The cold storage industry in DACH focuses on the storage and transportation of temperature-sensitive goods, including food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology products. Companies in this sector provide refrigerated and frozen facilities, ensuring compliance with strict regulatory standards. Recent trends indicate a growing demand for environmentally sustainable solutions, pushing innovation in energy-efficient technologies. E-commerce's rapid expansion also drives the need for advanced logistics capabilities, reshaping how cold storage operates. As consumer preferences shift towards fresh and organic products, the industry is evolving to cater to these demands, marking an exciting period of growth and transformation.


This list features a mix of investors in the cold storage industry, ranging from private equity to corporate and venture capital firms. Spanning various headquarters in the DACH region, these investors represent a variety of sizes and backgrounds. Founded between 1993 and 2016, they collectively made notable investments in 2024. With plays in logistics and technology, these investors highlight an increasing interest in the cold storage space, showcasing strategic engagement in a sector poised for expansion and further innovation.


Top 12 Cold Storage Investors in DACH


1. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

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, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group invested $100 million in StoreLocal Group to accelerate its expansion, which includes increasing storage space and managing third-party properties. This investment highlights their engagement in the cold storage sector. Additionally, they have been involved in various other sectors, showcasing their diversified investment approach.


2. 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. Notably, DHL Supply Chain has made significant acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in temperature-sensitive logistics. For instance, in 2017, DHL Supply Chain acquired Polar Transportes, a Brazilian road carrier specializing in temperature-controlled transportation for the Life Sciences and Healthcare industry. This acquisition aims to strengthen 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 solidifying its presence in the cold storage sector. These strategic moves highlight DHL's commitment to expanding its logistics capabilities in handling temperature-sensitive goods, making it a key player in the cold storage industry.


3. Speedinvest

  • Website: speedinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 45
  • LinkedIn: speedinvest

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 these companies scale. Their investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Speedinvest has been involved in transactions relevant to the cold storage context, such as their investment in Stowga, a London-based on-demand warehousing marketplace that raised £1.5M in seed funding in 2017. This investment highlights their interest in logistics and storage solutions. Additionally, Speedinvest participated in funding rounds for byrd, a Vienna-based e-commerce fulfillment platform, which raised significant amounts in Series B and C rounds, indicating their commitment to enhancing logistics and fulfillment capabilities in Europe. These transactions demonstrate Speedinvest's engagement in sectors that are closely related to cold storage, making them a relevant player in this space.


4. HV Capital

  • Website: hvcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: hvventures

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. With over €2.8 billion under management, HV Capital specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit. The firm has been actively involved in the logistics sector, as evidenced by its investments in Zencargo, a digital freight forwarder, and Warehousing1, a logistics startup focused on establishing a SaaS-based business model. Zencargo raised significant funding in both Series A and Series B rounds, while Warehousing1 secured a €10 million Series A round, indicating HV Capital's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in logistics that could encompass cold storage needs. This strategic focus on logistics positions HV Capital as a relevant player in the cold storage investment landscape.


5. Earlybird Venture Capital


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 the digital health and deep tech sectors. In recent years, Earlybird has participated in various funding rounds, including significant investments in Hive, a Berlin-based e-commerce logistics startup that raised approximately €29M to expand its operations and develop proprietary warehouse software. This investment highlights Earlybird's interest in logistics, which is relevant to cold storage, although their primary focus remains on technology-driven companies. Additionally, they have invested in Movinga, a relocation services startup, which, while not directly related to cold storage, further demonstrates their engagement in logistics-related ventures.


6. DPD Deutschland

  • Website: dpd.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: dpd-deutschland

DPD Deutschland, a corporate investor based in Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany, is part of Geopost, a logistics company specializing in parcel delivery services. Founded in 1986, DPD operates a vast network that delivers millions of parcels daily, catering to both businesses and consumers. The company has made significant strides in the food and healthcare logistics markets, as evidenced by its acquisition of Cool Runnings Transport BV in November 2022, which specializes in the conditioned transport of fresh and frozen foods. This acquisition aligns with DPD's strategy to expand its services in the food sector, responding to the growing demand for efficient logistics solutions. Additionally, DPD has invested in other logistics ventures, such as Ninja Van and Epicery, further demonstrating its commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities and service offerings in various sectors, including those requiring cold storage solutions.


7. Picus Capital

  • Website: picuscap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: picus-capital

Picus Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2015, specializing in early-stage technology investments. They partner with innovative startups across various sectors, including fintech and healthcare, while also showing a keen interest in logistics and supply chain solutions. Notably, Picus Capital has invested in Zencargo, a digital freight forwarder that raised significant funding in multiple rounds, indicating their engagement in the logistics space. Additionally, their investment in Hive, an e-commerce logistics startup, further highlights their commitment to supporting companies that enhance logistics and storage capabilities. With a mission to empower entrepreneurs and build sustainable category leaders globally, Picus Capital provides not only capital but also strategic guidance and HR support to their portfolio companies.


8. Siemens Financial Services


Siemens Financial Services, based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a corporate investor founded in 1997. As a part of Siemens, a leading technology company, they specialize in providing innovative financial solutions that enable digital transformation and sustainability across various sectors, including industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. In 2024, Siemens Financial Services was involved in several significant transactions, including investments in companies like KORE Power, which focuses on energy storage solutions. This investment is particularly relevant as it supports the development of infrastructure that can enhance energy efficiency in cold storage applications. Additionally, their participation in funding rounds for companies like Heirloom and Carbyon, which are focused on carbon removal and energy transition, reflects their commitment to sustainability and innovation, both of which are critical in the cold storage industry.


9. La Famiglia

  • Website: lafamiglia.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: la-famiglia-vc

La Famiglia is a venture capital fund based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth-stage investments in technology companies, focusing on disruptive innovations across various industries. They provide capital, market access, and strategic partnerships to tech entrepreneurs. Notably, La Famiglia has invested in Forto, a logistics company that raised $250 million in a Series D round in March 2022, and has been involved in earlier funding rounds for the same company, indicating a strong interest in logistics and supply chain solutions. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for SpaceFill, a company that provides storage solutions, which aligns with the cold storage industry. Their investments in these companies highlight their engagement in sectors that are relevant to cold storage and logistics.


10. Kineo Finance


Kineo Finance is a venture capital firm based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in innovative asset financing solutions for technology companies, offering services such as venture leasing, factoring, working capital, and equity investments. Kineo Finance operates primarily in Europe and North America, partnering with businesses to provide tailored financial solutions that minimize dilution and support sustainable revenue generation. Notably, Kineo Finance has participated in significant transactions within the cold storage context, including investments in Storebox, an Austrian storage and logistics scale-up that raised €67.5 million in a Series B round to expand its operations across Europe. This involvement highlights Kineo's commitment to supporting growth in the cold storage and logistics sector, alongside their other ventures in technology and delivery services, such as their partnership with Kiwibot for autonomous delivery solutions.


11. SHS Capital


SHS Gesellschaft für Beteiligungsmanagement mbH, commonly known as SHS Capital, is a private equity firm based in Germany, founded in 1993. The firm specializes in healthcare investments, providing capital and strategic support to fast-growing healthcare companies. Notably, SHS Capital has been involved in significant transactions that intersect with the cold storage industry. One of their key acquisitions was Lowenco A/S, a Danish company known for its ultra-low temperature storage solutions tailored for the biopharma sector, which they acquired in February 2022 for up to EUR 20 million. This acquisition highlights SHS Capital's commitment to enhancing storage solutions critical for the healthcare industry. Additionally, they have made other investments in healthcare-related companies, further solidifying their role as a strategic investor in this field.


12. 468Cap

  • Website: 468cap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: 468cap

468 Capital is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in technology investments, focusing on backing founder-led startups in various sectors, including AI, energy transition, and enterprise software. With a global investment approach, 468Cap operates from dual headquarters in Berlin and San Francisco. Notably, 468Cap has participated in several relevant transactions, including a seed funding round for Noyes Technologies, a Munich-based robotic warehousing maker, which raised $3.8 million to develop flexible robotic warehousing technology. This investment highlights 468Cap's interest in the logistics and warehousing sector, which is integral to cold storage operations. Additionally, they have invested in other technology-driven companies, indicating a commitment to supporting innovations that could enhance efficiency in various industries, including cold storage.



Cold Storage Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
DhlBonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+19691
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
Earlybird Venture CapitalGermany51-200199729
DPD DeutschlandAschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany5001-1000019860
Picus CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-50201528
Siemens Financial ServicesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1001-5000199715
La FamigliaBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020164
Kineo FinanceBasel, Basel, Switzerland11-5020160
SHS CapitalGermany11-5019932
468CapBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50202027


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