The warehousing and distribution industry in the DACH region involves companies that specialize in storing and distributing goods. From large multinational corporations that handle logistics for major retail brands to smaller startups focusing on e-commerce solutions, players in this sector vary widely. Technology is increasingly reshaping operations, with advancements in automation and data analytics becoming key drivers for efficiency. The industry is also witnessing growth in green logistics, with firms adopting sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact. As e-commerce continues to rise, the demand for innovative warehousing solutions designers is expected to surge.

The investors featured in this list cover a range of types, including venture capital, corporate, and private equity firms. Their headquarters are spread across the DACH region, from Switzerland to Germany and Austria. Varying in size from small teams to large organizations, these investors have been active since as early as 1847 and have engaged in a total of over 150 transactions in 2024 alone. With different backgrounds and investment focuses, these firms exhibit a robust interest in the warehousing and distribution sector, demonstrating a growing trend toward logistics optimization and technological advancement.

Top 14 Warehousing and Distribution 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 global logistics company founded in 1969, headquartered in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. With over 10,000 employees, DHL specializes in comprehensive transportation and delivery services, offering solutions such as courier services, air and ocean freight, and supply chain management. In recent years, DHL has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its warehousing and distribution capabilities. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Suppla Group, a Colombian warehousing company, aimed at enhancing DHL's presence in Latin America; the acquisition of IDS Fulfillment in 2025; and the acquisition of Glen Cameron Group, a national road freight and contract logistics company in Australia. These acquisitions reflect DHL's strategy to strengthen its logistics operations and expand its footprint in key markets, particularly in warehousing and distribution.

2. 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. In recent years, Partners Group has made significant investments in the warehousing and distribution sector, including a $100 million equity investment in StoreLocal Group to accelerate its expansion in storage solutions. This investment aims to enhance storage capacity and manage third-party properties, showcasing their focus on the warehousing industry. Additionally, their involvement with Ecom Express, a logistics provider, further emphasizes their engagement in the distribution space, highlighting their strategic interest in sectors that support logistics and supply chain operations.

3. Brenntag

• Website: brenntag.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1874
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: brenntag

Brenntag SE, founded in 1874 and headquartered in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading chemical distributor that connects chemical manufacturers with users across diverse industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers by simplifying access to complex supply chains. The company has been actively expanding its operational network through strategic acquisitions, such as Gafor Distribuidora in 2014, which enhanced their distribution capabilities in Latin America. In 2024, they announced the acquisition of Quimica Delta, a prominent distributor in Mexico, further solidifying their presence in the region. Other notable acquisitions include Fred Holmberg & Co and Y.S. Ashkenazi Agencies, which have allowed Brenntag to broaden its specialty chemical distribution services and enter new markets. These transactions highlight Brenntag's commitment to enhancing its warehousing and distribution capabilities within the chemical 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 companies scale their operations. Speedinvest's investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, they have invested in Stowga, a London-based on-demand warehousing marketplace, which raised £1.5M in seed funding from Speedinvest and other investors. This investment highlights their interest in the warehousing sector. Additionally, Speedinvest has participated in multiple funding rounds for byrd, a Vienna-based e-commerce fulfillment platform, which raised significant amounts across several rounds, including a Series C round of $56 million. Byrd's focus on enabling next-day e-commerce delivery in Europe further emphasizes Speedinvest's involvement in logistics and distribution, reinforcing their relevance in the warehousing and distribution industry.

5. Seedstars

• Website: seedstars.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn: seedstars

Seedstars is an investment and education company based in Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on supporting startups and entrepreneurs in emerging markets through various programs, including acceleration and growth initiatives, investment readiness, and the operation of entrepreneurship hubs. Seedstars collaborates with governments, investors, and development agencies to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems and drive social and economic development. Notably, Seedstars has invested in Oware, a Pakistan-based B2B warehousing and distribution startup, which raised $3.3 million in pre-seed funding. This investment highlights Seedstars' engagement in the warehousing and distribution sector, alongside their other investments in diverse industries such as technology and logistics.

6. 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. With over €2.8 billion under management, HV Capital specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit. They have a strong focus on helping startups navigate growth challenges and achieve market success across Europe. Notably, HV Capital has invested in Warehousing1, a Berlin-based logistics startup, participating in both a €10 million Series A round in 2022 and a seed round in 2019. Additionally, they have invested in Zencargo, a London-based digital freight forwarder, contributing to both Series A and Series B funding rounds. These transactions highlight HV Capital's active involvement in the warehousing and distribution sector, showcasing their interest in logistics and freight services.

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. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments and partners with innovative startups across various sectors, including fintech and healthcare. Notably, Picus Capital has made significant investments in the logistics and distribution sector, including Zencargo, a digital freight forwarder that raised multiple funding rounds with Picus as a participant. Additionally, they invested in Hive, a Berlin-based e-commerce logistics startup that aims to expand its geographical reach and develop proprietary warehouse software. These transactions highlight Picus Capital's commitment to supporting companies that enhance logistics and distribution capabilities, thereby empowering entrepreneurs to build sustainable category leaders globally.

8. 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 based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1970. With over 10,000 employees, MSC specializes in shipping and transportation services, offering a wide range of solutions including inland transportation, air cargo, and digital business services across various industries such as agriculture, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. In 2024, MSC made significant strides in the warehousing and distribution sector by acquiring a majority stake in MVN Srl, a Milan-based logistics company, through its subsidiary Medlog Holding Italia. This acquisition marks MSC's entry into integrated industrial logistics, with MVN expected to achieve a turnover of 100 million euros in 2024. Additionally, MSC's acquisition of Integrated Container Logistics in Western Australia further expands its logistics arm, Medlog, into landside logistics. Other notable transactions include the acquisition of Bolloré Africa Logistics and Log-in, which enhance MSC's operational capabilities in various logistics markets. These strategic moves underscore MSC's commitment to strengthening its position in the logistics and warehousing sectors.

9. 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. In recent years, Hapag-Lloyd has made significant investments to enhance its logistics and terminal operations. Notably, in August 2023, they acquired the port terminals and logistics businesses of the SAAM Group across multiple countries in Latin America, which strengthens their warehousing and distribution capabilities. Additionally, in January 2023, Hapag-Lloyd acquired a 35% stake in J M Baxi Ports & Logistics Limited, with plans to increase their shareholding, emphasizing their commitment to terminal and infrastructure investments in key markets like India. Furthermore, their acquisition of a 30% stake in Container Terminal Wilhelmshaven in Germany highlights their focus on expanding terminal operations, which are crucial for effective warehousing and distribution. Overall, Hapag-Lloyd AG is actively involved in the logistics sector, making them a relevant investor in warehousing and distribution.

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. Point Nine provides funding at the seed stage and participates in subsequent funding rounds to help startups scale their operations. Notably, they have invested in TradeLink, a logistics platform that raised €12 million in Series A funding to enhance its SaaS platform for logistics and supply chains. Additionally, they have supported OnTruck, a logistics platform that has raised significant funding across multiple rounds, focusing on growth and expansion in the logistics sector. These investments highlight Point Nine's engagement with companies that are integral to warehousing and distribution.

11. 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 has been involved in several notable transactions, particularly in the warehousing and distribution sector. They participated in funding rounds for Forto, a digital freight forwarding company that raised significant capital in Series A, Seed, and Series D rounds, indicating a strong commitment to logistics and distribution innovations. Additionally, La Famiglia invested in SpaceFill, a company that raised funds to enhance its warehousing solutions, further demonstrating their engagement in the warehousing and distribution industry. Through these investments, La Famiglia leverages its network of world-leading entrepreneurs to enable disruptive innovations across various sectors, including logistics.

12. 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, they specialize in providing comprehensive supply chain management solutions, including transport services across land, air, and sea. DB Schenker has been actively expanding its logistics operations through strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired a 75% stake in Redhead International, a Yorkshire logistics firm, to enhance their land transport operations in the UK. Additionally, they acquired Grupo Loserco and Transportes Santos Campos, two Spanish transport companies, to strengthen their presence in the Iberian market. These transactions reflect their commitment to enhancing warehousing and distribution capabilities, making them a significant player in the logistics sector.

13. Verve Ventures

• Website: verve.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn: investiere-venture-capital

Verve Ventures is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in deep tech investments across Europe. The firm provides funding and strategic support to science and technology startups, focusing on sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. In 2021, Verve Ventures participated in a Series B funding round for byrd, a logistics company that offers warehousing and fulfillment services, raising nearly $19 million. Additionally, they have invested in Verity, a company that develops autonomous indoor drones aimed at improving inventory management solutions within warehouses. Verve Ventures' involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to supporting innovative technologies that can significantly impact the warehousing and distribution industry.

14. 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 across Europe. The firm provides capital, mentorship, and resources to innovative startups in various sectors, including SaaS and mobility. Notably, Cherry Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Forto, a freight technology startup that has raised substantial capital to enhance digital freight forwarding solutions. Their involvement in Forto's Series A, B, and C funding rounds highlights their focus on the logistics and distribution industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting companies that aim to innovate within this sector. Additionally, they were part of the funding round for FreightHub, another digital freight forwarder, further solidifying their relevance in the warehousing and distribution landscape.

Warehousing and Distribution Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Dhl	Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+	1969	1
Partners Group	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	1001-5000	1996	19
Brenntag	Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+	1874	8
Speedinvest	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	51-200	2011	45
Seedstars	Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland	201-500	2012	6
HV Capital	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	11-50	2000	28
Picus Capital	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	2015	28
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company	Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland	10001+	1970	4
Hapag-Lloyd AG	Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany	10001+	1847	1
Point Nine	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2011	16
La Famiglia	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2016	4
DB Schenker	Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+	1872	1
Verve Ventures	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2010	25
Cherry Ventures	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2012	25

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