The camping equipment industry in Europe is a vibrant sector dedicated to outdoor recreation, providing essential gear for camping enthusiasts. It features a multitude of companies that design, manufacture, and sell a wide array of products such as tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear, and outdoor apparel. This industry thrives on innovation, with a growing emphasis on sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials to meet evolving consumer preferences. Increasing urbanization and a quest for outdoor experiences also drive growth, along with the rise of eco-tourism and adventure travel, making camping more accessible and appealing to a wider audience across the continent.

The investors in this list vary in type, including corporate, venture capital, and private equity firms, each contributing uniquely to the camping equipment sector. Headquartered primarily in London and Stockholm, the listed firms range in size from small start-ups to corporations employing over 10,000 people. Founded between 1945 and 2015, they collectively made an impressive 50 deals in 2024, demonstrating strong engagement and interest in the outdoor and camping market. Their investments reflect a commitment to fostering innovation and growth in this burgeoning industry.

Top 12 Camping Equipment Investors in Europe

1. Crowdcube

• Website: crowdcube.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the camping equipment industry, including Tentsile, which raised $3,078 in equity crowdfunding, and Alpkit, a specialist outdoor clothing and equipment retailer that raised £2.25 million to expand its operations. Other relevant transactions include FieldCandy, which raised $647,074, and Finisterre, a surfwear brand that raised over £4.5 million, showcasing Crowdcube's active role in supporting companies that cater to outdoor and camping enthusiasts.

2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website: bpifrance.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn: bpifrance-french-tech-acc%c3%a9l%c3%a9ration

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has participated in several transactions relevant to the camping equipment context, such as the investment in Snowleader, which raised $2,642,379 in a venture round in 2015, focusing on outdoor gear. Additionally, Bpifrance was involved in funding rounds for i-Run, a sports shoe and apparel retailer, which indicates its engagement in the broader outdoor and sports market. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's potential relevance to the camping equipment sector.

3. Frasers Group

• Website: frasers.group
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 20
• LinkedIn: frasers-group

Frasers Group plc is a corporate retail company based in London, England, founded in 1982. It operates various brands in the sports and fashion sectors, including Sports Direct and Jack Wills, and offers a diverse range of products such as clothing, footwear, and sporting goods. Notably, Frasers Group has made significant acquisitions in the camping and outdoor equipment market, including Gelert Ltd, Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS), Field & Trek.Com Ltd, and Karrimor. These acquisitions highlight Frasers Group's commitment to expanding its portfolio in the camping equipment sector, catering to consumers looking for outdoor and adventure gear. Additionally, the company serves consumers seeking diverse retail options and fitness solutions through its Everlast Fitness Club chain.

4. Ldc

• Website: ldc.co.uk
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. They focus on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success through investment and advisory services. LDC has made significant investments in the outdoor and camping-related sectors, including a notable acquisition of Mountain Warehouse, a leading UK outdoor clothing retailer, which they valued at over £50 million in 2010. This investment aimed to support the retailer's growth plans, including expanding to over 200 stores. Additionally, LDC acquired Forest Holidays in 2012, a company that provides outdoor holiday experiences, and has also invested in Away Resorts, which operates holiday parks that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. These transactions highlight LDC's commitment to the outdoor leisure market, making them a relevant player in the camping equipment industry.

5. JD Sports

• Website: jdsports.co.uk
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: jdsports

JD Sports is a prominent retail company based in the United Kingdom, founded in 1981, specializing in sports and lifestyle apparel and footwear. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, JD Sports operates both online and through physical stores, providing a comprehensive shopping experience for customers seeking stylish and functional clothing and footwear. Notably, JD Sports has made significant acquisitions in the outdoor retail sector, enhancing its portfolio in camping and outdoor equipment. These include the acquisition of Go Outdoors for £112.3 million in 2016, which bolstered its presence in the outdoor clothing market. Additionally, JD Sports acquired Blacks Outdoor in 2012 and a controlling stake in Tiso Group in 2013, both of which are key players in the outdoor and camping equipment industry. These strategic moves reflect JD Sports' commitment to expanding its offerings in the outdoor segment, making it a relevant investor in the camping equipment market.

6. Almi

• Website: almi.se
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among their notable transactions, Almi invested in Kittelfjall, which raised $553,716 in a seed round in 2014, indicating a focus on outdoor-related ventures. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for companies like No More Boots and Elevenate, the latter being a fashion manufacturer that may have connections to outdoor apparel. These investments suggest that Almi is open to supporting businesses that could intersect with the camping equipment market, even if they do not exclusively focus on it.

7. 3i Group plc

• Website: 3i.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1945
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1945, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments. The firm focuses on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Among their notable transactions, 3i Group acquired a significant minority stake in GO Outdoors for £28 million in 2011, supporting the company's expansion plans in the outdoor retail sector. Additionally, they acquired Rohan Designs in 1991, a company known for its outdoor clothing and equipment, further emphasizing their commitment to the camping and outdoor industry. These investments highlight 3i Group's active role in the camping equipment market, making them a relevant investor in this category.

8. Verdane

• Website: verdane.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn: verdane-capital

Verdane is a private equity investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in growth equity investments, particularly in technology-enabled companies, and provides capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale. Verdane has been involved in several notable transactions in the outdoor and camping equipment sector, including the acquisition of Silva, a provider of niche outdoor sports equipment, and the acquisition of majority stakes in Maskinklippet.se, which focuses on outdoor products. These investments highlight Verdane's commitment to supporting companies that enhance their market position in the outdoor and camping equipment industry, alongside their broader focus on digitalization and decarbonization trends.

9. Kima Ventures

• Website: kimaventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 50
• LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in early-stage investments across various sectors. The firm is known for backing two startups per week, providing them with both financial support and mentorship to help them navigate their initial challenges. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in Hardloop, a French e-tailer focused on outdoor sports, which raised €3 million in 2022 to enhance its services and product offerings, including environmentally responsible options. They also participated in the funding of Barooders, a marketplace for used sporting goods, which raised €2.2 million in 2022. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in the outdoor and camping equipment industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting startups in this space.

10. Altor Equity Partners

• Website: altor.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn: altor

Altor Equity Partners is a private equity investment management firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth for its partners through tailored investment strategies and digital transformation solutions. Altor has a diverse portfolio, with notable transactions in the camping and outdoor equipment sector, including the acquisition of Rossignol, a prominent brand in outdoor sports equipment, and their investment in XXL Sport & Villmark, a retailer focused on outdoor and sporting goods. Additionally, Altor has been involved in various funding rounds for companies like Revolution Race, which also operates in the outdoor apparel and equipment market. These activities highlight Altor's commitment to investing in the camping and outdoor equipment industry, alongside their broader focus on technology and consumer products.

11. EQT Group

• Website: eqtgroup.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in companies relevant to the camping and outdoor equipment sector, including the acquisition of Lundhags skomakarna, which focuses on outdoor footwear, and XXL Sport & Villmark, a leading sports retail chain in the Nordic region. These transactions highlight EQT's commitment to expanding its portfolio in the outdoor and sporting goods market, making them a relevant player in the camping equipment industry.

12. Bgf

• Website: bgf.co.uk
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 53
• LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across various sectors in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Ruroc, a UK-based action sports protection brand, providing £3m to support the launch of new products and expand their market presence. Additionally, BGF's investment in Coppergreen Developments, which owns Woodland Lakes Lodges, highlights their involvement in the leisure and holiday sector, further connecting them to outdoor activities. With 53 investments in 2024, BGF demonstrates a robust portfolio that includes companies relevant to outdoor and leisure activities, making them a potential player in the camping equipment space.

Camping Equipment Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Crowdcube	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
Frasers Group	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1982	20
Ldc	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1981	15
JD Sports	United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1981	1
Almi	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
3i Group plc	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3
Verdane	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	51-200	1985	7
Kima Ventures	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
Altor Equity Partners	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	51-200	2003	6
EQT Group	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
Bgf	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53

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