The knitted fabric mills industry in Europe is an integral part of the textile sector, focusing on producing various knitted fabrics for clothing and home furnishings. Companies range from traditional mills emphasizing craftsmanship to innovative operations utilizing technology for efficient production. With the rise of sustainable fashion, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly knitted materials, prompting businesses to adopt greener practices. As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, the industry is moving toward more sustainable fiber solutions and recycling initiatives, underscoring a shift toward a more responsible approach. The ability to blend quality with sustainability is shaping its future.


The landscape of investments in Europe’s knitted fabric mills features a mix of corporate and private equity firms, with investors based primarily in major cities like London, Paris, and Stockholm. Most investors include venture capital firms as well as established entities that offer support through funding and strategic insights. Each of the twelve investors has made notable investments in 2024, contributing to 2-67 transactions, reflecting their commitment to fostering innovative practices within the textile industry. Companies range in size, with some focusing on local SMEs while others cater to more extensive networks globally.


Top 12 Knitted Fabric Mills 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. Crowdcube 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 knitted fabric mills sector, including Crumpet Cashmere, which raised $288,145 in 2014, Wool and the Gang, which raised $1,539,189 in 2015, and Meander Apparel, which raised $230,208 in 2023. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting companies that operate within the knitted fabric and apparel industry.


2. 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 provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Almi has been involved in several transactions relevant to the textile and garment industry, including Tini Garments, which raised $230,145 in a seed round, and HealthTextiles, which also received venture funding. Additionally, they participated in funding Hoting Innovations, which is setting up a production facility in Sweden, indicating their active role in supporting innovative textile-related ventures.


3. Fashion for Good

  • Website: fashionforgood.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: fashionforgood

Fashion for Good is a not-for-profit organization based in Amsterdam, founded in 2017, dedicated to promoting sustainable innovation in the fashion industry. The organization connects innovators with brands, retailers, and manufacturers to foster collaboration and drive change towards a regenerative industry. They provide support, mentorship, and resources to empower their network in adopting sustainable practices. Notably, Fashion for Good has been involved in several relevant transactions, including Kintra Fibers, which raised $7,894,988 in a Series A round aimed at developing sustainable fiber solutions. They also invested in Resortecs, which raised $2,182,128 in a Pre-Seed round, focusing on sustainable textile solutions. These investments highlight their commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the textile sector, including knitted fabrics.


4. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm specializes in providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their investment strategies. Notably, Crédit Mutuel Equity has been involved in several transactions within the textile industry, including investments in Côté Textiles and Schappe Techniques, both of which are relevant to the knitted fabric mills context. These investments reflect their commitment to supporting growth and transformation in the textile sector, alongside their broader investment portfolio.


5. Chanel

  • Website: chanel.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1883
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: chanel

Chanel is a luxury fashion brand founded in 1883, known for its high-end clothing, accessories, and beauty products. The company operates through boutiques and an online store, catering to affluent consumers. In recent years, Chanel has made strategic investments to strengthen its supply chain and maintain high-quality craftsmanship. Notably, in December 2022, Chanel acquired a 60% stake in FashionArt SpA, an Italian manufacturer specializing in high-end denim and fabrics, marking its first investment in the denim sector. This acquisition highlights Chanel's commitment to sustainable fabric production. Additionally, Chanel has invested in various tanneries, such as Conceria Gaiera Giovanni and Bodin-Joyeux, to secure its leather supply chain, further emphasizing its focus on quality and sustainability in the luxury market.


6. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has a strong track record of strategic investments aimed at delivering sustainable value and growth. Notably, CVC has been involved in several acquisitions relevant to the textile and apparel sectors, including the acquisition of Pacific Brands in 2001, which is recognized for its clothing and textile products. Additionally, they acquired Nazareno Gabrielli in 1989 and Kalle in 1997, both of which have connections to the textile industry. These transactions highlight CVC's engagement in sectors that align with knitted fabric mills, showcasing their capability to invest in and support growth within this industry.


7. Explorer


Explorer Investments is a private equity firm based in Lisbon, Portugal, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in providing capital to businesses across various sectors, including technology, hospitality, and retail, with a strong focus on fostering innovation and operational improvements. Notably, Explorer has made significant investments in the textiles industry, including Tintex Textiles and Texamérica - Têxteis, Lda., both of which are involved in the production of knitted fabrics. These investments reflect Explorer's commitment to supporting growth and expansion in the textiles market, making them a relevant player in the knitted fabric mills sector.


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 for its partners. Altor has been involved in several notable transactions in the textile and apparel industry, such as their investment in Dale of Norway, a company known for its high-quality knitted garments, and their partnership with Oceansapart, which operates in the clothing sector. Additionally, Altor's acquisition of Trioworld, a company that may have connections to textile production, further demonstrates their engagement in industries related to knitted fabrics. Through tailored investment strategies and a commitment to digital transformation, Altor aims to support the growth of its portfolio companies, including those in the knitted fabric mills space.


9. The FSE Group

  • Website: thefsegroup.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Fleet, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: the-fse-group

The FSE Group is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Fleet, England, established in 2002. It specializes in providing funding solutions, including business loans and equity investments, to support high-growth SMEs across various sectors in the UK. The organization collaborates with multiple stakeholders to deliver regional funding aimed at promoting economic prosperity. Notably, The FSE Group has been involved in several transactions relevant to the textile and clothing industry, such as their investments in Celtic & Co., a company focused on sustainable fashion, and Clothes Doctor, which specializes in clothing repair and care. These investments highlight their engagement with businesses that operate within the textile sector, suggesting a broader interest in supporting the knitted fabric mills industry.


10. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. They specialize in investing in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Index Ventures is known for providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of growing their businesses. Among their notable transactions, they led a $2.8 million seed round for Wool and the Gang, a company that aims to 'reboot home manufacturing' by combining design-driven aesthetics with community production in the knitting space. This investment highlights their engagement in the knitted fabric sector. Additionally, they have invested in other companies like Maker's Row and The Cambridge Satchel Company, which, while not directly related to knitted fabrics, showcase their diverse investment portfolio and commitment to supporting creative industries.


11. Montagu

  • Website: montagu.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1968
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: montagu-private-equity-llp

Montagu Private Equity is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1968. The firm specializes in investment management and growth strategies, partnering with management teams across various sectors, including healthcare and financial services. Montagu focuses on mid-market companies and is committed to responsible investing. Notably, Montagu has been involved in several significant transactions, including the acquisition of Texon International Group in 1995, a company that produces textile and fabric products, which is relevant to the knitted fabric mills industry. Additionally, they acquired Kalle in 2004, a company that operates in the textile sector, further demonstrating their engagement in related industries. Their strategic investments and operational improvements aim to unlock the full potential of the companies they partner with, making them a noteworthy player in the investment landscape.


12. Chalmers Ventures


Chalmers Ventures is a venture builder and tech investor based in Sweden, founded in 2015. They specialize in deep tech innovations and support researchers and entrepreneurs in commercializing their technologies through various programs that provide business guidance, financing, and community networking. Chalmers Ventures emphasizes active ownership and investment in startups to help them scale and succeed in the market. Notably, they have invested in Vividye AB, a textile tech startup that raised a seed round to enhance its innovative printing technology, which allows for the removal and reapplication of colors on fabrics. This investment highlights their engagement in the textile industry, particularly in technologies that can impact knitted fabric mills. Additionally, they have made investments in other companies like TeXtreme, which is involved in advanced textile materials, further showcasing their interest in the textile sector.



Knitted Fabric Mills Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Fashion for GoodAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020173
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
ChanelLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+18834
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
ExplorerLisbon, Lisbon, Portugal11-5020035
Altor Equity PartnersStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden51-20020036
The FSE GroupFleet, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200219
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
MontaguLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20019682
Chalmers VenturesSweden11-50201526


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