The intralogistics specialist and industrial truck manufacturer Jungheinrich is strengthening its strategic activities in the field of artificial intelligence: With an investment of five million euros in the fund of Merantix Capital, the company is participating in the development of AI-based industrial solutions. The fund invests across Europe in so-called "AI-native" start-ups with scalable approaches for industries such as logistics, robotics, energy, manufacturing, and sustainability.
"Jungheinrich has extensive know-how in the field of intralogistics and mechanical engineering. With Merantix, we gain a strong partner who has profound expertise and strong competence in building AI-based business models. Through the partnership, we
unlock valuable synergies and work together to strengthen AI applications in the industrial environment," said Dr. Lars Brzoska, CEO of Jungheinrich AG.
The focus of the partnership is on applications with a direct connection to industrial value creation - such as the analysis of used lithium-ion batteries or AI-assisted warehouse simulation to optimize material flows. With this step, Jungheinrich aims to gain early access to relevant technologies and start-up innovations that technologically complement the existing business.
"AI-native business models are changing the industry. However, their success largely depends on successful integration into existing structures," says Dr. Rasmus Rothe, co-founder and
General Partner of Merantix Capital.
At Merantix, they know the requirements for scaling AI companies. Jungheinrich brings the necessary experience and openness to innovation as an industry partner.
AI-based supply chain optimization and autonomous logistics systems
The partnership with Merantix complements Jungheinrich's existing corporate venture engagement, which includes, among other things, a stake in the High-Tech Gründerfonds. In parallel, Jungheinrich is advancing the development of new business models that are not part of the core business through Uplift Ventures – a newly established independent entity. Uplift Ventures invests in AI-based supply chain optimization, autonomous logistics systems, and sustainable platform solutions
and has been operational since the first quarter of 2025.
Access to the Merantix ecosystem
In addition to the fund participation, the cooperation with Merantix also includes access to the AI Campus in Berlin, Europe's largest AI ecosystem with over 80 resident companies. The collaboration with Merantix Momentum – a company unit specializing in industrial AI applications – aims to accelerate the transfer of market-ready AI solutions into practice.
Jungheinrich thus positions itself as an active driver of industrial AI usage – with the goal of unlocking efficiency potentials, promoting sustainable processes, and shaping the technological transformation of the logistics
