DB Schenker has recently launched Schenker Ventures , a new unit that will stimulate innovation in logistics by providing support and cooperation with entrepreneurs and founders. Schenker Ventures will refer to the existing activities and investments undertaken by DB Schenker. They will support founders and start-ups with their capital, industry knowledge and assets. In addition, Schenker Ventures will work with the developer of high-risk ventures – MVP Factory in order to implement a venture studio.
Jochen Thewes , CEO of DB Schenker says: – ” We want to drive new ideas in the logistics industry and supply chains, we want to be number one in this field. We want to build a climate-friendly, digital future. Schenker Ventures will innovate thanks to its creativity, determination and freedom in the field of entrepreneurship. As a strategic initiative and as an additional element of our day-to-day operations, Schenker Ventures will be close to DB Schenker , but not at the company’s headquarters. A new chapter is beginning in high-risk corporate ventures and innovation. “
Patric Hoffmann , Head of Schenker Ventures : stated : – “ In Schenker Ventures we follow one basic rule: great ideas require freedom of entrepreneurship. Founders need to be in control. Therefore our goal is to create an environment in which they retain ownership and full control of their start-ups. As an experienced company with an extensive network, we offer them specialist capital support knowledge in the field of supply chain management, logistics infrastructure and contacts with the most important customers from around the world. “
The new unit will rest on two principles. The first is the structure of all venture capital activities conducted by DB Schenker and will act as a long-term investor focusing on B + series start-ups in various areas of logistics and supply chain management. The emphasis is on the development and design of new business models focused on digital concepts, based on the latest technologies and oriented towards sustainable development.
The second pillar of Schenker Ventures is a venture studio. It was founded with the help of MVP Factory based in Berlin. It aims to introduce a new way of building ventures in logistics. It will enable outstanding entrepreneurs to set up next-generation logistics companies, driving the transformation of the industry. Each company will build on the ideas of individual entrepreneurs or on other existing concepts, developed jointly by Schenker Ventures and MVP Factory . Through the venture studio, selected founders will receive all the resources needed to launch successful companies, including capital, consulting and specialist knowledge in a given field.
Philipp Petrescu , CEO of MVP Factory : says: – “ Building a business is not a simple matter. Together with the founding team, we use our product potential to quickly approve ideas, create stable products and look for the first customers to increase the chances of success. Together with DB Schenker we offer extraordinary entrepreneurs the opportunity to start a new generation of logistics companies with a better starting position .”
Today, DB Schenker already works with over 50 start-ups and technology companies from various business units, functions and regions around the world. The founding of Schenker Ventures will further strengthen these efforts. An example is the recent investment and conceptual collaboration with the pioneer of urban air mobility Volocopter and the developer autonomous mobile robotics, Gideon Brothers .
DB Schenker invite startups and potential founders from the logistics and supply chain industry to visit www.schenker-ventures.com to find out how DB Schenker can support your idea.
First publication date: October 7, 2021.
Source: Press release from DB Schenker
