The public transportation industry in Benelux encompasses various modes of transit, including trains, buses, trams, and innovative mobility solutions. Companies in this sector range from traditional rail operators to cutting-edge startups focused on micro-mobility and shared services. The industry is increasingly integrating technology for improved passenger experiences, with electric buses and smart ticketing systems gaining traction. Growth is also seen in sustainable urban travel initiatives as cities prioritize greener solutions to tackle congestion. With continuous investments, the Benelux region is poised to evolve swiftly, adapting to modern transportation needs while enhancing connectivity.


The investor landscape for public transportation in Benelux is shaped by a mix of corporate players, private equity firms, and venture capitalists. Patrick-sized companies, ranging from startups to established firms, demonstrate a significant commitment towards driving innovation in this sector. Major investors, such as the European Investment Bank and Prosts Group, represent varied funding strategies, reflecting their engaging histories and investment targets while having made notable contributions in recent years. In 2024, the collective efforts of these key stakeholders resulted in numerous impactful deals, advancing the growth of transportation systems across the region.


Top 19 Public Transportation Investors in Benelux


1. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. Founded in 1958, the EIB aims to promote growth and job creation through its funding initiatives. In the realm of public transportation, the EIB has been involved in several notable transactions, such as providing debt financing to Adif Alta Velocidad, which raised $467,517,839 on July 26, 2024, to support Spain's high-speed rail infrastructure. Additionally, the EIB has invested in companies like FlixBus, which raised $563,056,722 in Series F funding on July 18, 2019, and Bolt, which secured $55,684,806 in debt financing on January 16, 2020. These transactions highlight the EIB's active role in financing projects that enhance public transportation and mobility solutions across Europe.


2. 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 based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. Founded in 2005, it manages 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 been involved in several transactions relevant to the transportation sector, including the acquisition of PKP Energetyka, which provides energy solutions for railways, and investments in Abertis and Autopistas, both of which are key players in toll road management and infrastructure. These transactions highlight CVC's engagement in sectors that intersect with public transportation, although their overall investment strategy spans a wide range of industries.


3. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1958, that supports innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. It offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in significant transactions related to public transportation, such as its funding of Hardt Hyperloop, which secured over €12 million for the development of the European Hyperloop Centre. This project represents a cutting-edge approach to public transport, aiming to revolutionize travel efficiency and speed. Additionally, the EIC has supported Karos, a carpooling service, through various funding rounds, indicating its interest in innovative transportation solutions that can enhance public transport systems.


4. InnoEnergy

  • Website: innoenergy.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: innoenergy

EIT InnoEnergy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2010, based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations. It serves as a marketplace for energy solutions, offering training programs and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to tackle challenges related to energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has invested in Hardt Hyperloop, a Dutch startup aiming to bring hyperloop technology to reality, which represents a significant advancement in public transportation. Additionally, InnoEnergy has made several investments in GLEAM, a company that may have applications in energy efficiency and sustainability, although these transactions are less directly related to public transportation. Overall, InnoEnergy's focus on sustainable energy innovations and its involvement in transportation-related projects position it as a relevant investor in the public transportation sector.


5. 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. In the public transportation context, Prosus has made significant investments in companies such as QuickRide, a Bengaluru-based car and bike pooling mobile app, which raised $14.3 million in a Series B funding round. Additionally, they invested $70 million in Dott, a company specializing in micro-mobility solutions, further showcasing their commitment to improving transportation options. These transactions highlight Prosus's strategic interest in the transportation sector, aligning with their broader mission of leveraging technology to enhance everyday life.


6. Ferrovial

  • Website: ferrovial.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1952
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: ferrovial

Ferrovial is a corporate investor based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1952. The company specializes in infrastructure and construction, providing services in highway construction, airport management, and energy solutions. Ferrovial has a diverse portfolio, with significant investments in public transportation infrastructure, particularly airports. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Bristol Airport, the largest airport in Southwest England, and Belfast City Airport, which strengthens their position in the UK airport management sector. Additionally, Ferrovial acquired a 20% stake in the Sydney Airport concession, marking a significant investment in Australia's largest airport. These strategic acquisitions highlight Ferrovial's commitment to enhancing public transportation infrastructure and its role as a key player in the sector.


7. Gimv

  • Website: gimv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: gimv

Gimv is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across various sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably. Notably, Gimv has made significant investments in the public transportation sector, including Transdev, which raised an undisclosed amount in a private equity round in December 2013, and ARS Traffic & Transport Technology, which also raised an undisclosed amount in July 2012. These transactions highlight Gimv's engagement with companies that are integral to the public transportation ecosystem, showcasing their commitment to supporting advancements in this industry.


8. 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. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in the public transportation context, including the acquisition of Dantaxi 4x48, the largest taxi company in Denmark, which operates over 1,600 taxis nationwide. Additionally, they acquired Chevron Traffic Management, the UK's largest work zone safety services provider, which plays a vital role in ensuring safety in transportation environments. These transactions highlight Triton's involvement in the public transportation sector, showcasing their commitment to enhancing transportation services and safety.


9. 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 holding company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. It operates across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, and media, and manages 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 public transportation context, particularly in Via, a startup specializing in algorithms for shared and on-demand transportation. Exor participated in multiple funding rounds for Via, including a $130 million Series E round in November 2021 and a $200 million Series E round in March 2020. These investments highlight Exor's commitment to innovative transportation solutions and its role in advancing public transportation technologies.


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 is part of Mutares SE & Co. KGaA. The firm specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition, providing operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Notably, Mutares has made strategic investments in the public transportation context, such as the acquisition of Gemini Rail Group, which focuses on rail services, and Peugeot Motorcycles, which, while primarily a motorcycle manufacturer, contributes to the broader transportation landscape. Their recent acquisition of GDL Anläggning & Miljö AB further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their portfolio in sectors that may intersect with public transportation services.


11. 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, providing bespoke investment solutions to entrepreneurs and businesses with a focus on growth and value creation. Castel Capital has a strong emphasis on strategic partnerships and hands-on management, primarily operating in the European market. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions within the transportation sector, including investments in GetTransfer.com, a Moscow-based online marketplace for pre-booked long-distance transfers in Europe. Castel Capital participated in multiple funding rounds for GetTransfer.com, including a Series A round in 2019 and a convertible note in 2018, indicating their commitment to supporting innovative transportation solutions. Additionally, they have invested in GetTransport.com and MUB cargo, further demonstrating their engagement in the transportation industry.


12. Pon

  • Website: pon.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1867
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: pon

Pon Holdings BV is a family-owned multinational company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1867. The company operates in the transportation and agricultural sectors, with a strong emphasis on manufacturing and distributing bicycles, including electric models. Pon has been actively involved in the public transportation context through various transactions, such as the acquisition of Urban Arrow, an electric cargo bike brand, which aligns with the growing trend of sustainable urban mobility. Additionally, Pon's offer to acquire Accell for 846 million euros, which includes well-known bicycle brands like Batavus and Sparta, positions them as a major player in the bicycle manufacturing industry, capable of producing 2.3 million bikes annually. This strategic move not only enhances their market presence but also contributes to the promotion of efficient and sustainable transportation solutions.


13. 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 technology solutions provider based in Barendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands, specializing in industrial automation and digital transformation. Founded in 1978, the company offers a range of services including consultancy, managed services, and software development, primarily targeting sectors such as Automotive and Healthcare. In recent years, ICT Group has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities and market position. Notably, in 2018, ICT Group acquired the remaining 50% stake in InTraffic, a company focused on traffic management and infrastructure monitoring, which positions ICT Group within the 'Smarter Cities' theme and indicates a commitment to improving urban mobility. Additionally, their acquisition of Modality, a provider of IT systems for intermodal container logistics, further demonstrates their engagement in sectors that intersect with transportation. These transactions highlight ICT Group's potential relevance to the public transportation industry, despite their broader focus on technology solutions.


14. Invest-NL

  • Website: invest-nl.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: invest-nl

Invest-NL is an impact investment firm based in Amsterdam, founded in 2020, that focuses on financing sustainable and innovative projects in the Netherlands. They support entrepreneurs with promising plans for societal transitions, particularly in energy and technology sectors. In 2024, Invest-NL was involved in a significant debt financing transaction with Qbuzz, which raised $5,585,750. Qbuzz is a key player in the public transportation sector, indicating Invest-NL's engagement in this area. Additionally, they participated in funding Lightyear, a solar EV startup, which, while not directly a public transportation company, contributes to sustainable mobility solutions. This combination of investments highlights Invest-NL's commitment to fostering innovation in transportation and sustainability.


15. Pmv

  • Website: pmv.eu
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: pmv-eu

Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen (PMV) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, that acts as an investment company for the Flemish government. Founded in 2001, PMV provides a range of financing solutions, including loans and co-financing, to startups, scale-ups, and established businesses across various sectors. Notably, PMV has invested in the transportation sector, including a €1.3 million Seed investment in Aska Bike, an e-bike startup, which aims to expand its operations. Additionally, PMV participated in a funding round for Ellio, a speedpedelec manufacturer, contributing to its international expansion efforts. These transactions highlight PMV's active role in supporting innovative transportation solutions, making it a relevant player in the public transportation investment landscape.


16. The Sharing Group

  • Website: thesharinggroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: thesharinggroup

The Sharing Group is a corporate investor based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2022. It operates in the mobility and energy sectors, offering innovative shared services such as car sharing and dynamic energy contracts. The company promotes sustainable practices and community participation, allowing members to become shareholders. Notably, The Sharing Group has made significant investments in the public transportation context, including acquiring a majority stake in Drop Mobility to enhance shared e-bike services in Eindhoven, aiming to accelerate growth in eco-friendly bike options for businesses. Additionally, they led a €10 million funding round for Cargoroo, a company specializing in yellow e-share cargo bikes, to expand its network across Europe. These transactions highlight The Sharing Group's active role in advancing shared mobility solutions that are essential to modern public transportation systems.


17. InnovationQuarter

  • Website: innovationquarter.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: innovationquarter

InnovationQuarter is a public entity focused on regional development in South Holland, established in 2013. It provides innovation support, investment funding, and internationalization assistance to businesses, particularly startups and SMEs. The organization collaborates with various sectors to enhance economic growth and facilitate innovative projects. Notably, InnovationQuarter has participated in funding the Hardt Hyperloop, a Dutch startup working on the development of the European Hyperloop Centre, which aims to revolutionize public transportation. This project has secured over €12 million in funding, showcasing InnovationQuarter's role in supporting innovative transportation solutions. Additionally, while their other investments, such as in ParkBee, focus on parking technology and electric vehicle transitions, they still contribute to the broader context of urban mobility and transportation efficiency.


18. Marguerite


Marguerite is an infrastructure investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2010, specializing in sustainable investments across Europe. The firm focuses on funding initiatives that address climate change and promote economic growth through renewable energy and infrastructure projects. Marguerite's clients include institutional investors seeking to align their portfolios with environmental and social governance principles. Notably, Marguerite has made significant investments in the public transportation sector, including a 25% minority stake in GTS group, Italy's largest private intermodal operator, which supports the development of rolling stock. Additionally, their investment in Fraport Greece, which operates regional airports, and their involvement in the Vinca waste-to-energy project, further demonstrate their commitment to infrastructure that supports public transportation and sustainable mobility solutions. Their recent investment in Wattif EV, aimed at expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure, also aligns with the future of transportation.


19. Market One Capital

  • Website: moc.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: m1c

Market One Capital is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups across various sectors, including FinTech, HealthTech, and AgriTech. In addition to these sectors, Market One Capital has made significant investments in the public transportation industry. Notably, they led funding rounds for Welcome Pickups, a global travel transportation startup, raising €5.3 million in December 2022 and €3.3 million in Series A funding in March 2019. Furthermore, they have invested in TIER Mobility, a Berlin-based e-scooter rental company, participating in multiple funding rounds, including Series A, B, and C, which collectively raised substantial amounts to enhance urban mobility solutions. Through these transactions, Market One Capital provides financial backing and strategic support to help these businesses grow and succeed in the transportation market.



Public Transportation Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
Prosus GroupAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+201921
FerrovialAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+19521
GimvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20019808
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
Exor N.V.Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200926
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116
Castel CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands1-1020150
PonAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+18671
ICT GroupBarendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands1001-500019780
Invest-NLAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202017
PmvBrussels, Brussels, Belgium51-200200111
The Sharing GroupAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-20020221
InnovationQuarterThe Hague, South Holland, Netherlands51-20020139
MargueriteLuxembourg11-5020100
Market One CapitalLuxembourg11-5020177


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