The outdoor footwear industry in the DACH region thrives on offering high-quality, durable products that cater to adventure enthusiasts and casual consumers alike. Companies range from established footwear brands like adidas to innovative startups focused on specialized materials and sustainability. Market trends indicate a shift towards eco-friendly and technologically advanced products, reflecting consumers' growing environmental awareness and interest in performance features. The surge in outdoor activities post-pandemic, coupled with a rise in e-commerce, has pushed brands to expand their reach and product categories. This evolution fuels increased competition but also paves the way for exciting partnerships and investments.


The investors listed here include private equity and venture capital firms based in the DACH region, ranging from small teams to substantial corporations. Headquartered in cities such as Hanover, Vienna, Munich, and Frankfurt, these firms were founded between 1949 and 2008. In 2024, investment activity varied widely; some made significant moves in the outdoor footwear space, while others remained quiet. Notable names like Richemont and adidas showcase a combination of established heritage and contemporary investment strategies aimed at enhancing their portfolios in the evolving footwear market.


Top 12 Outdoor Footwear Investors in DACH


1. Acton Capital


Acton Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in investing in startups at the Series A stage and beyond. They focus on providing financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Notably, Acton Capital has invested in Koio, a luxury sneaker brand, participating in their Series A funding rounds in 2018 and 2019, which totaled $9 million. This investment highlights their engagement in the footwear industry, particularly in brands that emphasize design and quality. Additionally, Acton Capital has a diverse portfolio, having invested in companies like Knix Wear, which, while primarily focused on apparel, showcases their interest in consumer goods. Their approach to helping companies develop tailored growth strategies positions them as a supportive partner for brands in the outdoor footwear space.


2. SIGNA Group of Companies


SIGNA Group of Companies, founded in 1999 and based in Vienna, Austria, is a prominent venture capital firm operating primarily in the real estate and retail sectors. The company has expanded its portfolio through various acquisitions, enhancing its presence in the retail market across Europe. Notably, SIGNA Retail has acquired SportScheck, a specialist in sporting goods, which adds significant retail capabilities in the sports market, including outdoor footwear. Additionally, the acquisition of TennisPro, a leading online sports retailer, further strengthens SIGNA's position in the outdoor sports segment, which encompasses outdoor footwear. These strategic moves reflect SIGNA's commitment to diversifying its retail offerings and tapping into the growing outdoor and sports market.


3. Hannover Finanz

  • Website: hannoverfinanz.de
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: hannoverfinanz

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. Hannover Finanz has been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of Ludwig Reiter Schuhmanufaktur GmbH in 2010, which is a manufacturer of high-quality footwear. This acquisition highlights their engagement in the footwear industry, alongside other investments such as Franz Ziener GmbH & Co. KG and MILES, which further demonstrate their diverse portfolio. Their approach to helping businesses navigate challenges related to succession, growth, and restructuring positions them as a supportive partner for companies in the outdoor footwear sector.


4. Richemont

  • Website: richemont.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bellevue, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1988
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: richemont

Compagnie Financière Richemont S.A. is a luxury goods company based in Bellevue, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1988. It specializes in the production and sale of high-end jewellery, watches, leather goods, and fashion accessories, catering to affluent consumers seeking exclusive products. Richemont has made significant investments in various brands, including the acquisition of Gianvito Rossi, a notable Italian footwear brand, in July 2023. This acquisition, valued at over 100 million euros, aims to support the global development of the brand, indicating Richemont's strategic interest in the footwear market. Additionally, Richemont has acquired other luxury brands such as Peter Millar and Serapian, further diversifying its portfolio in the luxury sector.


5. 3TS Capital Partners


3TS Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in technology-focused private equity and venture capital, providing expansion capital and buyout funding to small and medium-sized enterprises in growth sectors. Notably, 3TS Capital Partners has invested in SafeSize, a Greek startup that offers innovative 3D foot analysis and shoe recommendation solutions. They co-led a €14 million Series B funding round for SafeSize in March 2023, and previously invested €3 million in a Series B round in December 2016. This involvement in a company that directly relates to footwear demonstrates their engagement in the sector, particularly in technology that could benefit outdoor footwear consumers.


6. adidas

  • Website: adidas-group.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1949
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: adidas

Adidas is a leading sportswear manufacturer and retailer based in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1949. The company specializes in a wide range of athletic footwear and apparel, catering to athletes, sports teams, and consumers. Adidas is known for its commitment to innovation and sustainability, which is reflected in its product offerings. Notably, Adidas has made significant acquisitions to enhance its market presence, including the acquisition of Reebok International in 2005, which bolstered its portfolio in outdoor and lifestyle footwear. Additionally, the acquisition of TaylorMade Golf and Adams Golf demonstrates Adidas's strategy to diversify its offerings while maintaining a strong foothold in the athletic sector. These transactions highlight Adidas's active role in the outdoor footwear market, making it a relevant investor in this category.


7. Quadriga Capital


Quadriga Capital is a private equity investment management firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in creating value through partnerships with medium-sized enterprises across various sectors, including healthcare and tech-enabled services. Quadriga Capital has a notable transaction history, including the acquisition of Jack Wolfskin in 2005, a prominent brand in the outdoor footwear and apparel market. This acquisition highlights their engagement in the outdoor industry, showcasing their ability to invest in diverse sectors beyond their primary focus. Additionally, they acquired ETERNA Mode GmbH in 2006, further demonstrating their investment strategy in consumer-oriented businesses. Quadriga Capital provides equity investments and strategic advisory services to help businesses achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence.


8. Deutsche Bank

  • Website: db.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a leading investment bank and financial services provider. It offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. The bank serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. Notably, Deutsche Bank has been involved in significant transactions within the outdoor footwear context, such as providing post-IPO debt financing to Adidas, a major brand in the outdoor footwear industry. Additionally, it participated in a Series B funding round for BioLite, a company that focuses on outdoor energy products, further showcasing its engagement in the outdoor sector.


9. GoBeyond


GoBeyond is a venture capital investment platform based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2008. It connects investors with early-stage startups, offering services such as individual portfolio investing, access to curated deal flow, and investment training. GoBeyond has facilitated investments in various sectors, including notable transactions in the outdoor footwear context, such as multiple funding rounds for ShoeSize.Me, a company focused on footwear solutions. These transactions occurred in 2017, 2018, and 2019, showcasing GoBeyond's ongoing engagement with the footwear industry. Additionally, they have invested in Spyra One and Hamac, further diversifying their portfolio while maintaining a notable presence in the footwear sector.


10. Bosch

  • Website: bosch.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1886
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: bosch

Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and technology company founded in 1886, based in Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Bosch offers a diverse range of products and services across mobility, consumer goods, industrial technology, and energy solutions. In 2023, Bosch increased its stake in Husqvarna to approximately 12%, valued at around $600 million, as part of a strategy to strengthen its battery alliance with the company, which is known for outdoor tools. This investment highlights Bosch's engagement in the outdoor sector, which could encompass outdoor footwear as part of their broader strategy. Additionally, Bosch is committed to sustainability and enhancing quality of life through its products, aligning with the values of the outdoor footwear industry.


11. Capnamic

  • Website: capnamic.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: capnamic-ventures

Capnamic is a venture capital firm based in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, providing funding and strategic support to startups to help them grow in competitive markets. Capnamic focuses on delivering high returns through careful portfolio management and investment strategies. Notably, they have invested in FATMAP, a 3D mapping platform that supports outdoor sports, indicating their interest in the outdoor sector. In 2016, Capnamic participated in a funding round for FATMAP, which aimed to expand its platform to cover more outdoor sports, showcasing their alignment with outdoor activities. Additionally, their portfolio includes investments in various sectors, but their connection to FATMAP highlights their potential relevance to the outdoor footwear industry.


12. Reimann Investors


Reimann Investors is a family office and investment firm based in Julbach, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in managing assets and investments for its clients, with a strong emphasis on supporting visionary startups in technology sectors such as B2B software, fintech, and ecomtech. Notably, Reimann Investors has made significant investments in the outdoor footwear context, particularly through their involvement with Keller Sports, a Munich-based online retailer that focuses on sports and outdoor footwear. In 2020, they participated in a €10 million capital investment round for Keller Sports, following an earlier investment in 2017. This demonstrates their engagement in the outdoor footwear market, alongside their broader investment strategy.



Outdoor Footwear Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
SIGNA Group of CompaniesVienna, Vienna, Austria10001+19990
Hannover FinanzHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany11-5019792
RichemontBellevue, Geneva, Switzerland10001+19881
3TS Capital PartnersVienna, Vienna, Austria11-5019990
adidasHerzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany10001+19491
Quadriga CapitalFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5019950
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
GoBeyondZurich, Zurich, Switzerland1-1020080
BoschBirenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18865
CapnamicCologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5020126
Reimann InvestorsJulbach, Bavaria, Germany11-5020061


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