The freight forwarding industry in Europe plays a crucial role in global trade by facilitating the movement of goods between senders and receivers on a large scale. This sector includes various companies, from integrated logistics providers to niche operators specializing in specific cargo types. They offer services such as customs clearance, transportation management, and supply chain optimization. Recently, there has been a surge in technology adoption, with firms utilizing digital platforms for improved efficiency. Notably, the rise of demand for sustainable logistics solutions is reshaping the industry, as companies are exploring eco-friendly practices and automating processes to meet environmental goals.


The list features a range of 19 investors, varying from corporate giants to agile venture capital firms, headquartered across multiple European countries. Operating sizes range widely, with some investing in large companies and others targeting smaller startups. Established between 1945 and 2022, these investors engaged in numerous deals in 2024, highlighting a robust interest in the freight forwarding sector amid its evolving landscape. For example, prominent corporations like DHL and CMA CGM are making strategic moves to enhance their logistics capabilities while venture capital firms are backing tech-driven startups aiming to modernize the industry.


Top 19 Freight Forwarding Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the freight forwarding industry, including a significant investment in Groupe Blondel, a French freight transportation and logistics service, which raised €6 million in funding. Additionally, Bpifrance participated in the funding round for Ovrsea, a startup focused on freight forwarding solutions, raising nearly €2 million. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting companies within the freight forwarding sector, making it a relevant investor in this space.


2. 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, specializing in shipping and logistics services. Founded in 1904, the company operates globally, providing comprehensive solutions for shipping, port operations, supply chain management, and warehousing. In recent years, A.P. Moller - Maersk has made significant investments in the freight forwarding sector, including the acquisition of Pilot Freight Services for approximately $1.7 billion, aimed at enhancing their integrated logistics offerings. They have also participated in funding rounds for digital freight forwarders such as FreightHub, which raised $30 million in Series B financing, and Forto, which raised $50 million in Series B. Furthermore, Maersk's involvement in Loadsmart's Series C funding round highlights their strategic interest in digital freight technology, reinforcing their position in the freight forwarding industry.


3. 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 specializes in investing in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. Among its diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made notable investments in the freight forwarding sector, including a $935 million investment in Flexport in February 2022 and a $1 billion investment in the same company in February 2019, which aimed to enhance its technological capabilities and expand its market presence. Additionally, SoftBank invested $240 million in Forto, a freight technology startup, in June 2021, further solidifying its commitment to the logistics and freight forwarding industry. These transactions highlight SoftBank's strategic interest in supporting companies that are transforming the freight forwarding landscape through technology.


4. 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. The firm has made significant investments in the logistics and freight forwarding space, including the acquisition of Envirotainer, a leader in temperature-controlled air cargo solutions, for over $2.9 billion in 2022. Additionally, EQT has invested in Parcel2Go, the UK's largest parcel delivery marketplace, and Direct ChassisLink, which provides chassis leasing and management services critical to freight transport. Their recent acquisition of Constellation Cold Logistics further emphasizes their focus on logistics infrastructure, particularly in cold chain logistics, which is essential for the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods.


5. 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 strides in the logistics and freight forwarding sector, exemplified by its acquisition of Scan Global Logistics in February 2023, which underscores its commitment to this industry. Additionally, CVC's acquisition of Logen Co in 2016 further highlights its strategic interest in logistics operations. These transactions reflect CVC's active role in the freight forwarding space, making it a relevant investor in this category.


6. European Investment Bank (EIB)


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


7. NTG | Nordic Transport Group A/S


NTG | Nordic Transport Group A/S is a logistics company based in Hvidovre, Denmark, specializing in freight forwarding and transportation services. Founded in 2011, NTG operates with a decentralized business model, providing tailored logistics solutions across various industries. The company has been actively expanding its footprint in the freight forwarding market through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of the Swiss Gondrand Group, which enhanced NTG's operational capabilities, and a 61% stake in Combino East, aimed at improving operations in frozen and cooled goods. Additionally, NTG Road Norway AS acquired Saga Trans AS, a road freight forwarding company in Norway, to strengthen its presence in that market. In 2022, NTG acquired Aries Global Logistics, Inc. for $70 million, further solidifying its position in the freight forwarding sector. These acquisitions reflect NTG's commitment to enhancing its logistics services and expanding its market reach in the freight forwarding industry.


8. 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 comprehensive transportation and delivery services globally. They offer a range of solutions including courier services, air and ocean freight, and supply chain management to businesses across various industries. Notably, DHL has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the freight forwarding market. For instance, in 2017, DHL Supply Chain acquired Polar Transportes, a Brazilian road carrier specializing in temperature-controlled transportation for the Life Sciences and Healthcare industry. This acquisition aimed to enhance DHL's offerings in Brazil's growing market for temperature-sensitive logistics. Additionally, DHL acquired PPL CZ s.r.o., a Czech parcel distributor, to strengthen its presence in Eastern Europe. These transactions reflect DHL's commitment to expanding its logistics capabilities and market reach, particularly in the freight forwarding sector.


9. Cma Cgm

  • Website: cma-cgm.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur, France
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: cma-cgm

CMA CGM is a leading shipping and logistics company founded in 1978, headquartered in Marseille, France. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, the company operates in more than 160 countries, providing comprehensive services in maritime transport, logistics solutions, and air freight. In recent years, CMA CGM has made significant investments to enhance its logistics capabilities, including the acquisition of Puerto Seco Azuqueca, the first dry port in Spain, which will bolster their intermodal transport services. Additionally, they acquired Continental Rail, a Spanish intermodal train company, further expanding their logistics network. Their acquisition of Ingram Micro's Commerce & Lifecycle Services business for $3 billion has positioned their subsidiary, CEVA Logistics, as the fourth-largest global contract logistics provider, enhancing their eCommerce and supply chain capabilities. These strategic moves underscore CMA CGM's commitment to strengthening its position in the freight forwarding industry.


10. 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 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 freight forwarding context, DST Global has been notably involved in multiple funding rounds for Flexport, a San Francisco-based freight company. They participated in Flexport's Series B, C, D, and E funding rounds, contributing to a total of over $2 billion raised by the company. This funding is aimed at enhancing technology capabilities, expanding market reach, and investing in supply chain expertise, highlighting DST Global's commitment to supporting innovation in the logistics and freight forwarding sector.


11. 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 venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship to help them navigate initial challenges and achieve success. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in Ovrsea, a startup focused on freight forwarding, which raised nearly 2 million euros in a funding round aimed at accelerating its commercial development. They also invested in Mandaê, which raised significant funds in both seed and Series A rounds, indicating a focus on logistics solutions. Additionally, Kima Ventures participated in the seed funding of Stockoss, a startup expanding its logistics network across multiple geographies, further demonstrating their engagement in the logistics and freight forwarding space.


12. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their investment strategies. They assist companies in their growth and transformation, catering to business leaders navigating market challenges. Notably, Crédit Mutuel Equity has made significant investments in the logistics and transportation sectors, including a minority stake in Highlight Motor Group for $55 million, aimed at supporting its growth strategy in the North American logistics market. Additionally, their investment in Seafrigo in 2014 highlights their engagement in the freight forwarding and logistics space, further demonstrating their relevance in this industry.


13. DSV - Global Transport and Logistics

  • Website: dsv.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hedehusene, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: dsv

DSV - Global Transport and Logistics, founded in 1976 and headquartered in Hedehusene, Denmark, is a leading logistics company that specializes in providing comprehensive transport and logistics solutions. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, DSV operates across various sectors, including automotive and healthcare, focusing on optimizing supply chains and ensuring efficient global delivery of goods. The company has made significant strides in the freight forwarding industry through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Panalpina for $4.658 billion in 2019, which expanded their global reach and service offerings. In 2024, DSV announced its intention to acquire DB Schenker from Deutsche Bahn for €14.3 billion, a move that will significantly enhance its market presence and capabilities in freight forwarding. Additionally, DSV has acquired regional freight forwarders such as the Swift Freight Group in 2012 and Ontime Logistics AS in 2013, further solidifying its position in the freight forwarding market. These transactions highlight DSV's commitment to expanding its freight forwarding operations and enhancing its service portfolio.


14. 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 startups scale their operations. Their investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Speedinvest has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like byrd, an e-commerce fulfillment platform that raised a total of $75 million over multiple rounds, including a Series C round of $56 million. Byrd's operations are directly related to logistics and freight forwarding, as they facilitate next-day delivery services in Europe. Additionally, Speedinvest has invested in Yolda, which also operates in the logistics space, raising a total of $7 million in seed funding. These transactions highlight Speedinvest's engagement in the logistics and freight forwarding sectors, reinforcing their relevance as an investor in this category.


15. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm focuses on providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Among their notable transactions, BGF has invested in Speedy Freight, which aims to enhance its growth, and ITD Global, a tech-enabled logistics consolidator that received a £15 million investment to expand its UK depot network and technology platform. Additionally, BGF invested £7.5 million in fulfilmentcrowd, a Lancashire-based ecommerce logistics and tech company, which is forecasting significant revenue growth. These investments highlight BGF's commitment to supporting companies in the logistics and freight forwarding sectors, making them a relevant player in this industry.


16. 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. The firm has been actively involved in the freight forwarding industry, notably through its investments in Zencargo, a London-based digital freight forwarder, which raised €18 million in Series A funding and £30 million in Series B funding with HV Capital's participation. Additionally, HV Capital has invested in Sennder, a Berlin-based logistics company that has raised significant funding across multiple rounds, including €131.2 million in Series D financing. These transactions highlight HV Capital's strategic focus on the logistics and freight forwarding sectors, showcasing their commitment to fostering growth in this industry.


17. Dfds

  • Website: dfds.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1866
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: dfds

DFDS, founded in 1866 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a prominent logistics and ferry operator that provides both passenger and freight transportation services across Europe. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, DFDS operates a comprehensive network of ferry routes and logistics solutions tailored for businesses. In recent years, DFDS has made significant strides in the freight forwarding sector through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Ekol Logistics in November 2024, HSF Logistics Nijmegen B.V. for DKK 2.2 billion in January 2021, and the Estron Group in July 2023, which aimed to enhance their logistics network in Europe and the UK. Additionally, DFDS has acquired Lucey Transport Logistics in July 2022 and McBurney Transport in December 2022, further solidifying their position in the cold chain logistics and supply chain solutions market. These investments reflect DFDS's commitment to expanding its freight forwarding capabilities and improving customer offerings in the logistics sector.


18. 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 invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Notably, Index Ventures has invested in cargo.one, a German digital booking platform for air cargo, which raised significant funding in both Series A and Series B rounds to expand its services in North America and Asia. This investment highlights their commitment to the logistics and freight forwarding space. Additionally, they invested in Movinga, a logistics company, further demonstrating their engagement in the transportation sector. Index Ventures focuses on building long-term partnerships with founders to drive success, making them a valuable player in the freight forwarding investment landscape.


19. 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 made significant investments in the logistics sector, including the acquisition of ABX Logistics in 2005, which operates in close to 100 countries and has a turnover of €2.5 billion. They also acquired ABX LOGISTICS Worldwide from the Belgian Railways in 2006, further solidifying their footprint in the freight forwarding industry. Additionally, their investment in Regional Rail, LLC, a leading operator of short-line freight railroads, highlights their commitment to the transportation and logistics sector, making them a key player in the freight forwarding landscape.



Freight Forwarding Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
A.P. Moller - MaerskCopenhagen, Denmark10001+19044
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
NTG | Nordic Transport Group A/SHvidovre, Denmark1001-500020113
DhlBonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+19691
Cma CgmMarseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur, France10001+19781
DST GlobalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200924
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
DSV - Global Transport and LogisticsHedehusene, Denmark10001+19761
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
DfdsCopenhagen, Denmark10001+18662
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453


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