The high street fashion industry in the Nordics is vibrant and evolving. It features a mix of established retailers and innovative online brands that cater to a discerning consumer base seeking quality, style, and sustainability. Companies operate both physical storefronts and e-commerce platforms, offering everything from casual wear to luxury apparel. Notably, there's a rising emphasis on eco-friendly practices and inclusive sizing. As consumer preferences shift towards digital shopping experiences and ethical products, the industry is positioning itself to adapt by embracing new technologies and sustainable practices, signaling a transformative period ahead.


This list highlights twelve prominent investors in the Nordic high street fashion sector. Spanning venture capital, private equity, and corporate investments, these firms vary in size, location, and investment strategies. Most are headquartered in Stockholm, while some call Oslo home. Founded between 1936 and 2012, they collectively made significant deal counts in 2024, showcasing their commitment to nurturing this dynamic industry. Each investor brings unique insights and strategies, influencing the fashion scene across the Nordic region.


Top 12 High Street Fashion Investors in the Nordics


1. 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, providing capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale. Verdane's investment strategy focuses on digitalization and decarbonization trends, but they have also made notable investments in the high street fashion sector. For instance, they acquired WoolOvers, a consumer fashion brand, as part of a portfolio aimed at driving online and international growth. Additionally, Verdane has invested in Caliroots, a fashion e-commerce platform, further demonstrating their engagement in the fashion industry. Their diverse portfolio includes investments that enhance market position and operational efficiency, making them a significant player in the high street fashion landscape.


2. 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 private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in a diverse range of investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing varied investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the high street fashion sector, including the acquisition of CBR Group, a women's clothing designer, which supports its expansion strategy. They also acquired Eton Group AB, a global premium men's shirts brand, and Flying Tiger Copenhagen, a retail chain known for its unique product offerings. These transactions highlight EQT's commitment to the fashion industry and its potential for growth within this market.


3. Kinnevik

  • Website: kinnevik.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1936
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: investment-ab-kinnevik

Kinnevik is a Stockholm-based investment company founded in 1936, focusing on partnering with innovative entrepreneurs across various sectors, including healthcare, software, marketplaces, and climate tech. The firm provides capital and operational support to help companies scale and create long-term value. Notably, Kinnevik has made significant investments in the high street fashion sector, including transactions with Global Fashion Group, which oversees several fashion e-commerce platforms, and Dafiti, Brazil's leading online fashion retailer. Additionally, Kinnevik has invested in The Iconic, an Australian fashion portal, enhancing its portfolio in the fashion industry. These investments demonstrate Kinnevik's commitment to redefining industries and addressing global challenges, including those within the fashion market.


4. eEquity

  • Website: eequity.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: eequity

eEquity is a Stockholm-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in growth equity investments. The firm focuses on digitally enabled business models primarily in the Nordics, partnering with entrepreneurs in the technology and retail sectors. Notably, eEquity has made significant investments in the high street fashion context, including a funding round for KidsBrandStore, a Swedish ecommerce platform for children's fashion, where they raised SEK 60M to scale operations in the Nordic countries. They also invested in John Henric, a fashion brand, raising $7,352,092 in a private equity round in 2022. These transactions highlight eEquity's active role in the fashion industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.


5. 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 its notable transactions, Almi has invested in Tini Garments, a fashion-related startup that raised $230,145 in a seed round in 2021. Additionally, Almi participated in a funding round for Elevenate, a Swedish fashion manufacturer and retailer, which raised $2 million to support its expansion in e-commerce and seasonal collections. This involvement in the fashion sector highlights Almi's commitment to supporting innovative companies within the high street fashion industry.


6. Nordic Capital

  • Website: nordiccapital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: nordic-capital

Nordic Capital is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in investments across various sectors, including healthcare and technology, but has also made significant strides in the high street fashion industry. Notably, Nordic Capital acquired a majority stake in Gina Tricot, a Swedish fashion retail chain, in July 2014, showcasing their interest in fashion retail. Additionally, they reacquired Ellos Group AB, a leading Nordic e-commerce group, in June 2022, further solidifying their presence in the fashion sector. These transactions highlight Nordic Capital's strategy of partnering with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements in their portfolio companies, with a focus on creating long-term value and sustainability. Their involvement in high street fashion, alongside their broader investment strategy, positions them as a relevant investor in this category.


7. Bestseller


Bestseller is a corporate investor based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1975. As a prominent fashion retailer, Bestseller operates a wide range of brands that cater to consumers seeking stylish clothing options at competitive prices. The company has a strong presence in both physical retail and online platforms across multiple countries. Notably, Bestseller has been involved in significant transactions within the high street fashion context, including the acquisition of MandM Direct for approximately £140 million, which enhances their online retail capabilities. Additionally, Bestseller's CEO, Anders Holch Povlsen, acquired a majority share in the Danish fashion platform Miinto, further solidifying their investment in the fashion industry. These strategic moves demonstrate Bestseller's commitment to expanding its portfolio in the high street fashion market.


8. 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 providing consulting services across various sectors, including technology and consumer products, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth. Altor has been involved in several notable transactions in the high street fashion context, including the acquisition of a majority stake in Ideal of Sweden, a Swedish design brand known for its stylish accessories. They also invested in Oceansapart, a brand that emphasizes soulful clothing, and have previously engaged with other fashion-related companies such as Dale of Norway and Revolution Race. These transactions highlight Altor's active role in the fashion industry, showcasing their commitment to fostering growth in this sector.


9. Litorina

  • Website: litorina.se
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: litorina

Litorina is a private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in private equity investments in Nordic niche market-leading companies, providing capital, strategic guidance, and operational support to drive growth and value creation. Litorina has a notable focus on well-managed, profitable companies within the business services and consumer sectors. Among their significant transactions in the high street fashion context, Litorina acquired Care of Carl, a Swedish online retailer of men's fashion, in 2011 and again in 2018, highlighting their commitment to this segment. They also acquired Eton, a brand known for its high-quality shirts, further emphasizing their involvement in the fashion industry. These transactions reflect Litorina's strategy of investing in companies that are not only profitable but also positioned for growth in the competitive fashion market.


10. Wellstreet

  • Website: wellstreet.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: wellstreet

Wellstreet is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily targeting Nordic tech companies. Wellstreet provides entrepreneurs with essential resources, including capital and strategic support, to foster growth and innovation. While their main focus is on sectors like FinTech, E-commerce, and GreenTech, they have also made notable investments in the fashion industry. For instance, they participated in the seed round for Sir of Sweden, a brand known for its high-quality menswear, and invested in Scandinavian Man, a publication that covers men's fashion and lifestyle. These transactions highlight Wellstreet's engagement in the high street fashion space, showcasing their versatility as an investor.


11. Accent Equity


Accent Equity is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in investments in private Nordic companies, focusing on enhancing the value of its portfolio through strategic management and investment. Notably, Accent Equity has made significant acquisitions in the high street fashion sector, including a majority stake in EAST and the acquisition of East.dk ApS, both announced on July 13, 2021. These transactions highlight their commitment to investing in growth-oriented fashion brands. Additionally, they acquired Unisport in November 2024, further diversifying their portfolio in the retail space. Their expertise in investment management allows various businesses, including those in high street fashion, to benefit from sustainable growth and superior returns.


12. New Wave Group

  • Website: nwg.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: new-wave-group

New Wave Group AB is a corporate investor based in Gothenburg, Sweden, specializing in the creation, acquisition, and development of brands and products across various sectors, including corporate, sports, gifts, and home. Founded in 1990, the company has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its market presence in the clothing industry. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Cutter & Buck Inc., a designer of upscale golf and sportswear, for $156.5 million, which expanded their offerings in the sportswear segment. They also acquired BTC Activewear, a UK-based distributor of clothing and accessories, for £33 million, further strengthening their position in the high street fashion market. Additionally, their acquisition of Tenson, an outdoor brand, and Craft North America, indicates their commitment to diversifying their portfolio within the apparel industry. These transactions highlight New Wave Group's active role in the fashion sector, making them a significant player in high street fashion.



High Street Fashion Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
VerdaneOslo, Oslo, Norway51-20019857
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
KinnevikStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-50193610
eEquityStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5020100
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Nordic CapitalStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-500198910
BestsellerOslo, Oslo, Norway10001+19750
Altor Equity PartnersStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden51-20020036
LitorinaStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019980
WellstreetStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1-1020163
Accent EquityStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019944
New Wave GroupGothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden1001-500019900


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