Cold chain logistics in Europe is vital for preserving temperature-sensitive goods, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Companies like carriers, warehouses, and packaging providers specialize in maintaining controlled environments throughout transportation and storage. As demand for fresh produce and safe medical supplies grows, the industry is evolving with innovative solutions, such as IoT monitoring and automation. Sustainability is becoming a focus, with firms investing in eco-friendly practices and energy-efficient technologies. Notably, the European cold chain market is projected to reach significant growth, positioning it as a critical sector in ensuring the quality and safety of vital products.


This list features 12 noteworthy investors in the cold chain logistics sector, comprising venture capitalists, private equity firms, and corporate investors. They operate from major hubs like London, Paris, and Copenhagen, investing in businesses of varying sizes, typically ranging from small startups to large corporations. Founded between 1981 and 2017, these investors collectively engaged in 197 deals in 2024, highlighting a renewed interest in innovative solutions within the cold chain logistics domain. Their diverse investment strategies place them at the forefront of supporting advancements and sustainability in this essential industry.


Top 12 Cold Chain Logistics Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the logistics sector, such as funding Groupe Blondel, a French freight transportation and logistics service, and Ovrsea, a startup focused on logistics solutions. Additionally, Bpifrance supported iFollow, which is developing autonomous robots for logistics, showcasing its commitment to innovative logistics solutions. These investments highlight Bpifrance's active role in the logistics industry, which is closely tied to cold chain logistics.


2. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant strides in the cold chain logistics sector, highlighted by their acquisition of Envirotainer in June 2022 for approximately $2.995 billion, which enhances their portfolio in temperature-sensitive logistics. Additionally, EQT Infrastructure's acquisition of Constellation Cold Logistics, announced in June 2024, further solidifies their position in the cold chain logistics market. These strategic investments reflect EQT's focus on sectors that require specialized logistics solutions, particularly in temperature-controlled environments.


3. A.P. Moller - Maersk

  • Website: maersk.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1904
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: maersk-group

A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S is a leading logistics company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 1904. The company specializes in shipping and logistics services, operating globally to provide comprehensive solutions for shipping, port operations, supply chain management, and warehousing. In recent years, A.P. Moller - Maersk has made strategic acquisitions and investments to bolster its logistics capabilities. Notably, the acquisition of Pilot Freight Services for approximately $1.7 billion in 2022 aims to enhance integrated logistics offerings, addressing customer demands in both B2C and B2B freight sectors, which can include cold chain logistics. Furthermore, their investments in companies like Forto, which focuses on digital logistics solutions, highlight their commitment to advancing logistics technologies that can support temperature-sensitive supply chains. These activities position A.P. Moller - Maersk as a relevant investor in the cold chain logistics sector.


4. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as the SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund founded in 2017 and based in London, UK. The fund specializes in investing in technology-driven companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. With a diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made significant investments across various sectors, including health tech and fintech. Notably, in the logistics space, SoftBank has led substantial funding rounds for companies like Flock Freight, which raised $215 million in Series D funding, and Flexport, which secured $935 million in Series E funding. These investments reflect SoftBank's commitment to enhancing logistics capabilities and supply chain expertise, which are essential components of cold chain logistics operations.


5. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant moves in the logistics sector, including the acquisition of Scan Global Logistics in February 2023, which enhances their portfolio in cold chain logistics. Additionally, their involvement with other companies like Hermes and CLH Group showcases their diverse investment strategy, further solidifying their position as a key player in the logistics industry.


6. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in diverse sectors. Among its notable transactions, the EIC has invested in companies relevant to cold chain logistics, such as DRONAMICS, which received €10 million in funding to support its cargo drone operations. This investment highlights the EIC's commitment to advancing innovative logistics solutions, which can play a crucial role in the cold chain logistics industry. Additionally, the EIC has provided grants to companies like Swiss Airtainer and Cellbox Solutions, which may also have applications in temperature-sensitive logistics, further emphasizing its relevance in this sector.


7. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their investment strategies. Notably, Crédit Mutuel Equity has been involved in significant transactions within the cold chain logistics sector, including investments in Stef, a leading player in temperature-controlled logistics, and Seafrigo, which specializes in refrigerated logistics services. Additionally, their acquisition of a minority stake in Highlight Motor Group, which operates in the logistics and transportation market, underscores their commitment to supporting growth in logistics-related businesses. Through these investments, Crédit Mutuel Equity demonstrates its capability to enhance operations and navigate market challenges in the cold chain logistics industry.


8. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in transactions relevant to the cold chain logistics sector, such as the investment in Sunswap, which focuses on developing electric, zero-emission transport refrigeration units. Additionally, Crowdcube has supported Zero2Cool, a company that has raised funds through equity crowdfunding, indicating its engagement with innovative solutions in the cold chain logistics industry. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's commitment to supporting businesses that are addressing challenges in the logistics sector, particularly in the cold chain.


9. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in several companies relevant to the logistics sector, including fulfilmentcrowd, a Lancashire-based ecommerce logistics and tech company, which received £7.5 million to support its growth. Additionally, BGF invested £15 million in ITD Global, a tech-enabled logistics consolidator, to expand its UK depot network and enhance its technology platform. These investments highlight BGF's active role in the logistics industry, which includes elements pertinent to cold chain logistics.


10. Eurazeo

  • Website: eurazeo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, the firm has established a significant presence in the investment management landscape, focusing on growth and expansion across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. In recent years, Eurazeo has made notable investments in the logistics sector, such as the $29.6 million Series B funding for Celcius Logistics Solutions, which is directly involved in logistics operations. Additionally, their acquisition of Elemica for approximately $250 million highlights their commitment to enhancing supply chain capabilities through digital solutions. These transactions reflect Eurazeo's strategic interest in logistics, positioning them as a relevant player in the cold chain logistics industry.


11. Dhl

  • Website: dhl.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: dhl

DHL is a global logistics company founded in 1969, headquartered in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. With over 10,000 employees, DHL specializes in comprehensive transportation and delivery services, including courier services, air and ocean freight, and supply chain management across various industries. Notably, DHL Supply Chain has made significant acquisitions to bolster its cold chain logistics capabilities. In 2017, they acquired Polar Transportes, a Brazilian road carrier specializing in temperature-controlled transportation for the Life Sciences and Healthcare industry. This acquisition aimed to enhance DHL's offerings in Brazil's growing market for temperature-sensitive logistics. Additionally, in 2011, DHL acquired Eurodifarm, a specialist in pharmaceutical logistics in Italy, further strengthening their presence in the cold chain sector. These strategic moves reflect DHL's commitment to expanding its cold chain logistics services and capabilities.


12. Ardian

  • Website: ardian.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1996, headquartered in Paris, Île-De-France, France. Specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds, facilitating access to high-quality private market investments. With a global presence and a commitment to sustainable finance, Ardian aims to create lasting value for its clients. Notably, Ardian has made significant investments in sectors that intersect with cold chain logistics, including a majority stake acquisition in Syclef, a manufacturer of refrigeration systems, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of temperature-sensitive goods during transport and storage. Additionally, Ardian's involvement with LBC Tank Terminals, which specializes in bulk liquid storage, further demonstrates their engagement in logistics-related sectors, although it is not directly tied to cold chain logistics. Overall, Ardian's strategic investments in refrigeration technology position them as a relevant investor in the cold chain logistics industry.



Cold Chain Logistics Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
A.P. Moller - MaerskCopenhagen, Denmark10001+19044
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
EurazeoParis, Île-De-France, France201-500196940
DhlBonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+19691
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621


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