The port operations industry in the DACH region is integral to global trade, encompassing logistics, shipping, and supply chain management. Companies in this sector, including shipping lines, freight forwarders, and port terminal operators, provide essential services such as container handling, warehousing, and customs clearance. With a growing emphasis on sustainability, companies are investing in green technologies and automation to enhance efficiencies and reduce emissions. The industry is also evolving with advancements in digitalization, allowing for real-time tracking and improved operational transparency. This dynamic sector is primed for growth as international trade continues to flourish.

The list features a mix of corporate and venture capital investors, with headquarters spread across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Most investors have substantial workforces, from over 10,000 in corporate giants like MSC and DHL to smaller firms like Rethink Ventures. Founded between 1969 and 2022, these investors actively participated in the industry, with numerous 2024 investments pushing the total toward significant figures. This combination of experience and fresh perspectives fosters innovation in port operations, making these investors well-positioned for future advancements.

Top 12 Port Operations Investors in DACH

1. Hapag-Lloyd AG

• Website: hapag-lloyd.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
• Founded year: 1847
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: hapag-lloyd-ag

Hapag-Lloyd AG is a prominent shipping company based in Hamburg, Germany, specializing in container shipping and logistics services. Founded in 1847, the company operates a large fleet of vessels and provides comprehensive logistics solutions to businesses engaged in global trade. Hapag-Lloyd has been actively expanding its operations in the port operations sector, as evidenced by several key transactions. In January 2023, they acquired a 35% stake in J M Baxi Ports & Logistics Limited, with plans to increase their shareholding, highlighting their strategic focus on terminal and infrastructure investments in India. In August 2023, they acquired the port terminals and logistics businesses of the SAAM Group across multiple countries in Latin America, further enhancing their operational footprint. Additionally, in September 2021, Hapag-Lloyd announced plans to acquire a 30% stake in Container Terminal Wilhelmshaven in Germany, showcasing their commitment to terminal operations. These transactions reflect Hapag-Lloyd's dedication to expanding its influence in the port operations industry while continuing to provide reliable shipping services.

2. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company

• Website: msc.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1970
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: msc-mediterranean-shipping-co--s-a-

Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC) is a logistics company specializing in shipping and transportation services, founded in 1970 and based in Geneva, Switzerland. With over 10,000 employees, MSC operates globally, providing tailored logistics solutions across various industries. In recent years, MSC has made significant investments in the port operations sector, including the acquisition of Boluda Towage, which enhances their port towage services, and Rimorchiatori Mediterranei, an Italian towage operator, for around 100 million euros. Additionally, their acquisition of 67% of Log-in allows MSC to enter the Brazilian cabotage market, further solidifying their role in port operations. These strategic moves demonstrate MSC's commitment to expanding its logistics and port services capabilities.

3. 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, founded in 1969 and headquartered in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading logistics company specializing in comprehensive transportation and delivery services worldwide. With over 10,000 employees, DHL operates across various sectors, providing solutions that include courier services, air and ocean freight, and supply chain management. In recent years, DHL has made significant acquisitions to strengthen its logistics capabilities. For instance, the acquisition of Glen Cameron Group in Australia aims to enhance their road freight services, which are essential for connecting port operations with inland logistics. Similarly, the acquisition of Polar Transportes in Brazil focuses on temperature-controlled transportation, which is vital for the Life Sciences and Healthcare sectors, further showcasing their commitment to expanding logistics services that often rely on port operations. These strategic moves highlight DHL's role in the logistics ecosystem, making them a relevant player in the port operations industry.

4. 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 operations. Their investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Speedinvest has participated in transactions relevant to the port operations context, such as their investment in Harbor Lab, which raised €6.1 million for its shipping disbursement analysis software. This software is designed to enhance operational efficiency in shipping, indicating Speedinvest's engagement with technologies that can benefit the port operations industry. Additionally, their involvement in other tech startups showcases their broad investment strategy while still maintaining a foothold in sectors that intersect with logistics and maritime operations.

5. 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 was involved in the acquisition of Teekay Offshore Partners L.P., a company that operates in the maritime sector, which is closely related to port operations. This involvement highlights their capacity to engage in investments that impact the logistics and transportation sectors. Additionally, they have participated in various funding rounds and acquisitions across different industries, showcasing their diverse investment approach.

6. TecPier

• Website: tecpier.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: tecpier

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 the maritime, logistics, and supply chain sectors. TecPier provides funding and support to help these startups develop innovative solutions and technologies that address the needs of businesses in these industries. Notable transactions include investments in FreightFlows, which offers predictive maritime intelligence, and OceanScore, a platform for tracking emissions from the global shipping fleet. Additionally, TecPier participated in the funding rounds for FlowFox, Harbor Lab, and NautilusLog, all of which are relevant to the maritime and logistics sectors, further solidifying their commitment to advancing technology in port operations and related fields.

7. 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. The firm specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit, managing over €2.8 billion in assets. HV Capital has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Zencargo, a digital freight services provider, and Sennder, a logistics company that has raised substantial capital in multiple funding rounds. These investments highlight HV Capital's engagement in the logistics and freight forwarding space, which is closely tied to port operations, as these companies play a crucial role in the supply chain and the movement of goods through ports.

8. DB Schenker

• Website: dbschenker.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1872
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: dbschenker

DB Schenker is a leading logistics company based in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1872. With over 10,000 employees, the company specializes in comprehensive supply chain management solutions, offering transport services across land, air, and sea. DB Schenker has been actively expanding its operations through various acquisitions, such as the acquisition of Redhead International to enhance its land transport operations in the UK, and the complete acquisition of Grupo Loserco and Transportes Santos Campos to strengthen its presence in the Iberian market. Notably, the acquisition of Vähälä Logistics Oy, which includes five terminals, highlights their involvement in logistics operations that are closely related to port activities. These strategic moves reflect DB Schenker's commitment to optimizing logistics operations and improving efficiency across various sectors, including those that intersect with port operations.

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, providing capital, market access, and strategic partnerships to tech entrepreneurs. La Famiglia focuses on enabling disruptive innovations across various industries, leveraging the expertise of world-leading entrepreneurs in its network. Notably, La Famiglia has invested in Forto, a digital freight forwarder that raised $250 million in a Series D round in March 2022, and has been involved with OnTruck, a logistics platform that raised $29 million in a Series B round in May 2018. These investments highlight La Famiglia's commitment to supporting companies that enhance logistics and supply chain efficiency, which are critical components of port operations.

10. 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 venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments and partners with innovative startups across various sectors, including fintech and healthcare. Their mission is to empower entrepreneurs to challenge the status quo and build sustainable category leaders globally. Notably, Picus Capital has invested in Zencargo, a London-based digital freight forwarder, participating in multiple funding rounds including Seed, Series A, and Series B. This involvement highlights their interest in logistics and freight services, which are integral to port operations. Additionally, they have invested in Easyship, a startup focused on shipment and logistics technology, further emphasizing their engagement in sectors that intersect with port operations.

11. Cherry Ventures

• Website: cherry.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn: cherry-ventures

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 participated in significant funding rounds for companies like FreightHub, a European digital freight forwarder, and Forto, a freight technology startup. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting businesses that enhance logistics and freight operations, which are integral to port operations. In 2019, Cherry Ventures was part of a $30 million Series B funding round for FreightHub, and they have also invested multiple times in Forto, contributing to its growth through various funding stages, including a $240 million Series C round in 2021. This track record demonstrates Cherry Ventures' active role in the logistics sector, aligning them with the interests of port operations.

12. Rethink Ventures

• Website: rethinkventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: rethinkventures

Rethink Ventures is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2022, specializing in logistics and mobility technology startups. The firm aims to support entrepreneurs by providing funding and expertise to develop innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability in transportation. Their portfolio includes various startups addressing critical challenges in the logistics and mobility sectors across Europe. Notable transactions include their investment in shipzero, which raised over $8.6 million in a Series A round in May 2024, indicating a strong focus on shipping logistics. Additionally, their participation in the seed financing of Logistikbude, which focuses on automating load carrier management, further emphasizes their commitment to improving logistics processes relevant to port operations. Other investments include Rail-Flow and S2data, both of which contribute to the logistics ecosystem, reinforcing Rethink Ventures' strategic focus on enhancing transportation efficiency.

Port Operations Insights: Key Investors in DACH

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