The freight forwarding industry in Benelux plays a vital role in facilitating international trade and logistics. It includes companies that manage shipping goods from manufacturers to markets, offering services like customs clearance, cargo insurance, and route optimization. The sector is seeing advancements with technology-driven solutions enhancing efficiency and visibility in supply chains. Furthermore, sustainability is becoming a priority, with many firms seeking eco-friendly practices. With increasing e-commerce demand, this industry is evolving rapidly, embracing innovations such as digital platforms for streamlining logistics tasks, creating opportunities for growth and expansion among forward-thinking investors.


This article explores top investors in the freight forwarding sector within the Benelux region. Spanning venture capitals, private equity, and corporate investors, these entities vary significantly in size, founding years, and investment strategies. Headquarters range from Amsterdam to Brussels and Luxembourg, representing a blend of established financial powerhouses and innovative newcomers. In 2024, they made noteworthy deals across the logistics space, driving the industry's evolution and presenting ample opportunities for startups and mid-sized companies looking to scale their operations.


Top 18 Freight Forwarding Investors in Benelux


1. 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 investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management 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 acquisitions in the logistics and freight forwarding sector, including Scan Global Logistics in February 2023, Hermes in January 2020, and Logen Co in September 2016. These transactions highlight CVC's commitment to investing in companies that enhance its portfolio in the logistics and freight forwarding space, demonstrating its relevance in this industry.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. The EIB serves both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Among its notable transactions, the EIB has invested in the freight forwarding context by participating in the Series B financing round for InstaFreight, a startup that focuses on optimizing freight logistics, raising $40 million in March 2022. Additionally, the EIB has financed significant infrastructure projects such as the Bilbao Port, which raised $84,044,825 in December 2024, and the Aberdeen Harbour Board, which secured $40,215,016 in January 2022. These investments highlight the EIB's role in enhancing logistics and freight forwarding capabilities across Europe.


3. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to promote innovation in diverse sectors. Notably, the EIC has invested in Dronamics, a cargo drone airline, providing a €10 million investment to support its commercial operations in Greece. This investment, along with previous grants to Dronamics and other logistics-related companies like Swiss Airtainer and Smartlane, highlights the EIC's commitment to fostering innovation in the freight forwarding and logistics sectors.


4. 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. With a significant workforce of over 10,000 employees, Prosus serves more than two billion customers worldwide. Notably, Prosus has made strategic investments in logistics and freight forwarding-related companies, such as 99 Minutos, which raised substantial funding to expand its logistics services for e-commerce in Latin America, and ElasticRun, a Kirana commerce platform that aims to enhance logistics in rural markets. These investments reflect Prosus's commitment to fostering innovation in logistics and transportation, making them a relevant player in the freight forwarding space.


5. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Frigoscandia Distribution, which is involved in temperature-controlled logistics, and Nordic Tankers, a company that operates in the maritime transportation sector. Most recently, Triton announced the acquisition of MacGregor, a cargo handling specialist, for an enterprise value of EUR 480 million, further solidifying their interest in the logistics and freight forwarding space. Their diverse portfolio and strategic acquisitions reflect their commitment to enhancing operational capabilities in the logistics sector.


6. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)


Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) is a development agency based in Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 1983. BOM focuses on supporting startups and scale-ups in the Brabant region by providing funding, expertise, and networking opportunities to enhance business growth. They have a diverse investment portfolio, including significant contributions to the freight forwarding industry. Notably, BOM has invested in Shypple, a digital freight forwarding platform, participating in both a €7.1 million Series A funding round in April 2021 and a €1.7 million funding round in September 2018. These investments highlight BOM's commitment to fostering innovation in logistics and freight forwarding, making them a key player in this sector.


7. Gls

  • Website: gls-group.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Duivendrecht, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: gls

General Logistics Systems B.V. (GLS) is a prominent logistics company founded in 1999, headquartered in Duivendrecht, North Holland, Netherlands. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, GLS specializes in parcel delivery services across Europe and North America, offering a comprehensive range of logistics solutions including B2B and B2C parcel delivery and express services. GLS has been actively expanding its operations through strategic acquisitions, such as the purchase of Dicom Canada for £213 million in 2018, which enhanced their business-to-business parcel services in Eastern Canada. In 2024, GLS Spain acquired e-Log Logística Insular, S.L. to strengthen its position in the e-commerce fulfilment market. Additionally, GLS Italy's acquisition of ProntoPacco in 2023 further demonstrates their commitment to enhancing their e-commerce capabilities. These transactions highlight GLS's active role in the logistics and freight forwarding sectors, making them a significant player in the industry.


8. Sgh

  • Website: sghcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: sghcapital

SGH Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Luxembourg, that specializes in investing in early and mid-stage disruptive companies across various sectors, including fintech and blockchain. They provide capital and strategic support to innovative businesses primarily in the US and western Europe. Notably, SGH Capital has been involved in transactions relevant to the freight forwarding industry, such as their participation in funding rounds for FretLink, a French startup focused on freight logistics, which raised significant capital in both Series A and Series B funding rounds. This involvement highlights SGH's interest in the logistics sector, complementing their broader investment strategy.


9. VentureFriends

  • Website: venturefriends.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: venturefriends

VentureFriends is a venture capital firm based in the Netherlands, founded in 2016, that specializes in early-stage investments in startups. They provide financial backing and strategic support to ambitious founders, particularly in sectors like FinTech and PropTech. In addition to these sectors, VentureFriends has shown interest in logistics through their investments in companies like Weengs, a UK logistics startup that raised funds in both Seed and Series A rounds. Their involvement in Weengs highlights their capability and willingness to support businesses that operate within the logistics and freight forwarding industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.


10. Mutares Benelux

  • Website: mutares.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: mutares-benelux

Mutares Benelux, a private equity firm based in Amsterdam, was founded in 2021 and specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition. The firm provides operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Notably, Mutares has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to the freight forwarding industry, such as the acquisition of Frigoscandia Distribution, a leading Nordic provider of logistics solutions for fresh, chilled, and frozen foods, projected to generate nearly EUR 300 million in revenue. This acquisition highlights Mutares' commitment to expanding its portfolio in the logistics sector. Additionally, their acquisition of GDL Anläggning & Miljö AB, which is part of their strategy to strengthen their Goods & Services segment, further emphasizes their interest in logistics and related services. Overall, Mutares Benelux is positioned as a versatile investor with a growing footprint in the freight forwarding and logistics space.


11. bpost

  • Website: bpost.be
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: bpost

bpost is a corporate investor based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2002. As a leading postal service and logistics provider, bpost offers a range of services including mail delivery, parcel shipping, and logistics solutions for both consumers and businesses. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its logistics capabilities, particularly in the freight forwarding sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Landmark Global, a U.S.-based cross-border parcel logistics provider, aimed at expanding bpost's international retail operations. Additionally, bpost acquired Radial, a company specializing in integrated e-commerce logistics, which further strengthens its position in the freight forwarding market. In 2024, bpost also acquired Staci, a move that is expected to bolster its logistics offerings. These acquisitions reflect bpost's strategic focus on enhancing its logistics and freight forwarding services, making it a relevant investor in this category.


12. Ingka Investments

  • Website: ingka.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: ingka-investments

Ingka Investments, a corporate investor based in Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands, is part of the Ingka Group, which operates IKEA stores and shopping centers globally. Founded in 2018, the firm focuses on providing affordable home furnishings while managing investments to support long-term growth and sustainability goals. Notably, Ingka Investments has engaged in several transactions that enhance logistics and supply chain capabilities. For instance, their acquisition of Made4Net, a warehouse management system software provider, aims to improve IKEA's order fulfillment capabilities in response to the growing demand for e-commerce. Additionally, their participation in Fluid Truck's Series A funding highlights their interest in innovative transportation solutions, which are essential for efficient freight forwarding. Furthermore, their investment in GoBolt, a technology company focused on sustainability in logistics, further underscores their commitment to enhancing logistics operations.


13. Peak

  • Website: peak.capital
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: peak-capital

Peak Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2008. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies within the SaaS, marketplace, and platform sectors, primarily in Europe. They leverage their experience as former entrepreneurs to provide funding and support to help businesses scale. Among their notable transactions, Peak Capital invested in Route42, a startup that raised funds to develop a transport intelligence platform aimed at enhancing logistics and freight forwarding operations. This investment aligns with their interest in innovative solutions within the transport sector. Additionally, they have invested in CheapCargo.com, which also relates to logistics and freight services, further demonstrating their engagement in the freight forwarding context.


14. Ctp

  • Website: ctp.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: ctp-invest

CTP is a corporate investor based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1998. The company specializes in the development and management of industrial and logistics properties across Europe, providing tailored leasing solutions to businesses in various sectors. CTP is committed to sustainability and offers comprehensive property management services to ensure operational efficiency for its clients. Notably, CTP has made significant acquisitions in the logistics sector, including the Equest Logistic Park, which expanded their logistics portfolio in Romania by 57,000 m2, and the acquisition of Levante Logistics from the Kenzai Group. These transactions highlight CTP's strategic focus on enhancing their logistics capabilities, making them a relevant player in the freight forwarding industry.


15. Castel Capital

  • Website: castelcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: castel-capital

Castel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in private equity and venture capital, focusing on providing tailored investment solutions to entrepreneurs and businesses. With a strong emphasis on strategic partnerships and hands-on management, Castel Capital primarily operates in the European market. Notably, they have invested in companies relevant to the freight forwarding industry, such as MUB cargo, which raised $614,386 in a Seed Round in April 2018, and GetTransport.com, which raised $180,000 in a Seed Round in July 2018. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for Paack, a logistics company that has raised significant capital to enhance its eCommerce delivery services across Europe. These transactions highlight Castel Capital's engagement in the logistics and freight forwarding sectors, reinforcing their relevance in this space.


16. ICT Group

  • Website: ict.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Barendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: ict_group

ICT Group is a corporate investor based in Barendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands, specializing in technology solutions for industrial automation and digital transformation. Founded in 1978, the company has a workforce of 1001-5000 employees and focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability through innovative technological solutions. Notably, ICT Group has made significant strides in the logistics sector through its acquisitions. In December 2020, they acquired YellowStar Solutions, a provider of web-based supply chain solutions, which bolstered their position in the logistics market. Additionally, in February 2025, they acquired Modality, a leading IT systems provider for intermodal container logistics, further solidifying their commitment to the logistics and freight forwarding sectors. These transactions highlight ICT Group's strategic interest in enhancing their software offerings and capabilities within the logistics domain.


17. Exor N.V.

  • Website: exor.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: exor_2

Exor N.V. is a diversified holding company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. It operates across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, and media, managing a diverse portfolio of companies such as Ferrari, Stellantis, and Philips. Exor focuses on enhancing value through strategic investments and operational support. Notably, Exor has made significant investments in the logistics sector, including a recent investment in TVS Supply Chain Solutions, which raised INR 590 crore to strengthen its technology capabilities and support growth initiatives. This investment highlights Exor's commitment to the logistics and supply chain industry, making it a relevant player in the freight forwarding space. Additionally, Exor has participated in various funding rounds across different industries, showcasing its broad investment strategy while still maintaining a foothold in logistics-related ventures.


18. ABN AMRO Clearing Bank

  • Website: abnamro.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: abn-amro-clearing-bank-n-v-

ABN AMRO Clearing Bank, founded in 1982 and based in Amsterdam, North Holland, is a banking institution that offers a variety of financial services, including personal banking, business banking, and investment management. The bank serves both individual consumers and businesses, helping them manage their financial needs while ensuring compliance with financial regulations. In 2024, ABN AMRO Clearing Bank was involved in significant transactions such as providing $200 million in post-IPO debt to Star Bulk, a company engaged in the shipping industry, and $300 million in post-IPO debt to Global Ship Lease, which also operates in maritime logistics. These transactions highlight the bank's engagement with companies that are relevant to the freight forwarding sector, further establishing its role as a potential investor in this industry.



Freight Forwarding Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Prosus GroupAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+201921
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
GlsDuivendrecht, North Holland, Netherlands10001+19992
SghLuxembourg1-1020153
VentureFriendsNetherlands1-1020168
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116
bpostBrussels, Brussels, Belgium10001+20021
Ingka InvestmentsLeiden, South Holland, Netherlands51-20020184
PeakAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020088
CtpAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands501-100019981
Castel CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands1-1020150
ICT GroupBarendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands1001-500019780
Exor N.V.Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200926
ABN AMRO Clearing BankAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands501-1000198219


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