Schenker Ventures

Schenker Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of DB Schenker, focusing on investments in innovative logistics and supply chain solutions. The firm partners with early-stage to growth-stage startups, providing strategic mentorship, access to networks, and financial backing to help startups validate their concepts, scale operations, and achieve sustainable growth. Schenker Ventures' investment thesis centers on solutions that make logistics and supply chains greener, safer, and more efficient, including areas like synthetic fuels, cybersecurity, and robotics for warehouse management.

The firm's investment approach involves ticket sizes ranging from €200,000 to €5 million, targeting Seed to Series B stages. Schenker Ventures does not lead funding rounds but seeks to add strategic value to the growth plans of its portfolio companies. The firm emphasizes a bilateral strategic benefit as its top investment criterion, aiming to generate attractive returns while supporting the growth of its investees.

Schenker Ventures operates a Venture Studio, collaborating with external founders to co-create ventures in the logistics and supply chain space. This initiative offers founders validation support, initial funding, and access to Schenker's global network, including industry knowledge and customer connections. The Venture Studio focuses on building ventures that leverage Schenker's assets and internal resources, applying methodologies like design thinking and lean startup principles to develop new business models adjacent to Schenker's core business.

With over €100 million invested in logistics startups and a portfolio of more than 20 companies, Schenker Ventures has created over 500 jobs within its portfolio. The firm's diverse portfolio includes companies like Nxtlog, which leverages transport data for regulatory compliance and decarbonization in transport networks, and Tenderwise, a centralized procurement platform managing tenders, supplier evaluations, and contracts to enhance transparency and reduce complexity.

Schenker Ventures' team comprises experienced venture builders and industry experts who collaborate to turn innovative ideas into industry-changing companies. The firm's approach combines the agility of a startup with the resources of a global logistics leader, enabling it to drive innovation and transformation in the logistics and supply chain industry.

For more information or to explore partnership opportunities, visit Schenker Ventures' official website or contact them via email at schenkerventures@dbschenker.com.