Top 14 Freight Forwarding Investors in the U.S.
Top 14 Freight Forwarding Investors in the U.S.
The freight forwarding industry in the U.S. involves companies that facilitate the movement of goods globally by coordinating logistics and shipping on behalf of clients. These firms handle everything from customs clearance to transportation, offering services that cater to various sectors like e-commerce, manufacturing, and retail. In recent years, technological advancements and growing ecommerce demand have reshaped the landscape, making freight forwarding more efficient and transparent. Companies are increasingly adopting digital platforms to enhance visibility and streamline communication throughout the supply chain, positioning themselves for sustained growth in a rapidly evolving market.
The roster of top freight forwarding investors spans venture capital, private equity, and corporate entities, primarily concentrated in major U.S. cities like New York and San Francisco. These investors vary in size from small firms to colossal giants with thousands of employees. Founded between 1998 and 2023, they are pivotal players with a notable number of deals in 2024, indicating robust interest and activity within the freight forwarding sector. This mix illustrates an eagerness to back innovative companies that are transforming logistics in the United States.
Top 14 Freight Forwarding Investors in the US
1. Y Combinator
- Website: ycombinator.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2005
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 802
- LinkedIn: y-combinator
Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has made significant investments in the freight forwarding sector, including Flexport, which raised $100 million in a venture round in 2018 and $6.9 million in Series A funding in 2014. Additionally, Y Combinator invested in Nuvocargo, which raised $5.3 million in a seed round in 2020 and $90,000 in a pre-seed round in 2018. They also backed Nowports, which raised $16 million in Series A funding in 2021. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's active role in supporting innovative logistics and freight forwarding companies.
2. FJ Labs
- Website: fjlabs.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 169
- LinkedIn: fj-labs
FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in marketplace and network effect businesses. Founded in 2015, the firm has made over 1,000 investments, with a focus on providing capital and strategic guidance to startups across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. Notably, FJ Labs has invested in Flexport, a leading freight forwarding company, through multiple funding rounds, including Series A, B, and D, totaling over $1 billion. Additionally, they have supported Nuvocargo, a logistics startup, in its Series A funding rounds. These transactions highlight FJ Labs' active role in the freight forwarding sector, reinforcing their relevance in this industry.
3. 500 Global
- Website: 500.co
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2010
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 98
- LinkedIn: 500-startups
500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. With a global focus, 500 Global has been involved in various sectors, including logistics and freight forwarding. Notable transactions include investments in Shiprocket, a logistics platform that raised funds to expand its operations, and TruKKer, a logistics company that raised $2.7 million in a seed round. These investments highlight 500 Global's engagement in the freight forwarding industry, alongside their broader technology investment strategy.
4. Plug and Play Tech Center
- Website: plugandplaytechcenter.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2006
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 253
- LinkedIn: plug-and-play-tech-center
Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities primarily targeting the technology sector. Notably, they have invested in companies relevant to the freight forwarding industry, such as Amitruck, which raised funds in pre-seed rounds, and CloudFret, a SaaS startup focused on logistics that raised $1 million to expand its services in European and African markets. These transactions highlight Plug and Play's engagement with the logistics and freight forwarding sectors, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in this space.
5. Lineage
- Website: onelineage.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Novi, Michigan, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2012
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 4
- LinkedIn: lineage-logistics
Lineage, Inc. is a logistics company based in Novi, Michigan, specializing in temperature-controlled warehousing and supply chain solutions. Founded in 2012, Lineage has rapidly grown to become a leader in the cold chain logistics sector, providing essential services such as cold storage, transportation, and food processing support primarily for businesses in the food industry. Their operations span multiple countries, ensuring efficient management of the cold chain from production to delivery. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Preferred Freezer Services for over $1 billion, which positioned Lineage as the largest public refrigerated warehouse operator globally. Other significant acquisitions include Henningsen Cold Storage Co., Kloosterboer Norway facility, and VersaCold Logistics Services, all of which enhance their operational capabilities in the cold chain logistics space, further solidifying their role in freight forwarding for temperature-sensitive goods.
6. Tiger Global
- Website: tigerglobal.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2001
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 25
- LinkedIn: tiger-global-management
Tiger Global Management, LLC is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in both public and private equity investments. Founded in 2001, the firm manages approximately $50 billion and focuses on innovative companies that leverage technology across various sectors. Notably, Tiger Global has invested in several key players in the freight forwarding and logistics space, including Cogoport, an Indian logistics marketplace that raised $50 million in a Series B funding round, and Nuvocargo, which raised $36.5 million in a Series B round in 2023. Additionally, they participated in a funding round for Nuvocargo that valued the company at $180 million, showcasing their commitment to supporting growth in the logistics sector. Their diverse portfolio and strategic investments in freight logistics startups highlight their relevance in the freight forwarding industry.
7. IFC - International Finance Corporation
- Website: ifc.org
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1956
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 107
- LinkedIn: ifclinkedin
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, dedicated to fostering private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, helping them access capital and expertise to promote economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has invested in several logistics and freight forwarding companies, including Kobo360, a digital technology platform that raised $48 million in a Series B round in December 2021, and previously secured $20 million in a Series A round in August 2019. Additionally, IFC participated in funding rounds for Loggi, which raised $15 million in February 2017, and Anteraja, which raised $31 million in July 2021. These transactions highlight IFC's commitment to enhancing logistics and freight forwarding capabilities in emerging markets.
8. Blackstone
- Website: blackstone.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1985
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 57
- LinkedIn: blackstonegroup
Blackstone Inc. is a leading investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio and strategic investment approaches. In the logistics and freight forwarding context, Blackstone has made significant investments, including a $300 million funding round for Xpressbees, which aims to become a full-service logistics organization. They also acquired a 10% stake in multiple warehousing companies and 100% of Allcargo Multimodal Private Limited, highlighting their focus on enhancing logistics infrastructure. Furthermore, their minority stake acquisition in PayCargo, a logistics payments platform, and previous investments in Gateway Rail Freight and CargoX showcase their commitment to the freight forwarding industry and its related sectors.
9. Endeavor
- Website: endeavor.org
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1997
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 27
- LinkedIn: endeavor_2
Endeavor is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1997, based in New York, New York, that supports high-impact entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, education, and investment opportunities. It operates a global network aimed at transforming economies through entrepreneurship, helping businesses scale and create jobs in emerging markets. Endeavor has made significant investments in the logistics and freight forwarding sectors, including notable transactions such as Nowports, a digital freight forwarder in Latin America that raised $150 million in a Series C funding round, and OnTruck, a European digital road freight platform that raised €17 million in funding. These investments highlight Endeavor's commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the logistics industry, making them a relevant player in the freight forwarding space.
10. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)
- Website: av.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2023
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 258
- LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund
The Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in several notable transactions in the freight forwarding context, including a significant investment in Loadsmart, a digital freight technology company that raised $90 million in a Series C round. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for BlueX Trade, which raised capital in both Seed and Series A rounds, and Gatik, which closed a $25 million Series A funding round. These investments highlight the fund's engagement with innovative companies in the logistics and freight forwarding industry.
11. Flexport
- Website: flexport.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2013
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- LinkedIn: flexport
Flexport Inc. is a logistics company founded in 2013, based in San Francisco, California. It specializes in supply chain management and freight forwarding services, offering a comprehensive platform that integrates various logistics functions, including customs brokerage and fulfillment services. Flexport serves a diverse range of clients, including eCommerce and retail businesses, providing them with the tools and expertise needed to streamline their logistics operations. As an investor, Flexport has been involved in several notable transactions within the logistics sector, including leading investments in Nuvocargo, a company focused on cross-border logistics in Mexico, and participating in seed funding rounds for startups like Amitruck and Topship, which aim to enhance logistics capabilities in Africa. These investments reflect Flexport's strategic interest in expanding its influence and fostering innovation in the freight forwarding space.
12. Goldman Sachs
- Website: goldmansachs.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1998
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 59
- LinkedIn: goldman-sachs
Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm based in New York, founded in 1998. It provides a wide range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. In the context of freight forwarding, Goldman Sachs has made significant investments in various logistics companies. Notably, they participated in a $38.2 million funding round for Mahindra Logistics in 2017, a key player in the logistics sector in India. They also led a $170 million Series D funding for Shanghai ANE Logistics in 2015, which focuses on logistics solutions in China. Additionally, Goldman Sachs was involved in a $48 million Series B funding for Kobo360 in 2021, a digital logistics platform that aims to streamline freight operations in Africa. Their investment in Odyssey Logistics & Technology Corporation, which raised $48 million in 2014, further underscores their commitment to the logistics and freight forwarding industry. These transactions highlight Goldman Sachs' strategic interest in supporting innovative logistics solutions and expanding their footprint in the freight forwarding sector.
13. Liquid 2 Ventures
- Website: liquid2.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 91
- LinkedIn: liquid-2-ventures
Liquid 2 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, as well as growth-stage companies. They provide capital, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry insiders to help founders navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. Notably, Liquid 2 Ventures has invested in several companies relevant to the freight forwarding industry, including Nowports, which raised an undisclosed amount in a pre-seed round in January 2019, and Lori Systems, which raised $25,000 in a pre-seed round in June 2017. Additionally, they invested in Logixboard, which raised $5.4 million in a seed round in October 2019 and later secured $32 million in a Series B round in January 2022. These investments highlight Liquid 2 Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the logistics and freight forwarding sectors.
14. UPS Supply Chain Solutions
- Website: ups.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Alpharetta, Georgia, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1907
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: upssupplychainsolutions
UPS Supply Chain Solutions, a division of United Parcel Service, Inc., is a leading logistics company based in Alpharetta, Georgia. Founded in 1907, UPS provides a wide range of shipping and supply chain solutions, including air cargo services and freight forwarding. The company operates a vast global network to ensure efficient transportation of goods. In recent years, UPS has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its logistics capabilities. Notably, in 2015, UPS acquired Coyote Logistics for $1.8 billion, which bolstered its truckload freight brokerage services. More recently, in 2024, UPS acquired estafeta, further expanding its freight forwarding operations. Additionally, the acquisition of MNX Global Logistics in 2023 aims to enhance UPS's service offerings in time-critical logistics, particularly in the healthcare sector. These transactions highlight UPS's active role in the freight forwarding industry and its commitment to improving its logistics services.
Freight Forwarding Insights: Key Investors in the US
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y Combinator | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2005 | 802 |
| FJ Labs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2015 | 169 |
| 500 Global | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 2010 | 98 |
| Plug and Play Tech Center | Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 2006 | 253 |
| Lineage | Novi, Michigan, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 2012 | 4 |
| Tiger Global | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2001 | 25 |
| IFC - International Finance Corporation | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1956 | 107 |
| Blackstone | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1985 | 57 |
| Endeavor | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 1997 | 27 |
| Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) | Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2023 | 258 |
| Flexport | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 2013 | 0 |
| Goldman Sachs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1998 | 59 |
| Liquid 2 Ventures | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2015 | 91 |
| UPS Supply Chain Solutions | Alpharetta, Georgia, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1907 | 3 |
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