The port operations industry in Latin America plays a vital role in facilitating international trade and logistics. It includes a vast array of companies, from shipping and logistics firms to port management and infrastructure developers. These businesses provide essential services such as cargo handling, storage, and transportation, supporting the movement of goods across borders. As the industry evolves, advancements in technology and sustainability are reshaping operations, leading to smarter and more efficient port management. The region’s geographical advantages coupled with increasing trade demand are paving the way for investment and growth in this critical sector.


This list features 16 prominent investors in the Latin American port operations sector, ranging from corporate giants to venture capital firms. Based primarily in Brazil and Mexico, many of these investors have been operational since the early 2000s and are characterized by their varying sizes, from small start-ups to large multinationals. In 2024, these investors collectively made notable investments, highlighting a growing interest in logistics innovations driven by changing market dynamics. Their focus spans areas like technology and infrastructure, showcasing their impact on the industry development.


Top 16 Port Operations Investors in Latin America


1. bossa invest

  • Website: bossainvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 56
  • LinkedIn: bossainvest

Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups, particularly in the technology sector, and provides capital, strategic guidance, and access to a network of co-investors. Bossa Invest is actively involved in the startup ecosystem, offering educational resources to empower entrepreneurs. Notably, Bossa Invest has participated in significant transactions relevant to the port operations context, such as investing in Nowports, a digital freight forwarder that raised $150 million in a Series C funding round, indicating a strong focus on logistics and transportation. Additionally, they have invested in Navalport, which also aligns with the port operations industry, showcasing their interest in companies that enhance operational efficiencies in shipping and logistics.


2. 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 areas such as talent acquisition and fundraising. Notably, Monashees has been involved in several key transactions within the logistics and freight forwarding sectors. For instance, they participated in multiple funding rounds for Nowports, a digital freight forwarder that raised significant capital to expand its operations across Latin America. This includes a seed round of $5.3 million in 2019, followed by Series A, B, and C rounds totaling $226 million by 2022. Additionally, Monashees invested in Mandaê, a Brazilian logistics startup that raised $7.1 million in a Series B round to enhance its services across Brazil. These transactions highlight Monashees' active role in supporting companies that are directly related to logistics and port operations, reinforcing their relevance in this sector.


3. 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 larger China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited. The company specializes in providing comprehensive shipping services and integrated logistics solutions, facilitating international trade. Notably, Cosco Shipping has made significant investments in port operations, including the acquisition of a 51% stake in the Piraeus Port Authority for €280.5 million, with plans to invest an additional €300 million to upgrade the port's facilities. This strategic move underscores their commitment to enhancing port operations and management capabilities. In 2024, they also acquired the Italian logistics company Trasgo, which, while focused on logistics, complements their broader operational capabilities in the supply chain sector. Overall, Cosco Shipping (South America) Co. Ltda. is positioned as a key player in the shipping and port operations industry.


4. SAAM Towage

  • Website: saamtowage.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
  • Founded year: 1961
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: saamtowage

SAAM Towage is a corporate investor based in Las Condes, Santiago, Chile, specializing in maritime services, particularly tugboat operations. Founded in 1961, the company has established itself as a leader in the industry, offering a range of services including harbour towage, oil and gas terminal towage, and offshore support. In 2016, SAAM Towage made a significant move by acquiring a 51% stake in the Sociedad Portuaria Granelera de Caldera, a major terminal in Costa Rica, for USD 48.5 million. This acquisition not only expanded their portfolio but also provided them control over two concessions at the terminal, highlighting their strategic interest in port operations. Additionally, in 2023, SAAM Towage enhanced its fleet by acquiring 21 tugboats from the Brazilian company Starnav for $198 million, further solidifying its position as a market leader in Brazil's towage industry. These transactions underscore SAAM Towage's commitment to the port operations sector and its role in supporting maritime activities across the Americas.


5. 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 Traxión 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. Traxión's services encompass freight forwarding, last-mile delivery, and advanced logistics technology, operating across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. In recent years, Traxión has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its logistics capabilities. Notably, they acquired BBA Logistics for $10 million to expand their door-to-door cargo brokerage services in the U.S., which is crucial for managing freight volumes, particularly in the context of nearshoring. Additionally, the acquisition of Solistica for approximately $208 million included transportation management operations in Mexico and contract logistics services in multiple countries, further enhancing their logistics portfolio. These transactions highlight Traxión's commitment to optimizing supply chains, which is integral to port operations.


6. Magma Partners

  • Website: magmapartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Providencia, Santiago, Chile
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: magma-partners

Magma Partners is a venture capital firm based in Providencia, Santiago, Chile, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across Latin America, with a strong focus on sectors such as fintech and insurtech. However, they have also made significant investments in logistics and freight platforms, which are crucial to port operations. Notably, they have backed Nuvocargo, which raised $36.5 million in Series B funding in June 2023, and has previously raised $12 million in Series A and $5.3 million in Seed funding. Nuvocargo aims to streamline cross-border logistics, making it a key player in the transportation sector. Additionally, Magma Partners led a $1 million seed round for DeltaX.la, a Bolivian freight platform startup, which will enhance product development and operations in neighboring countries. These transactions highlight Magma Partners' commitment to supporting scalable technology businesses in the logistics space, aligning them with the port operations industry.


7. 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, Canary has made 23 investments, showcasing its active role in the startup ecosystem. Notably, they have invested in Estoca, a logistics startup that raised $6.1 million, indicating their interest in the logistics sector, which is closely tied to port operations. Additionally, their investment in Kestraa, a startup focused on foreign trade, further highlights their engagement in areas that intersect with port operations. While their portfolio includes a variety of sectors, these transactions suggest a potential relevance to the port operations industry.


8. 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 aims to foster partnerships between startups and corporations to drive growth and technological advancement. Notably, they led a significant investment in TideWise, a Brazilian startup that provides technological solutions for the naval services sector, securing close to USD$1.9 million in funding. This investment is aimed at expanding TideWise's industrial capacity and operational reach along Brazil's coast, highlighting Msw Capital's involvement in the port operations industry. Additionally, Msw Capital has invested in other technology-focused companies, such as Automni and Speedbird Aero, which, while not directly related to port operations, showcase their commitment to innovative solutions that could potentially intersect with logistics and transportation sectors.


9. 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 conglomerate based in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad De México, Mexico, founded in 1936. It 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 expanded its transportation unit, GMéxico Transportes (GMXT), through strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired control of Ferrobuque, a maritime transport service for railway cars, which underscores their commitment to enhancing logistics and port operations. This acquisition, along with their previous purchase of Florida East Coast Railway for $2.1 billion, demonstrates their focus on integrating rail and maritime transport to serve various industries effectively. Grupo México's investments reflect a strategic approach to logistics, making them a relevant player in the port operations sector.


10. WeBoost

  • Website: weboost.vc
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Santiago, Santiago, Chile
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: weboostvc

WeBoost is a venture capital firm based in Santiago, Chile, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in investing in and supporting startups across Latin America, particularly those that are technology-driven and looking to scale in a fragmented market. WeBoost has made notable investments, including in clicOH, a maritime technology company that raised USD $25 million in a Series A funding round. ClicOH operates in multiple Latin American countries, including Mexico, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay, and focuses on expanding its logistics network and technology, which is crucial for port operations. Additionally, WeBoost has invested in Rayo LATAM and Rayo, indicating a diverse portfolio, but it is the investment in clicOH that highlights its relevance to the port operations sector.


11. Vale

  • Website: vale.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Centro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
  • Founded year: 1942
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: vale

Vale is a corporate investor based in Centro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, founded in 1942. It is primarily a mining company specializing in the extraction and production of metals, including iron ore and nickel, serving various industries such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing. Vale operates a comprehensive logistics network to transport its products efficiently. Notably, Vale has been involved in significant transactions related to port operations, including the acquisition of Mitsui's stake in the Nacala Logistics Corridor for $2.5 billion, which enhances its logistics capabilities. Additionally, Vale and Mitsui secured $2.7 billion in financing for the Nacala logistics corridor, further emphasizing its commitment to logistics and transportation. These transactions highlight Vale's strategic focus on integrating logistics with its core mining operations, making it a relevant player in the port operations sector.


12. Atlantico

  • Website: atlantico.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: atlanticopartners

Atlantico is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies throughout Latin America, providing both funding and strategic support to innovative founders. Atlantico aims to assist companies that show early signs of product-market fit, helping them navigate the challenges of growth. One of their notable transactions includes the acquisition of TUP Porto São Luis S.A., a significant player in the port operations industry, where they acquired a 100% stake from China Communications Construction Company Limited for BRL720 million (approximately US$133.79 million) on February 17, 2022. This transaction highlights Atlantico's involvement in the port sector, reinforcing their position as an investor with interests in port operations.


13. 99 Startups

  • Website: 99startups.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: xylo-capital

99 Startups is a venture capital firm based in Mexico City, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in seed stage investments across Latin America, with a focus on sectors such as fintech, SaaS, and AI. They partner with ambitious entrepreneurs to help build generational companies by providing capital and support. Notably, 99 Startups participated in a seed funding round for DeltaX.la, a Bolivian freight platform startup, which raised $1M to enhance product development and expand operations into neighboring countries. This investment highlights their engagement in the logistics sector, which is relevant to port operations. Additionally, they have invested in other startups like Bego, although the specifics of that investment do not directly relate to port operations.


14. IG4 Capital

  • Website: ig4capital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: ig4-capital

IG4 Capital is an investment management firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, specializing in private equity and special situations. Founded in 2016, the firm focuses on generating performance through value creation and business transformation in emerging markets. IG4 Capital's clients include institutional investors looking to revitalize underperforming investments and achieve long-term financial returns. A notable transaction that highlights their involvement in the port operations sector is the acquisition of CLI Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura S.A. in June 2020. This acquisition included CLI's majority stake in Brazil's Tegram grain terminal, a key player in the logistics and infrastructure landscape. The deal involved restructuring approximately $236 million in debt, showcasing IG4 Capital's commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and value in the logistics domain.


15. 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. One notable transaction in their portfolio is the investment in OPL Carga, which raised an undisclosed amount in a private equity round in June 2014. OPL Carga operates in the logistics and cargo sector, which is closely related to port operations, indicating that MAS Equity Partners has some involvement in this industry, albeit not exclusively.


16. inQlab

  • Website: inqlab.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Bogota, Bogota, Colombia
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: inqlab

InQlab is a venture capital firm based in Bogota, Colombia, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups with high growth potential across Latin America. InQlab provides strategic support and capital to early-stage businesses in various sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, and healthtech. Notably, inQlab participated in the Series A funding round for clicOH, a maritime technology company that raised USD $25 million. This investment highlights inQlab's engagement in the logistics and maritime sector, which is integral to port operations. Additionally, inQlab was involved in the Series B funding round for Chiper, a Colombian e-commerce startup, further showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative companies in the region. By focusing on scalable and disruptive projects, inQlab aims to foster innovation and economic growth, including in industries related to port operations.



Port Operations Insights: Key Investors in Latin America


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
bossa investSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-50201156
MonasheesSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-50200518
Cosco Shipping (South America) Co. Ltda.Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-501
SAAM TowageLas Condes, Santiago, Chile1001-500019610
Grupo Traxion SAB de CVLoma De Chapultepec, State Of Mexico, Mexico10001+20111
Magma PartnersProvidencia, Santiago, Chile11-5020146
CanarySao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-50201723
Msw CapitalRio De Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil1-1019992
Grupo MéxicoCuauhtemoc, Ciudad De México, Mexico10001+19361
WeBoostSantiago, Santiago, Chile1-1020192
ValeCentro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil10001+19423
AtlanticoSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-1020194
99 StartupsMexico City, Mexico City, Mexico1-1020163
IG4 CapitalSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-5020160
MAS Equity PartnersCajicá, Bogota, Colombia11-5020090
inQlabBogota, Bogota, Colombia1-1020131


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