The international courier industry in the DACH region covers a crucial segment of logistics focused on swift delivery of goods across borders. Companies range from well-established giants like DHL and DPD to innovative startups harnessing tech for enhanced delivery solutions. Growth in e-commerce continues to drive demand, prompting investment in automation and sustainability initiatives. Trends such as last-mile delivery innovation and real-time tracking are reshaping services offered. As market dynamics evolve, these firms are striving to improve efficiency and customer experience, indicating a vibrant future for the courier sector in the DACH region.


The list features various investor types, including venture capital, private equity, and corporate investors, all actively supporting the courier industry. Headquartered primarily in Germany and Switzerland, these 14 investors range in size from small firms to industry giants, with founding years spanning from 1847 to 2016. In total, they executed 152 deals in 2024, showing a robust appetite for investment opportunities. This mix of backgrounds solidifies the strategic importance of logistics and courier services within their portfolios, signaling a trend towards further growth and innovation in the coming years.


Top 14 International Courier Investors in DACH


1. 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 logistics company founded in 1969, headquartered in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. As a subsidiary of Deutsche Post World Net, DHL specializes in providing comprehensive transportation and delivery services globally. They offer a range of solutions including courier services, air and ocean freight, and supply chain management to businesses across various industries. Notably, DHL has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the international courier market. For instance, in 2002, DHL Worldwide Express Inc.'s Canadian subsidiary acquired Mayne Group Canada Inc. and its Loomis courier service, positioning DHL as the third-largest courier in Canada. In 2006, DHL acquired PPL CZ s.r.o., enhancing its presence in Eastern Europe. More recently, in 2022, DHL Supply Chains acquired the Glen Cameron Group in Australia, further solidifying its footprint in the logistics and courier industry. These transactions reflect DHL's ongoing commitment to expanding its courier services and adapting to market demands.


2. Rocket Internet SE


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. Rocket Internet has a diverse portfolio, with notable investments in the eCommerce and logistics sectors. Among its key transactions, Rocket Internet has invested significantly in Jumia Group, which raised over $394 million in a Series C funding round in 2016, and has been involved in multiple funding rounds for the company since 2012. Additionally, Rocket Internet invested $110 million in Delivery Hero in 2015, a leading global food delivery service. These investments highlight Rocket Internet's commitment to supporting companies that are integral to the international courier and logistics industry.


3. Delivery Hero


Delivery Hero SE is a corporate investor based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2011. The company operates a food delivery service and quick commerce provider in over 70 countries, connecting consumers with a variety of restaurants and shops for fast delivery of food and other goods. Notable transactions include leading a $5.5 million Series B funding round for Quiqup, a startup focused on delivery services in Dubai and London, and acquiring Foodpanda, a significant online food ordering marketplace. These transactions highlight Delivery Hero's commitment to expanding its delivery capabilities and market presence, particularly in the international courier context. Additionally, their acquisition of Damejidlo in the Czech Republic and Slovakia further emphasizes their strategy to strengthen their market leadership in Europe, showcasing their active role in the courier and logistics sector.


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 startups scale their operations. Their investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Speedinvest has been actively involved in the logistics and courier sector through its investments in byrd, an e-commerce fulfilment platform. They participated in several funding rounds for byrd, including a Series C round that raised $56 million in May 2022, a Series B round of approximately $18.98 million in July 2021, and earlier rounds dating back to 2016. This consistent support for byrd highlights Speedinvest's interest in the logistics and delivery space, reinforcing their relevance as an investor in the international courier industry.


5. 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, specializing in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit. With over €2.8 billion under management, HV Capital provides capital and strategic guidance to startups across Europe, helping them navigate growth challenges and achieve market success. Notably, HV Capital has participated in funding rounds for Zencargo, a London-based digital freight forwarder, contributing to both their Series A and Series B funding, which highlights their focus on the logistics and freight services sector. Additionally, HV Capital has invested in Delivery Hero, a leading global online food ordering and delivery service, further showcasing their involvement in the delivery and logistics industry. These transactions reflect HV Capital's strategic interest in companies that operate within the international courier and logistics space.


6. 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. Notably, Partners Group has invested in key players in the international courier sector, including Apex Logistics International, which raised funds in 2021, and Ecom Express, which secured $39 million in 2022. Additionally, Partners Group acquired joint control over Ecom Express Private in a deal approved by the European Commission, highlighting their strategic focus on logistics and courier services. These transactions underscore Partners Group's active role in the international courier industry, making them a significant investor in this space.


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 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. Their mission is to empower entrepreneurs to challenge the status quo and build sustainable category leaders globally. Notably, Picus Capital has invested in Easyship, a Hong Kong-based startup that raised $4 million in Series A funding to enhance its shipping and logistics technology. Additionally, they have supported Zencargo, a London-based digital freight forwarder, through multiple funding rounds, including a €18 million Series A and a £30 million Series B. These transactions highlight Picus Capital's commitment to the logistics and courier industry, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance to help these companies grow.


8. 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 Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in early-stage investments in startups across Europe. With a focus on providing capital, mentorship, and resources to innovative founders, Cherry Ventures has made notable investments in various sectors, including SaaS and mobility. Among their relevant transactions, they have 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 significant funding rounds, including $240 million in a Series C round. Additionally, they supported Weengs, a UK logistics startup, in both its Seed and Series A funding rounds. These investments highlight Cherry Ventures' commitment to supporting companies that are shaping the future of logistics and international courier services.


9. DPD Deutschland

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

DPD Deutschland, part of the Geopost group, is a logistics company based in Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany, 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 been actively investing in the international courier industry, with notable transactions including the acquisition of BRT in December 2016, which expanded its operational footprint. In January 2018, DPDgroup participated in a Series C funding round for Ninja Van, a Singapore-based last-mile logistics startup, raising US$87 million to enhance its technology and operations. Furthermore, DPD invested in Bosta, an Egyptian last-mile delivery startup, in February 2020, showcasing its interest in emerging markets. Recent acquisitions, such as Cool Runnings Transport BV in November 2022 and an 88.9% stake in the online food marketplace Epicery in September 2021, highlight DPD's strategy to diversify and strengthen its logistics services, particularly in food and healthcare delivery. Overall, DPD Deutschland is a key player in the international courier sector, actively seeking opportunities to expand and innovate within the industry.


10. Point Nine

  • Website: pointnine.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: point-nine-capital

Point Nine is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2011. They specialize in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in the SaaS, enterprise software, and B2B marketplace sectors. With a focus on seed-stage funding, Point Nine has been actively involved in helping startups scale their operations. Notably, they have invested in OnTruck, a logistics platform that raised $29 million in Series B funding in 2018, and $10 million in Series A funding in 2017, demonstrating their commitment to the logistics sector. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Delivery Hero, a prominent player in the food delivery and logistics space, which raised significant amounts in Series C and D funding rounds. These transactions highlight Point Nine's engagement in the international courier and logistics industry, making them a relevant investor in this category.


11. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company


Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC) is a logistics company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1970. MSC specializes in shipping and transportation services, providing 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 2024, MSC acquired a majority stake in MVN Srl, a Milan-based logistics company, marking its entry into integrated industrial logistics. Additionally, MSC's acquisition of Integrated Container Logistics in Western Australia reflects its strategic move to enhance its logistics arm, Medlog, focusing on landside logistics. Other notable transactions include the acquisition of Log-in, which allows MSC to enter the cabotage market in Brazil, and the significant acquisition of Bolloré Africa Logistics, further solidifying its position in the logistics sector. These transactions highlight MSC's commitment to expanding its logistics capabilities, making it a relevant player in the international courier industry.


12. 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, 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, the company operates a vast fleet of vessels and provides comprehensive logistics solutions to businesses engaged in global trade. Hapag-Lloyd has been actively expanding its operations through strategic acquisitions, such as the acquisition of the container liner business of Deutsche Afrika-Linien for approximately 1.5 billion euros, aimed at enhancing its service offerings in the African market. Additionally, the company acquired the port terminals and logistics businesses of the SAAM Group in Latin America, covering multiple countries including Chile, Colombia, and the US, further solidifying its presence in key markets. Hapag-Lloyd also invested in J M Baxi Ports & Logistics Limited in India, emphasizing its focus on terminal and infrastructure investments in growth markets. These transactions highlight Hapag-Lloyd's commitment to providing reliable shipping services, making it a relevant player in the international courier industry.


13. 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 enabling disruptive innovations across various industries. La Famiglia supports tech entrepreneurs by providing capital, market access, and strategic partnerships. Notably, they have invested in OnTruck, a logistics platform that raised $29.2 million in Series B funding and $10 million in Series A funding, demonstrating their commitment to the logistics sector. Additionally, they invested in Forto, which raised $250 million in Series D funding, further emphasizing their active role in the international courier and logistics space. These transactions highlight La Famiglia's strategic focus on companies that are pivotal in the logistics and courier industry.


14. TA Ventures

  • Website: taventures.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: ta-ventures

TA Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage technology startups across various sectors, including HealthTech and FinTech, providing capital and strategic support to help these startups thrive in competitive markets. Notably, TA Ventures has invested in MetroSpeedy, a last-mile delivery startup that successfully closed a $5 million seed funding round in July 2021, indicating their active engagement in the logistics and courier industry. This investment aligns with their strategy of supporting innovative companies that are poised for growth. Additionally, TA Ventures has a global presence, which allows them to build networks for their portfolio companies, further enhancing their strategic value in the international courier sector.



International Courier Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
DhlBonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+19691
Rocket Internet SEBerlin, Berlin, Germany201-50020070
Delivery HeroBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+20110
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Picus CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-50201528
Cherry VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201225
DPD DeutschlandAschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany5001-1000019860
Point NineBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201116
MSC Mediterranean Shipping CompanyGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+19704
Hapag-Lloyd AGHamburg, Hamburg, Germany10001+18471
La FamigliaBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020164
TA VenturesFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020105


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