About DHL Start-Up Lab
DHL Start-Up Lab is an accelerator and incubator program based in Bonn, Germany. With a presence in 4 countries, it has supported around 5 startups in sectors like Enterprise Applications, High Tech. As of Jul 2026, DHL Start-Up Lab has witnessed 1 portfolio exit. Most notable companies in
its portfolio include Trailar, Pengwin and XPL. The program primarily supports startups based in United Kingdom, Germany.
Key Metrics
DHL Start-Up Lab's List of All Investments
DHL Start-Up Lab has a portfolio of 5 companies. Their most notable investments include Trailar and Pengwin.Their portfolio spans across United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa and 1 more locations. They have invested in Enterprise Applications, High Tech, Transportation and Logistics Tech and 10 other sectors. Here is the list of all investments by DHL Start-Up Lab:1. Trailar
Provider of solar technology solutions for commercial vehicle fuel and emission reduction. The company applies solar panels to vehicle roofs, connecting them to the battery. This generated power supports onboard activities, potentially including tail lifts. The technology aims to reduce fuel consumption and emissions for vehicle fleets.
Key facts about Trailar
- Founded Year: 2015
- Location: Oldham (United Kingdom)
- Stage: Acquired
- Employee Count: 16 as on May 31, 2026
- Investors: ClimateLaunchpad and DHL Start-Up Lab
- Highlight: Acquired
2. Pengwin
Pengwin is a provider of fulfillment solutions for social media-based e-tailers. It integrates with the social media accounts of users selling through platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, to automatically receive and process orders. It enables price comparison, parcel booking and sending of shipping confirmations to customers.
Key facts about Pengwin
- Founded Year: 2018
- Location: Bangkok (Thailand)
- Stage: Deadpooled
- Employee Count: 9 as on Jul 01, 2024
- Investors: RISE and DHL Start-Up Lab
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3. XPL
XPL is a provider of blockchain and smart contract-based invoice automation solutions. It includes automatic quoting, invoice contract management, shipping cost transparency, provisional invoice costs for shippers, and order fufillment confirmation.
Key facts about XPL
- Founded Year: 2001
- Location: Germany
- Stage: Funding Raised
- Employee Count: 14 as on May 31, 2026
- Investors: DHL Start-Up Lab
4. Meerkat
Meerkat inventory provides robotic solutions for automated inventory management in warehouses. Offers a fully-autonomous robot with an air powered telescopic mast. The extended telescopic mast houses cameras, lasers & scanners to & data. The robot's capabilities include real-time inventory checking, cycle counting, & stock counting.
Key facts about Meerkat
- Founded Year: 2018
- Location: Durban (South Africa)
- Stage: Funding Raised
- Investors: DHL Start-Up Lab
Key facts about Digital Manufacturing
- Founded Year: 2018
- Location: Coventry (United Kingdom)
- Stage: Funding Raised
- Investors: DHL Start-Up Lab
Acquired companies in DHL Start-Up Lab's Portfolio
1 company from DHL Start-Up Lab's portfolio has been acquired. The most recent acquisition was Trailar.Here are DHL Start-Up Lab's portfolio companies that got acquired most recently:
Filter this listCompany | Acquisition Date | First Invested on | First Round of Investment | Round Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec 18, 2020 | - | - | 2201 |
