The Berlin-based SaaS startup Menlo79 has secured a total of €2.1 million in new capital for the further expansion of its cloud-based workforce management platform WILSON for rail and logistics
In addition to Scalehouse Capital from Osnabrück and D2 Fund from London, the investors also include Ventis Capital from Ingolstadt and Frankenbergs Ventures from Hannover.
“We are excited to have found partners who also believe in the need for digital workforce management to help counter the global shortage of skilled workers,” explains Fabian Stöffler, Co-founder and CEO of Menlo79 GmbH. “Now we want to continue our growth together and make workforce management in rail and logistics more efficient and easier for our customers.”
Menlo79 was founded in 2019 by Fabian Stöffler and Stefan Wagner and employs over 35 people. With the cloud-based workforce management platform WILSON, the company supports the intelligent steering of operative staff in the complex environment of rail and logistics. From shift planning and scheduling or qualification management to automated payroll and billing.
According to Menlo79, the software solves a key issue in rail transport: poor workforce planning. Their software automates the process, reportedly cutting admin effort by up to 60%.
The team has a clear vision: providing an intelligent workforce management platform to improve efficiency and employee satisfaction in the complex environment of rail and logistics – especially for companies where simple shift planning tools and excel reach their limits.
Until now, Menlo79 has followed a bootstrapping approach to build up its business without external capital.
Since its first rollout in early 2022 the WILSON software is being used by more than 65 customers with over 2,300 users on a daily basis. Customers include transport companies Flixtrain, Havelländische Eisenbahn, Bentheimer Eisenbahn and ČD Cargo, staff service providers such as Trainbutlers or LokLöwen and rail construction companies like Furrer+Frey.
In total, Menlo79 has worked with over 75 customers and network partners.
The fresh funds will primarily be used to further develop the software as well as to professionalise and expand marketing and sales in order to support the startup’s growth ambitions.
In addition to the funding of €2.1 million, Menlo79 has also recently secured further grants of €1.8 million until the end of 2026. This capital will be used to expand the company’s cross-company staffing feature and intelligent qualification management capabilities. The company will also test these capabilities with pilot customers.
Amory Poulden, Partner at D2 Fund, adds: “We believe in the huge potential for modern workforce management. The Menlo79 team has been on an amazing journey over the past few years, and we’re excited to be part of their continued growth in the rail and logistics sector.”
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/01/all-aboard-menlo79-secures-e2-1-million-to-change-workforce-planning-in-rail-transport/
