The material handling equipment industry in Latin America revolves around the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials. Companies include manufacturers of forklifts, conveyor systems, automated guided vehicles, and related technologies, all essential for streamlining logistics and warehouse operations. Growth in e-commerce and heightened demand for efficient supply chain solutions are propelling advancements such as automation and robotics. As industries seek to optimize their operations, the sector is quickly pivoting towards innovative solutions that integrate artificial intelligence and IoT technologies, making it an exciting field for investment as modernization continues to take root throughout the region.


The following investors vary widely in type, ranging from corporate giants to venture capital firms, showcasing varied strategies and focuses. Most are based in Brazil, while others operate in Mexico and Colombia, emphasizing the region's influence. They range from small teams to well-established companies, with many making notable investments—like the 18 deals recorded by Monashees in 2024. Founded between 1936 to 2018, these firms reveal the dynamic investment scene in Latin America’s material handling equipment sector. In 2024, their activities reflect a robust interest in driving innovations and enhancing efficiency within the industry.


Top 14 Material Handling Equipment Investors in Latin America


1. Crp

  • Website: crp.com.br
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: crp

CRP Companhia de Participações is an investment firm based in Porto Alegre, Brazil, specializing in private equity and venture capital since its founding in 1981. With a focus on providing capital and strategic support to small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as larger companies, CRP has a diverse portfolio that spans various sectors. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Daiken Elevators, which plays a significant role in the material handling equipment industry. Other investments include Lupatech, Pisani, Mixertech, and BR Supply, showcasing their broad investment strategy while also indicating a potential interest in sectors related to material handling and logistics.


2. Weg

  • Website: weg.net
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
  • Founded year: 1961
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: weg

WEG S.A. is a for-profit electric equipment manufacturer based in Brazil, founded in 1961. The company specializes in electric motors, generators, transformers, and automation solutions, serving various industries globally. With operations in around 140 countries, WEG is a key player in the electric engineering sector. Notably, WEG has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its product offerings and market presence. In 2016, they acquired Bluffton Motor Works, a North American manufacturer of fractional electric motors, which bolstered their capabilities in the U.S. market. In 2024, WEG acquired Marathon Electric Motors (India) Limited, further expanding their industrial electric motors and generators business. Additionally, their acquisition of Electric Machinery from GE's Converteam business in 2011 and Balteau Produtos Elétricos Ltda. in 2021, which focuses on instrument transformers, showcases their commitment to enhancing their product range in energy generation and distribution. These transactions highlight WEG's strategic positioning within the electric equipment sector, which is closely related to material handling equipment.


3. Msw Capital

  • Website: mswcapital.com.br
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Rio De Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: mswcapital

Msw Capital is a venture capital firm based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in corporate venture capital management, focusing on high-potential startups, particularly in the technology sector. Msw Capital supports corporations in enhancing their innovation strategies by fostering partnerships between startups and established companies. Notably, Msw Capital has made significant investments in companies that have relevance to the material handling equipment industry. For instance, they led a R$ 5.5 million investment in Automni, a Brazilian company that specializes in autonomous mobile robots designed for enclosed environments, which are crucial for improving logistics and material handling processes. This investment positions Automni as a potential global competitor in the autonomous mobile robot market, which is increasingly important in the material handling sector. Additionally, Msw Capital has invested in other technology-driven startups, indicating their broader interest in innovative solutions that could intersect with material handling applications.


4. Monashees

  • Website: monashees.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: monashees-capital

Monashees is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investing in technology-based companies across Latin America, providing not only funding but also support in talent acquisition, fundraising, and access to a network of industry experts. Notably, Monashees has invested in Nowports, a digital freight forwarder that has raised significant funding across multiple rounds, including a Series C round of $150 million in 2022. This company focuses on improving logistics and freight forwarding in Latin America, which is directly relevant to material handling. Additionally, Monashees has invested in Mandaê, a Brazilian logistics startup that raised $7.1 million in a Series B round in 2018, further emphasizing their commitment to the logistics sector. These transactions highlight Monashees' active role in supporting companies that are integral to the material handling equipment industry.


5. Cosco Shipping (South America) Co. Ltda.


Cosco Shipping (South America) Co. Ltda. is a corporate investor based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and is part of the China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, a leading shipping and logistics company. Founded to provide comprehensive shipping services and integrated logistics solutions, Cosco Shipping plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade. In 2024, they acquired Trasgo, an Italian logistics company with 14 warehouse facilities, aiming to enhance their capabilities in the digital supply chain sector in Europe. This acquisition highlights their commitment to improving logistics and material handling operations. Additionally, their previous acquisition of a 51% stake in the Piraeus Port Authority, along with plans to invest significantly in upgrading port facilities, further underscores their involvement in the logistics and material handling industry. These transactions reflect Cosco Shipping's strategic focus on enhancing their logistics capabilities, making them a relevant player in the material handling equipment sector.


6. Grupo Traxion SAB de CV

  • Website: traxion.global
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Loma De Chapultepec, State Of Mexico, Mexico
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: grupo-traxion-sab-de-cv

Grupo Traxion SAB de CV is a corporate investor based in Loma De Chapultepec, State Of Mexico, Mexico, founded in 2011. The company specializes in logistics and transportation, providing comprehensive solutions for the mobility of goods and people across various industries, including automotive, retail, and pharmaceuticals. In 2024, Traxion made a significant acquisition by purchasing Solistica from FEMSA for approximately US$208 million, which enhances their logistics operations in Mexico and beyond. Additionally, they acquired Redpack, a company focused on parcel and courier services, and BBA Logistics, which expands their door-to-door cargo brokerage services in the U.S. These transactions reflect Traxion's strategy to optimize supply chains and enhance their logistics capabilities, which are critical components of material handling. Furthermore, their acquisition of Medistik allows them to expand into the pharmaceutical sector, further diversifying their logistics services.


7. MAS Equity Partners


MAS Equity Partners is a private equity firm founded in 2009, based in Cajicá, Bogota, Colombia. The firm specializes in investment management and strategic guidance for medium-sized companies in the Andean region. They focus on providing minority equity investments and support to visionary entrepreneurs, helping them achieve sustainable growth and navigate business challenges. Notably, MAS Equity Partners has been involved in transactions such as OPL Carga, which raised an undisclosed amount in a private equity round in June 2014. OPL Carga operates within the material handling equipment sector, indicating MAS Equity Partners' engagement in this industry. Additionally, they participated in the funding of ESSI in January 2019, although the specific relevance of this transaction to material handling equipment is less clear. Overall, their investment activities suggest a willingness to engage with companies in the material handling space.


8. The Next Company


The Next Company is an investment firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2018. They focus on backing entrepreneurs and startups in their early stages, providing financial support and guidance to help these businesses navigate challenges. Their investment strategy emphasizes innovation and purpose-driven initiatives across various industries. Notably, The Next Company participated in a Series A funding round for Motion2AI, a company that offers AI SaaS solutions and edge computer vision for vehicles used in warehouse operations. This involvement highlights their interest in technology that enhances material handling processes. Additionally, they have invested in other startups like Musa and Rabbot, although these do not directly relate to material handling equipment.


9. Mercadolibre.com

  • Website: mercadolibre.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: mercadolibre-com

Mercado Libre is an e-commerce platform based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, founded in 1999. It facilitates online buying and selling across various product categories, including electronics, clothing, and home goods. The company has made significant investments in logistics to enhance its service offerings. Notably, in 2021, Mercado Libre acquired Kangu, a local logistics operator in Brazil and Colombia, which strengthens its logistics network. Additionally, it participated in the Series B funding round for Mandaê, a Brazilian logistics startup, which raised US$7.1M to expand its services. These transactions highlight Mercado Libre's commitment to improving its logistics capabilities, which are essential for efficient material handling in e-commerce.


10. Randon Ventures

  • Website: randon.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Caxias Do Sul, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: randonventures

Randon Ventures is a startup accelerator based in Caxias Do Sul, Brazil, founded in 2020. It focuses on technology-based startups across various sectors, including logistics, automotive, and financial technology. The firm provides tailored acceleration programs, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups validate and grow their business models. Notably, Randon Ventures has invested in Sirros IoT, a startup that specializes in solutions for industry 4.0, receiving R$ 5.2 million to enhance its IoT platform aimed at optimizing industrial plant services. This investment aligns with the material handling equipment sector, as it supports the modernization and efficiency of industrial operations. Additionally, Randon Ventures has participated in other funding rounds for startups like Soon Tecnologia and Abbiamo, which, while not directly related to material handling, contribute to the broader logistics and technology landscape.


11. Canary

  • Website: canary.com.br
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: canary-venture-capital

Canary is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across Latin America, focusing on supporting entrepreneurs with capital, co-founding assistance, and building a strong community of builders. In 2024 alone, Canary has made 23 investments, showcasing their active role in the startup ecosystem. Notably, they have invested in Estoca, a Brazilian logistics startup, which raised a total of USD $6.1M with participation from Canary. This investment highlights their interest in the logistics sector, which is integral to material handling. Additionally, their involvement in other startups like Kestraa, which focuses on foreign trade, indicates a broader interest in sectors that may intersect with material handling and logistics.


12. Polaris Investimentos


Polaris Investimentos is a venture capital firm based in Brasilia, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in technology-based startups, providing both financial support and strategic advisory services to entrepreneurs. Polaris operates primarily in Brazil and focuses on early-stage investments across various sectors. Notably, they have invested in Automni, a Brazilian company that specializes in solutions with autonomous mobile robots for enclosed environments. Automni has received significant funding to expand its robot delivery capacity, with clients including major companies like DHL, Nestlé, Danone, and Unilever. This investment positions Automni as a potential competitor in the global market for autonomous mobile robot technology, which is closely related to material handling equipment.


13. Alaya Capital


Alaya Capital is a venture capital firm based in Córdoba, Argentina, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in the next generation of digital entrepreneurs across Latin America, providing both funding and strategic support to help startups scale their operations. Alaya Capital's investment strategy emphasizes technology-driven businesses that aim to create a positive impact. Notably, Alaya Capital has participated in several funding rounds for Moova, a tech-based delivery provider in Latin America. Moova has raised significant capital, including a $10 million Series A round in June 2022 and a $5 million venture round in June 2023, with the goal of becoming a leader in the logistics sector by leveraging AI, digitization, and automation. This focus on logistics positions Alaya Capital as a relevant player in the material handling equipment space, as advancements in logistics often require innovative material handling solutions.


14. Grupo México

  • Website: gmexico.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad De México, Mexico
  • Founded year: 1936
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: grupo-mexico

Grupo México is a corporate investor based in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad De México, Mexico, founded in 1936. The company operates primarily in the mining, transportation, and infrastructure sectors, making it a leading producer of copper and a significant player in rail transportation services. In recent years, Grupo México has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its logistics capabilities. Notably, in 2017, its transportation unit GMéxico Transportes acquired Florida East Coast Railway for $2.1 billion, which expanded its rail network in the U.S. and improved its operational efficiency in material handling. More recently, in December 2023, Grupo México Transportes announced the acquisition of a controlling stake in Ferrobuque, a maritime transport service for railway cars, further solidifying its role in the logistics and transportation of materials. These transactions highlight Grupo México's commitment to enhancing its material handling capabilities, making it a relevant investor in this sector.



Material Handling Equipment Insights: Key Investors in Latin America


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrpPorto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil11-5019810
WegFlorianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil10001+19614
Msw CapitalRio De Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil1-1019992
MonasheesSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-50200518
Cosco Shipping (South America) Co. Ltda.Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-501
Grupo Traxion SAB de CVLoma De Chapultepec, State Of Mexico, Mexico10001+20111
MAS Equity PartnersCajicá, Bogota, Colombia11-5020090
The Next CompanySao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-1020180
Mercadolibre.comBuenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina1001-500019993
Randon VenturesCaxias Do Sul, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil1-1020200
CanarySao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-50201723
Polaris InvestimentosBrasilia, Federal, Brazil1-1020110
Alaya CapitalCórdoba, Cordoba, Argentina1-1020105
Grupo MéxicoCuauhtemoc, Ciudad De México, Mexico10001+19361


Want to find more investors focusing on the material handling equipment industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the material handling equipmentindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!