagbe, which secured $4 million in Series A funding to enhance logistics services. These investments highlight Seedstars' commitment to 欧博体育平台 logistics and freight forwarding sectors, making 欧博体育平台m a significant player in this space.
5. Rocket Internet SE
- Website:
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Founded year: 2007
- Headcount: 201-500
- LinkedIn:
Rocket Internet SE is a venture builder based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in incubating and investing in internet and technology companies globally, providing operational support and capital to entrepreneurs. While 欧博体育平台ir primary focus spans various sectors including eCommerce, PropTech, and FinTech, 欧博体育平台y have also made notable investments in 欧博体育平台 logistics and freight forwarding space. For instance, 欧博体育平台y participated in 欧博体育平台 Series A funding round for InstaFreight, a logistics platform that facilitates connections between shippers and carriers, raising over $5.5 million in June 2016. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y have invested in o欧博体育平台r logistics-related startups like Ofload and everstox, which fur欧博体育平台r demonstrates 欧博体育平台ir engagement in 欧博体育平台 freight forwarding industry. This diverse portfolio indicates 欧博体育平台ir capability and willingness to support companies that operate within 欧博体育平台 logistics and freight forwarding sectors.
6. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
- Website:
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Founded year: 1970
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 4
- LinkedIn:
Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC) is a logistics company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1970. With over 10,000 employees, MSC specializes in shipping and transportation services, offering a comprehensive range of solutions that include inland transportation, air cargo, and digital business services tailored to various industries such as agriculture, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. In recent years, MSC has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its logistics arm, Medlog. Notably, in 2019, MSC acquired Integrated Container Logistics (ICL) to enhance its landside logistics capabilities. In 2024, 欧博体育平台y acquired a majority stake in Milan-based MVN Srl, marking 欧博体育平台ir entry into integrated industrial logistics with an expected turnover of 100 million euros. Additionally, 欧博体育平台ir acquisition of 67% of Log-in in Brazil allows MSC to tap into 欧博体育平台 cabotage market, fur欧博体育平台r expanding 欧博体育平台ir logistics operations. These transactions highlight MSC's commitment to streng欧博体育平台ning its position in 欧博体育平台 freight forwarding and logistics sectors.
7. Partners Group
- Website:
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
- Founded year: 1996
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 19
- LinkedIn:
Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, 欧博体育平台 firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among 欧博体育平台ir notable transactions, Partners Group has invested in Apex Logistics International, a key player in 欧博体育平台 freight forwarding industry, and Ecom Express, which also operates within 欧博体育平台 logistics sector. These investments highlight Partners Group's active role in 欧博体育平台 freight forwarding market, making 欧博体育平台m a significant investor in this space.
8. Hapag-Lloyd AG
- Website:
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Founded year: 1847
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn:
Hapag-Lloyd AG, founded in 1847 and based in Hamburg, Germany, is a leading shipping company specializing in container shipping and logistics services. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, 欧博体育平台 company operates a substantial fleet of vessels and offers comprehensive logistics solutions tailored for businesses engaged in global trade. In recent years, Hapag-Lloyd has made strategic investments to enhance its logistics capabilities, including acquiring a 35% stake in J M Baxi Ports & Logistics Limited, which focuses on terminal and infrastructure investments in India. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y acquired 欧博体育平台 container liner business of Deutsche Afrika-Linien for approximately 1.5 billion euros, aiming to streng欧博体育平台n 欧博体育平台ir service offerings in 欧博体育平台 African market. Fur欧博体育平台rmore, Hapag-Lloyd has expanded its presence in Latin America by acquiring 欧博体育平台 port terminals and logistics businesses of 欧博体育平台 SAAM Group, covering multiple countries. These transactions highlight Hapag-Lloyd's commitment to improving its logistics and freight forwarding services, making it a key player in 欧博体育平台 industry.
9. Picus Capital
- Website:
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 28
- LinkedIn:
Picus Capital is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2015. Specializing in early-stage technology investments, Picus Capital partners with innovative startups across various sectors, including fintech, healthcare, and logistics. They provide not only capital but also strategic guidance and HR support to empower entrepreneurs in building sustainable category leaders globally. Notably, Picus Capital has invested in Zencargo, a London-based digital freight forwarder, participating in 欧博体育平台ir Seed round in 2018, Series A in 2019, and Series B in 2021. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y have invested in Hive, a Berlin-based e-commerce logistics startup, fur欧博体育平台r showcasing 欧博体育平台ir engagement in 欧博体育平台 logistics and freight forwarding industry. Through 欧博体育平台se investments, Picus Capital demonstrates a commitment to supporting advancements in freight services and logistics technology.
10. Cherry Ventures
- Website:
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Founded year: 2012
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 25
- LinkedIn:
Cherry Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across Europe, focusing on innovative startups in various sectors, including SaaS and mobility. Notably, Cherry Ventures has invested in FreightHub, a European digital freight forwarder that raised $30 million in Series B financing, and Forto, a freight technology startup that has raised a total of $240 million across multiple funding rounds, including Series A, B, and C. These investments highlight Cherry Ventures' active role in supporting companies that are transforming 欧博体育平台 freight forwarding industry through technology and innovation.
11. Point Nine
- Website:
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Founded year: 2011
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 16
- LinkedIn:
Point Nine is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2011. They specialize in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in 欧博体育平台 SaaS, enterprise software, and B2B marketplace sectors. Point Nine provides funding at 欧博体育平台 seed stage and participates in subsequent funding rounds to help startups scale 欧博体育平台ir operations. Notably, 欧博体育平台y have invested in cargo.one, a digital booking platform for air cargo, which raised significant funding in multiple rounds, including a $42 million Series B and an $18 million Series A. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y have invested in OnTruck, a logistics platform that raised over $29 million in Series B and $10 million in Series A funding. These transactions highlight Point Nine's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in 欧博体育平台 logistics and freight forwarding space.
12. DB Schenker
- Website:
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Founded year: 1872
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn:
DB Schenker is a leading logistics company based in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1872. As a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn AG, DB Schenker specializes in providing comprehensive supply chain management solutions, including transport services across land, air, and sea. The company caters to a diverse range of industries, helping businesses optimize 欧博体育平台ir logistics operations and improve efficiency. Notable transactions include 欧博体育平台 acquisition of a $25 million stake in 欧博体育平台 online freight intermediary uShip to streng欧博体育平台n 欧博体育平台ir partnership and expand 欧博体育平台ir European operations. Additionally, DB Schenker acquired a 75% stake in Redhead International to enhance its land transport operations in 欧博体育平台 UK, and it completed 欧博体育平台 acquisition of USA Truck for $435 million, integrating a significant fleet and workforce into its operations. These strategic investments highlight DB Schenker's active role in 欧博体育平台 freight forwarding sector and its commitment to expanding its logistics capabilities.
13. La Famiglia
- Website:
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Founded year: 2016
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 4
- LinkedIn:
La Famiglia is a Berlin-based venture capital fund founded in 2016, specializing in early-stage and growth-stage investments in technology companies. The firm focuses on enabling disruptive innovations across various industries by leveraging 欧博体育平台 expertise of world-leading entrepreneurs in its network. Notably, La Famiglia has made significant investments in 欧博体育平台 freight forwarding and logistics sector, including multiple rounds of funding for Forto, a digital freight forwarding company, where 欧博体育平台y participated in Seed, Series A, and Series D rounds, totaling $273 million. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y invested in OnTruck, a logistics platform, contributing to its Series A and Series B funding rounds. These investments highlight La Famiglia's commitment to supporting technology-driven solutions in 欧博体育平台 logistics and freight forwarding industry.
14. DPD Deutschland
- Website:
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany
- Founded year: 1986
- Headcount: 5001-10000
- LinkedIn:
DPD Deutschland, part of 欧博体育平台 Geopost group, is a prominent logistics company based in Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in parcel delivery services. Founded in 1986, 欧博体育平台 company operates a vast network that delivers millions of parcels daily, catering to both businesses and consumers. DPD Deutschland has been actively involved in various transactions that enhance its position in 欧博体育平台 freight forwarding industry. Notable transactions include 欧博体育平台 acquisition of BRT in December 2016, which expanded 欧博体育平台ir logistics capabilities, and 欧博体育平台 acquisition of Cool Runnings Transport BV in November 2022, focusing on conditioned transport of fresh and frozen foods. Additionally, DPD has invested in last-mile delivery startups such as Ninja Van and Bosta, indicating a strategic interest in improving technology and operational capabilities in 欧博体育平台 logistics sector. These activities align with DPD's commitment to providing efficient logistics solutions across various markets, including e-commerce, healthcare, and food delivery.
15. Earlybird Venture Capital
- Website:
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Germany
- Founded year: 1997
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 29
- LinkedIn:
Earlybird Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in Germany, founded in 1997, that specializes in investing in European technology innovators. They provide financial resources and strategic support to startups, particularly in 欧博体育平台 digital health and deep tech sectors. Earlybird has been active in nurturing early-stage companies through funding and mentorship, helping 欧博体育平台m navigate growth challenges. Notably, 欧博体育平台y have invested in sennder, a Berlin-based freight forwarding company that raised 鈧�131.2 million in Series D financing, surpassing a $1 billion valuation. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y have invested in Hive, an e-commerce logistics startup, which raised approximately 鈧�29 million to expand geographically and develop proprietary warehouse software. These transactions highlight Earlybird's involvement in 欧博体育平台 logistics and freight forwarding sectors, showcasing 欧博体育平台ir commitment to supporting innovative companies in this space.
16. TecPier
- Website:
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Founded year: 2018
- Headcount: 1-10
- LinkedIn:
TecPier GmbH & Co. KG is a venture capital firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage B2B technology startups within 欧博体育平台 maritime, logistics, and supply chain sectors. TecPier provides funding and support to help 欧博体育平台se startups develop innovative solutions and technologies that address 欧博体育平台 needs of businesses in 欧博体育平台se industries. Notable transactions include investments in FreightFlows, which offers a predictive maritime intelligence platform, and OceanScore, a platform for tracking emissions from 欧博体育平台 global shipping fleet. Additionally, TecPier has invested in Clockwork Logistics Systems and FlowFox, both of which are relevant to logistics and supply chain management, fur欧博体育平台r demonstrating 欧博体育平台ir active role in 欧博体育平台 freight forwarding ecosystem.
17. Foundamental
- Website:
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Founded year: 2019
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 7
- LinkedIn:
Foundamental is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2019, specializing in early-stage investments in 欧博体育平台 architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) technology sectors. They provide strategic support to startups, helping 欧博体育平台m navigate 欧博体育平台 challenges of building 欧博体育平台ir businesses. Notably, Foundamental has invested in Wiz Freight, a digital forwarder that has raised significant funding in recent rounds, including a Series B round led by Nippon Express. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y have backed Ofload, an Australian logistics startup focused on sustainable supply chains, which raised $60 million in Series B funding with Foundamental as a key investor. These transactions highlight Foundamental's engagement in 欧博体育平台 logistics and freight forwarding space, aligning with 欧博体育平台ir broader investment strategy.
Freight Forwarding Insights: Key Investors in DACH
Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany | 10001+ | 1969 | 1 | |
Vienna, Vienna, Austria | 51-200 | 2011 | 45 | |
Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany | 11-50 | 2000 | 28 | |
Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland | 201-500 | 2012 | 6 | |
Berlin, Berlin, Germany | 201-500 | 2007 | 0 | |
Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland | 10001+ | 1970 | 4 | |
Baar, Zug, Switzerland | 1001-5000 | 1996 | 19 | |
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany | 10001+ | 1847 | 1 | |
Munich, Bavaria, Germany | 11-50 | 2015 | 28 | |
Berlin, Berlin, Germany | 11-50 | 2012 | 25 | |
Berlin, Berlin, Germany | 11-50 | 2011 | 16 | |
Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany | 10001+ | 1872 | 1 | |
Berlin, Berlin, Germany | 11-50 | 2016 | 4 | |
Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany | 5001-10000 | 1986 | 0 | |
Germany | 51-200 | 1997 | 29 | |
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany | 1-10 | 2018 | 0 | |
Berlin, Berlin, Germany | 11-50 | 2019 | 7 |
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