The international courier industry in Europe is vital for facilitating cross-border commerce, connecting businesses and consumers with swift delivery solutions. It includes a variety of players, from established logistics giants to innovative tech startups, all focused on optimizing delivery times and improving customer experience. With the surge in e-commerce, companies are increasingly leveraging technology, like drones and automated logistics, to meet growing demands. As sustainability becomes a priority, firms are exploring eco-friendly delivery methods, indicating a shift towards greener operations. The future of this industry looks promising, with continued investments driving innovations to streamline logistics.


Europe's international courier investors reflect a variety of profiles, from venture capital firms in London to corporate giants in Denmark. The list includes capital managers founded between 1904 and 2019, many with a significant presence indicative of their sizeable portfolios. In 2024, these investors collectively completed 474 deals, indicating a robust interest in the logistics sector. With investment sizes ranging from small startups to multi-billion dollar acquisitions, these backers play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of the industry, helping to fuel growth and drive technological advancement.


Top 17 International Courier Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Among its notable transactions, Bpifrance has invested in Groupe Blondel, a freight transportation and logistics service, and Ovrsea, a startup focused on international freight forwarding, demonstrating its commitment to the logistics and courier sectors. Additionally, Bpifrance has participated in funding rounds for other companies like Eelway and Parcel, although these are less directly related to the courier industry. Overall, Bpifrance's investment activities reflect a strong interest in supporting businesses that contribute to the logistics and courier landscape.


2. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as the SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund founded in 2017 and based in London, England. The fund focuses on technology-driven companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. With a diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made significant investments in various sectors, including health tech and fintech. Notably, in the international courier context, SoftBank has invested in key players such as Delhivery, a major logistics company in India, where they acquired a 22.44% stake. They also led a $1 billion funding round for Flexport, a San Francisco-based freight company, aimed at enhancing tech capabilities and expanding market reach. Additionally, their investment in ShipBob, a Chicago-based e-commerce fulfillment startup, further underscores their commitment to supporting companies that enhance logistics and delivery services. These transactions reflect SoftBank's strategic interest in the logistics and courier industry, aligning with their broader investment philosophy of fostering technological advancement in growth-stage firms.


3. A.P. Moller - Maersk

  • Website: maersk.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1904
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: maersk-group

A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S is a leading logistics company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 1904. The company specializes in shipping and logistics services, operating globally to provide efficient transportation solutions for businesses. In recent years, Maersk has made strategic investments to enhance its logistics capabilities, including the acquisition of Pilot Freight Services for approximately $1.7 billion in cash in February 2022. This acquisition aims to strengthen Maersk's integrated logistics offerings, catering to both B2C and B2B freight sectors. Furthermore, Maersk Growth has participated in funding rounds for digital freight forwarders like FreightHub, which raised $30 million in Series B financing in May 2019, and e-commerce fulfillment startups such as Huboo, which has raised significant capital across multiple funding rounds. These transactions highlight Maersk's commitment to expanding its role in the international courier and logistics industry.


4. DST Global

  • Website: dst-global.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: dst_2

DST Global is a London-based venture capital investment firm founded in 2009 by Yuri Milner, specializing in internet investments. The firm focuses on identifying and investing in some of the fastest-growing and most valuable internet companies globally. In the context of international courier services, DST Global has made significant investments in Flexport, a San Francisco-based freight company. Flexport raised $935 million in a Series E round in February 2022, and prior to that, DST Global participated in several funding rounds for Flexport, including a $1 billion Series D round in February 2019, a $100 million venture round in January 2018, a $110 million Series C round in September 2017, and a $65 million Series B round in September 2016. These transactions highlight DST Global's active role in supporting the growth and technological advancement of companies within the international courier and logistics industry.


5. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in early-stage investments across a diverse range of sectors. The firm is known for its rapid investment pace, backing two startups per week, and providing them with essential financial support and mentorship to navigate their initial challenges. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in several companies relevant to the international courier industry, including Easyship, which raised $4 million in a Series A round to enhance its technology and expand its logistics partnerships. Additionally, Kima Ventures has invested in Mandaê, a logistics startup that raised $1.5 million in Series A funding, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting businesses that improve shipping and logistics solutions. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' active role in the international courier sector, making them a significant player in this space.


6. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. It specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant strides in the logistics and courier sector, acquiring Scan Global Logistics in February 2023 and Packeta Group in December 2023, both of which enhance their portfolio in the international courier space. Additionally, their acquisition of Logen Co in September 2016 further solidifies their presence in the logistics industry. These transactions highlight CVC's strategic interest in the international courier market, making them a relevant player in this sector.


7. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the logistics and courier sector, including their acquisition of Parcel2Go, the UK’s largest parcel delivery marketplace, where they became a cornerstone investor in 2021. Additionally, EQT acquired Envirotainer in 2022 for over $2.9 billion, a company that provides temperature-controlled air cargo solutions, further solidifying their commitment to the logistics industry. These transactions highlight EQT's strategic interest in enhancing their portfolio with key players in the international courier market.


8. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm focuses on investing in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. They provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of growing their businesses. Notably, Index Ventures has been involved in significant transactions such as Metapack, which raised over $32 million in Series A funding, indicating their commitment to companies that enhance delivery and logistics solutions. Additionally, their investment in Ozon, Russia's largest online retailer, showcases their interest in e-commerce platforms that rely heavily on courier services for their operations. This diverse portfolio reflects Index Ventures' strategy of building long-term partnerships with founders to drive success across various industries, including those relevant to international courier services.


9. Partech

  • Website: partechpartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: partech

Partech Partners is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1982. The firm specializes in providing funding and support to startups across various sectors, particularly in technology. Partech operates globally and has a diverse portfolio of companies. Notably, they have invested in logistics and supply chain startups such as Nowports, which raised a seed round to expand its operations across Latin America, and TradeDepot, a platform for FMCG distribution in Africa that integrates all participants in the trade value chain. These investments highlight Partech's engagement in sectors that are crucial for international courier services, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in logistics and distribution.


10. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity established in 1958, headquartered in Luxembourg, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. EIB focuses on supporting sustainable projects across various sectors, including transport and logistics. In recent years, EIB has been involved in significant transactions relevant to the international courier industry, such as providing $35,211,681 in debt financing to Ukrposhta, the national postal service of Ukraine, which plays a crucial role in courier services. Additionally, EIB invested $43,931,713 in Wingcopter, a company specializing in drone delivery, which represents a modern approach to logistics and courier services. These investments highlight EIB's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote growth and innovation in the logistics sector.


11. Rocket Internet SE


Rocket Internet SE is a Berlin-based venture builder founded in 2007, specializing in incubating and investing in internet and technology companies worldwide. The firm provides operational support and capital to entrepreneurs, helping them build market-leading companies across various sectors, including eCommerce, PropTech, and FinTech. Notably, Rocket Internet has made significant investments in the international courier context, particularly through its involvement with Jumia Group, which raised substantial funding in multiple rounds (Series A, B, and C) to enhance its logistics capabilities in Africa. Additionally, Rocket Internet invested in Delivery Hero, which raised $110 million in a private equity round, further emphasizing its commitment to the logistics and delivery sector. These transactions highlight Rocket Internet's strategic focus on companies that are integral to the international courier industry.


12. 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 leading logistics company founded in 1969, headquartered in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. With over 10,000 employees, DHL specializes in providing a wide range of transportation and delivery services globally, including courier services, air and ocean freight, and supply chain management. The company has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the international courier market. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Loomis, which positioned DHL as the third-largest courier in Canada, and the acquisition of PPL CZ s.r.o., enhancing their presence in Eastern Europe. Additionally, DHL has expanded its operations in Latin America with the acquisition of Suppla Group and strengthened its offerings in Brazil through the acquisition of Polar Transportes. In Australia, the acquisition of Glen Cameron Group further solidified DHL's status as a major player in the logistics and courier industry.


13. NTG | Nordic Transport Group A/S


NTG | Nordic Transport Group A/S is a corporate investor based in Hvidovre, Denmark, founded in 2011. The company specializes in logistics, offering a wide range of freight forwarding and transportation services, including road, ocean, and air freight, as well as customs and project transport services. NTG operates with a decentralized business model, providing tailored logistics solutions to businesses across various industries. In recent years, NTG has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its operations in the international courier context. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Aries Global Logistics, Inc. for $70 million, which significantly bolstered their logistics capabilities, and the acquisition of Cargorange Sweden AB, aimed at expanding their freight forwarding services between Sweden and the UK. These transactions demonstrate NTG's commitment to growing its footprint in the international logistics and courier sectors.


14. Prosus Group

  • Website: prosus.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: prosus-group

Prosus Group is a global technology investor and operator based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2019. The firm focuses on enhancing everyday life through technology across various sectors, including online classifieds, food delivery, payments, and education technology, serving over two billion customers worldwide. Prosus partners with local entrepreneurs to create valuable products and services, fostering community growth and sustainable business practices. Notably, Prosus has made significant investments in the logistics and delivery sectors, including a Series C investment in 99 Minutos, a Mexican startup that aims to expand its logistics services for e-commerce in multiple Latin American countries. Additionally, Prosus is acquiring Just Eat Takeaway, which operates Thuisbezorgd, enhancing its presence in the European meal delivery market. Their involvement in Delivery Hero and Rapido further underscores their commitment to the logistics and courier industry, making them a key player in this space.


15. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1945. The firm specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i Group has been involved in significant transactions in the logistics sector, including the acquisition of ABX LOGISTICS Worldwide from the Belgian Railways in 2006. ABX LOGISTICS operates in nearly 100 countries and had a turnover of €2.5 billion, highlighting 3i's commitment to the logistics and courier industry. This acquisition, along with their other investments, showcases their ability to engage with companies that have a global operational footprint in the courier and logistics space.


16. 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 wide range 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 AI infrastructure for delivery services, and acquiring Foodpanda, a significant online food ordering marketplace. Additionally, Delivery Hero has expanded its presence in Europe by acquiring local brands like Damejidlo in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. These transactions highlight Delivery Hero's commitment to enhancing its logistics capabilities and market leadership in the international courier context.


17. Baillie Gifford

  • Website: bailliegifford.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1908
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: baillie-gifford

Baillie Gifford & Co is an investment management firm based in Edinburgh, Scotland, specializing in managing equity, fixed-income, and multi-asset portfolios. Founded in 1908, the firm serves professional investors, including institutions and high-net-worth individuals, with a focus on long-term growth opportunities. Baillie Gifford employs a research-driven approach to deliver sustainable returns for its clients. Notably, they have made significant investments in the logistics and delivery sectors, including a $115.9 million investment in Delhivery, India's largest independent e-commerce logistics startup, and a leading role in funding Zipline, a medical drone delivery service that has raised substantial capital to expand its operations across various regions, including Africa and the Americas. These transactions highlight Baillie Gifford's strategic interest in innovative delivery solutions, reinforcing their relevance in the international courier industry.



International Courier Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
A.P. Moller - MaerskCopenhagen, Denmark10001+19044
DST GlobalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200924
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
PartechParis, Île-De-France, France51-200198224
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Rocket Internet SEBerlin, Berlin, Germany201-50020070
DhlBonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+19691
NTG | Nordic Transport Group A/SHvidovre, Denmark1001-500020113
Prosus GroupAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+201921
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
Delivery HeroBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+20110
Baillie GiffordEdinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000190813


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