The material handling equipment industry in the U.S. consists of companies that design, manufacture, and supply machinery to efficiently move, store, and control products in warehouses and distribution centers. It includes various players, from conveyor systems and forklifts manufacturers to automated solutions providers. With a strong lean toward automation and sustainability, the industry is pivoting towards high-tech solutions and intelligent robotics, reflecting the growing demand for efficiency and cost-cutting. This evolution to smarter, eco-friendly handling technologies not only streamlines operations but also addresses challenges faced in production and logistics.


The list features a range of investors influencing the U.S. material handling equipment sector, from venture capital firms like 500 Global to private equity giants such as KKR and Blackstone. They operate in major cities, predominantly New York and California, and vary in size from small firms to substantial corporations. Founded between 1966 and 2023, these investors made over 300 deals in 2024 alone, indicating a vigorous interest in enhancing this vital industry.


Top 14 Material Handling Equipment Investors in the US


1. 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 like Gideon Brothers, a Croatian startup specializing in industrial robots, which raised $765K in a seed round, and Grabit Inc., which raised $15 million in Series B funding. These transactions highlight their engagement with the industrial and robotics sectors, which are integral to material handling equipment. Their model focuses on facilitating partnerships and providing resources to enhance business development, making them a significant player in the venture capital landscape.


2. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses, with a particular focus on agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. However, they also have a notable presence in the material handling equipment sector, having made several investments in companies like Pallet Advisors, which specializes in pallet management and logistics solutions, and QuickLoadz Intermodal Robotics, which focuses on innovative intermodal transport solutions. These transactions highlight Advantage Capital's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities, while also engaging with the material handling equipment industry through flexible capital solutions that help these businesses grow and thrive.


3. The Middleby Corporation

  • Website: middleby.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Elgin, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1888
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: middleby-corporation

The Middleby Corporation is a manufacturer specializing in commercial and residential cooking and industrial process equipment, founded in 1888 and based in Elgin, Illinois. They provide innovative solutions for foodservice operators and consumers, focusing on enhancing efficiency and quality in food preparation. Their diverse product range serves various sectors, including restaurants and residential markets, with a commitment to advanced technology and customer engagement. In recent years, Middleby has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in automation and food processing equipment. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Proxaut, which specializes in automation solutions, and Colussi Ermes, a global leader in automated washing solutions for the foodservice industry. These acquisitions reflect Middleby's strategy to enhance its automation portfolio and improve material handling processes within the foodservice sector. Additionally, their acquisition of German Bakery Technology further emphasizes their focus on integrating advanced systems that streamline operations in food production and handling.


4. 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. In 2024, 500 Global has made 98 investments, showcasing their active role in the startup ecosystem. Notably, they have invested in Haulio, a container haulage startup in Singapore, which raised S$1 million in a seed round in May 2018. This investment highlights their engagement in logistics, a sector closely related to material handling. Additionally, they have participated in various seed rounds for companies like Evreka, which focuses on waste management solutions, further indicating their interest in operational efficiency and logistics-related technologies.


5. 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 leveraging technology. Among its notable transactions, Tiger Global has invested significantly in Vecna Robotics, which raised $40 million in a Series C funding round in June 2024, and previously $65 million in January 2022 for further development in software and hardware for logistics operations. Additionally, they have invested in GreyOrange, a provider of automated solutions for the logistics industry, which raised $30 million in funding to expand its operations internationally. These investments underscore Tiger Global's strategic focus on companies that enhance material handling through advanced technology, making them a relevant player in this sector.


6. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. Notably, KKR has made significant strides in the material handling equipment sector, highlighted by its acquisition of Acco Material Handling Solutions and The Crosby Group in 2013 for approximately $1.0 billion. These acquisitions underscore KKR's strategic focus on enhancing its portfolio in the material handling space. More recently, KKR has also acquired a majority stake in LEAP India, a leading pallet pooling platform, as part of its Asia infrastructure strategy, further solidifying its commitment to the material handling equipment industry. KKR's diverse investment approach and expertise in various sectors position it as a key player in the material handling equipment market.


7. 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, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. They provide capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. With over 1,000 companies in their extensive portfolio, many of which have achieved unicorn status, FJ Labs has established itself as a significant player in the venture capital space. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for YardLink, a digital procurement startup that raised $17.5M in Series A funding to expand its supplier network, and Flexcavo, a Berlin-based ConTech startup that raised $7.5 million to enhance its construction equipment rental services. These investments highlight FJ Labs' engagement in sectors relevant to material handling equipment, particularly in logistics and construction technology.


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 prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a diverse portfolio that includes private equity, real estate, and credit solutions for both institutional and individual investors. Among its notable transactions, Blackstone acquired Averys in 2018, a key player in the European market for customized racking and storage solutions, highlighting its commitment to the material handling equipment sector. Additionally, Blackstone has engaged in various industrial property acquisitions, such as the CalWest portfolio, which underscores its interest in sectors that support logistics and material handling. The firm's strategic focus on enhancing business value through targeted investments positions it as a significant player in the material handling equipment landscape.


9. 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 actively investing in the robotics sector, with notable transactions including Anyware Robotics, which raised $12 million in a seed round, and Dextrous Robotics, which also secured funding in a seed round. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for RIOS, a company focused on AI-powered robots for assembly lines, and Phantom Auto, which raised $42 million in a Series B round. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to advancing technologies that are crucial for the material handling equipment industry.


10. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. Based in Washington, D.C., Carlyle serves a diverse range of institutional investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, by providing tailored investment solutions across various alternative asset classes. The firm has a global presence and extensive expertise in driving long-term value for its clients. Notably, Carlyle has made significant investments in the material handling equipment sector, including the acquisition of Kito Corp., Japan's leading hoist and crane manufacturer, for approximately JPY 13.4 billion. This acquisition aimed to strengthen Kito's business in North America and China. Additionally, Carlyle's investment in AGILOX, a company specializing in AI-based self-driving logistics robots, highlights their focus on innovative solutions within the material handling space. Furthermore, their acquisition of Sematic Group, a manufacturer of elevators and elevator components, and Signode Industrial Group, further showcases their engagement in sectors related to material handling and logistics.


11. Apollo Global Management, Inc.

  • Website: apollo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 46
  • LinkedIn: apollo-global-management-inc

Apollo Global Management, Inc. is a prominent asset management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative assets and retirement solutions. Founded in 1990, the firm manages a diverse portfolio across credit, private equity, and real assets, catering to institutional investors, corporations, and individual clients. Among its notable transactions, Apollo acquired Ryson International Inc. in July 2021, enhancing its ability to serve multinational customers in the material handling sector. Furthermore, Apollo's acquisition of Maxim Crane Works and AmQuip Crane Rental in May 2016 aimed to create a leading lifting solutions provider with a combined fleet of over 1,950 cranes across North America. Additionally, the acquisition of Phoenix Services LLC in December 2017, a provider of outsourced slag handling and metal reclamation services, underscores Apollo's strategic focus on the material handling equipment industry. These investments reflect Apollo's commitment to empowering its clients with innovative capital solutions and expanding its market share in the material handling space.


12. The Riverside Company


The Riverside Company is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in providing flexible capital solutions and strategic guidance to smaller middle-market businesses across various industries. Founded in 1988, Riverside has built a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies globally. Among their notable transactions, they acquired United Central Industrial Supply in 2004, a company that supplies industrial products, which is relevant to the material handling equipment sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Nordco in 2003, a company that provides equipment and services for the rail industry, further demonstrates their engagement in sectors that intersect with material handling. Riverside's approach to investing focuses on transformative growth, making them a significant player in the private equity landscape.


13. DXP Enterprises, Inc.

  • Website: dxpe.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1908
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: dxp-enterprises-inc-

DXP Enterprises, Inc. is a Houston, Texas-based corporate investor founded in 1908, specializing in industrial distribution. The company provides a diverse range of products and services tailored to various sectors, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and renewable energy. DXP focuses on rotating equipment, supply chain management, and safety solutions, which are essential for enhancing operational efficiency in industrial operations. Notably, DXP has made several acquisitions that align with the material handling equipment context, such as the acquisition of Rocky Mountain Supply and Jerzy Supply, which enhance their distribution capabilities. Additionally, their acquisition of Quadna, a company that distributes and services fluid and air handling pumps, further demonstrates their involvement in sectors that intersect with material handling. Overall, DXP's strategic acquisitions and focus on industrial solutions position them as a relevant player in the material handling equipment industry.


14. 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 companies like Dexterity, which raised $56.2 million in a Series A round and focuses on robotics and automation, potentially applicable to material handling. They also invested in RendaloMaq, which raised $4.455 million in a seed round, although the specific relevance to material handling is less clear. Overall, their focus on technology and automation positions them as a potential player in the material handling equipment space, but their primary focus remains on technology startups broadly.



Material Handling Equipment Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
The Middleby CorporationElgin, Illinois, United States (USA)5001-1000018885
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Tiger GlobalNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200200125
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
Apollo Global Management, Inc.New York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000199046
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
DXP Enterprises, Inc.Houston, Texas, United States (USA)1001-500019086
Liquid 2 VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201591


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