UPS Ventures

UPS Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of United Parcel Service (UPS), established to invest in and partner with startups that align with UPS's strategic objectives. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the fund focuses on emerging technologies and business models that can enhance UPS's core logistics, supply chain, and e-commerce operations. Their investment thesis centers on fostering innovation that can lead to operational efficiencies, new service offerings, and sustainable solutions within the global supply chain ecosystem.

The fund typically targets companies developing advancements in areas such as autonomous technologies (e.g., drones, self-driving vehicles), electric vehicles, smart logistics, last-mile delivery solutions, supply chain visibility, and sustainable packaging. UPS Ventures acts as more than just a capital provider; it seeks to create strategic synergies, offering portfolio companies access to UPS's vast network, operational expertise, and customer base, which can accelerate their growth and market penetration. This strategic alignment often leads to pilot programs, commercial partnerships, and even acquisitions, as seen with their investment in and subsequent acquisition of Roadie, a crowdsourced delivery platform.

UPS Ventures participates in various stages, from early-growth to later-stage rounds, depending on the strategic fit and maturity of the technology. While specific check sizes can vary significantly based on the strategic importance and stage of the company, they generally aim for minority stakes. Their investments are designed to provide UPS with early insights into disruptive technologies and market trends, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of logistics innovation. For instance, they participated in a $118 million funding round for Arrival, an electric vehicle manufacturer, highlighting their commitment to sustainable transport solutions. Another notable investment includes their participation in a $95 million Series D round for TuSimple, a leader in autonomous trucking technology, underscoring their interest in future freight movement.

Based on the nature of their strategic investments in growth-stage companies and participation in significant funding rounds, a typical initial check size for UPS Ventures likely falls within the range of $1 million to $15 million, reflecting their focus on companies with proven concepts ready for scaling and integration.