Top 13 Action Figure Investors in Europe
Top 13 Action Figure Investors in Europe
The action figure industry in Europe thrives as a vibrant sector catering to devotees and collectors of all ages. Companies range from traditional toy manufacturers to innovative startups focusing on designer brands and collectible figures. With an increasing interest in nostalgia and pop culture, manufacturers also explore licensing deals for major franchises. Sustainability trends are driving companies to create eco-friendly products, while digital platforms facilitate greater engagement with fans. As technology integrates more into toys, like AR-enabled action figures, the industry is poised for further growth and transformation, catering to evolving consumer preferences and expectations.
The following list presents a diverse group of investors actively shaping Europe’s action figure industry. With backgrounds in venture capital and private equity, these firms span major cities including London and Paris. They've been in the market since the mid-20th century, with several founded over the last two decades. In 2024 alone, they collectively executed numerous investments with a wide range of deal counts. Their focus highlights not just financial gain but a commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in a vibrant niche.
Top 13 Action Figure Investors in Europe
1. 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, England, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF focuses on addressing the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in companies such as Wow! Stuff, a toy development company, where they committed £4.8 million to help bring new products to market. Additionally, BGF invested £3.92 million in Trunki, a children's ride-on suitcase company, which aligns with the broader toy and action figure market. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in supporting businesses that contribute to the action figure and toy industry.
2. 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 prominent investment firm based in London, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments. Founded in 1945, 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. Notably, 3i Group has made significant investments in the toy industry, including acquiring a 24% stake in The Character Group, a company listed on AIM that produces various toys, including action figures. Additionally, they have been involved with The Amerang Group Ltd. and Giochi Preziosi, both of which are related to the toy sector. Their acquisition of Early Learning Centre also highlights their commitment to the children's products market, further solidifying their relevance in the action figure industry.
3. Mercia Asset Management PLC
- Website: mercia.co.uk
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 1982
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 41
- LinkedIn: mercia-asset-management
Mercia Asset Management PLC is a venture capital firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, founded in 1982. The firm specializes in providing venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses, particularly startups and established companies in technology and innovation sectors. Notably, Mercia has been involved in several transactions relevant to the toy industry, including a £400,000 loan to Toyland Toyshop, a UK toy shop chain, aimed at enhancing their purchasing power and expanding stock levels. Additionally, they provided funding to BinaryBots, a company that produces robotic toys, to help build stock for larger orders. These investments highlight Mercia's commitment to supporting businesses within the toy sector, including action figures, thereby reinforcing their role as a significant player in this market.
4. Ardian
- Website: ardian.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
- Founded year: 1996
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 21
- LinkedIn: ardian
Ardian is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1996, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. With a global presence and a focus on sustainable finance, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. Notably, Ardian acquired Schleich on May 19, 2014, for approximately $301.6 million. Schleich is renowned for its high-quality figurines and toys, including action figures, which positions Ardian within the action figure market. Additionally, Ardian has made significant investments in various sectors, including e-commerce and digital platforms, but their stake in Schleich highlights their relevance to the action figure industry.
5. 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 diverse portfolio, with notable transactions including the acquisition of Hamleys, a leading toy retailer, in 1989, which positions them within the toy industry. Additionally, their investment in A Bathing Ape (BAPE) in 2021 highlights their interest in brands that appeal to collectors and enthusiasts, further connecting them to the action figure market. CVC's strategic investments aim to deliver sustainable value and growth, indicating their potential to influence the action figure industry through their portfolio companies.
6. 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. The firm is known for providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of growing their businesses. Notably, Index Ventures has participated in funding rounds for Superplastic, a designer toy brand that raised significant capital in both Seed and Series A rounds. Their involvement in Superplastic highlights their interest in the action figure and collectible toy market, showcasing their ability to identify and support emerging brands in this space. Additionally, they have participated in other funding rounds, such as Shapeways, which, while primarily focused on 3D printing, also intersects with the production of custom toys and collectibles. This diverse investment strategy reflects their commitment to building long-term partnerships with founders across various innovative sectors.
7. Eurazeo
- Website: eurazeo.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
- Founded year: 1969
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 40
- LinkedIn: eurazeo
Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, the firm has established a significant presence in the investment management landscape, particularly in Europe. Eurazeo focuses on tailored investment strategies aimed at fostering growth and expansion across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Eurazeo acquired Asmodee, a key player in the gaming and hobby market, for approximately $132.76 million in 2014. Asmodee's portfolio includes a range of products that appeal to collectors and hobbyists, including action figures. This strategic acquisition highlights Eurazeo's interest in sectors that intersect with the action figure market, making it a relevant investor in this context. Additionally, Eurazeo has been involved in various funding rounds for companies like CMP Paris and Keesing Media Group, further showcasing its diverse investment approach.
8. Kering
- Website: kering.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
- Founded year: 1963
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: kering
Kering is a luxury goods company based in Paris, specializing in fashion, leather goods, jewelry, and beauty products. Founded in 1963, Kering owns prestigious brands such as Gucci, Balenciaga, and Yves Saint Laurent, catering to affluent consumers. In recent years, Kering has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions and investments. Notably, Kering participated in a $20 million Series A extension investment round for Superplastic, a company known for its synthetic celebrities and collectibles, which aligns with the action figure market. This investment reflects Kering's interest in innovative and creative sectors that intersect with entertainment and collectibles. Additionally, Kering has made significant acquisitions in the luxury sector, including brands like Volcom and Creed, further diversifying its portfolio while maintaining a focus on high-end products.
9. Cathay Capital
- Website: cathaycapital.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
- Founded year: 2006
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 10
- LinkedIn: cathay-capital
Cathay Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in private equity and venture capital investments, with a strong emphasis on supporting companies in scaling their operations globally and sustainably. Their clientele includes entrepreneurs and management teams across various industries seeking growth and transformation. Notably, Cathay Capital acquired K'NEX on May 24, 2016, a significant player in the toy industry known for its construction sets and action figures. This acquisition highlights their involvement in the action figure and toy market. Additionally, they have participated in various funding rounds and acquisitions across different sectors, but the K'NEX transaction stands out as a direct link to the action figure industry.
10. Endless LLP
- Website: endlessllp.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Leeds, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2005
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: endless-llp
Endless LLP is a private equity firm based in Leeds, England, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investment management and consulting services, focusing on providing tailored investment solutions to businesses in complex situations. Endless LLP has a history of acquiring companies across various sectors, including Food & Beverage, Industrials, and retail. Notably, they acquired Amscan International, a party products manufacturer, for $45 million in December 2020. This acquisition included international wholesale, manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce businesses, which may involve action figures and related products. Other acquisitions include Kennelpak, Trutex, and Theo Fennell, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio and ability to support management teams in driving growth and transformation.
11. Partners Group
- Website: partnersgroup.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
- Founded year: 1996
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 19
- LinkedIn: partners-group
Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired a majority equity stake in Schleich in July 2019, a company renowned for its collectible figurines and toys, including action figures. This acquisition aims to support Schleich's international growth and enhance its online capabilities, highlighting Partners Group's strategic interest in the toy industry. Additionally, they have been involved in various other sectors, but the Schleich transaction is particularly relevant to the action figure market.
12. 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 investor based in London, England, founded in 1982. The company operates various brands in the sports and fashion sectors, including Sports Direct and Jack Wills, and offers a wide range of products such as clothing, footwear, and sporting goods. Notably, Frasers Group has been active in the collectibles market, having acquired an additional 6.5% stake in Hornby PLC on February 22, 2024. Hornby is recognized for its model trains and collectibles, which include action figures, indicating Frasers Group's interest in this niche. Additionally, the company has made significant acquisitions in the past, such as Everlast Worldwide and Umbro, further showcasing its diverse investment strategy. Through these transactions, Frasers Group demonstrates a willingness to engage in various sectors, including those related to collectibles and action figures.
13. SoftBank Investment Advisers
- Website: visionfund.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2017
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 14
- LinkedIn: softbank-investment-advisers
SoftBank Investment Advisers, founded in 2017 and based in London, is a venture capital firm that primarily invests in technology-focused companies. The firm is known for its substantial investments in growth-stage technology firms, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and other tech sectors. Among its diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made significant investments in Fanatics, a leading player in the sports merchandise and collectibles market, raising $1 billion in 2017, $325 million in 2021, and $700 million in 2022. These transactions highlight SoftBank's commitment to the collectibles industry, which includes action figures, thereby positioning them as a relevant investor in this space. Additionally, their involvement in other tech-related ventures, such as blockchain and NFTs, reflects their broader investment strategy while still maintaining a foothold in the collectibles market.
Action Figure Insights: Key Investors in Europe
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bgf | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 2011 | 53 |
| 3i Group plc | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 201-500 | 1945 | 3 |
| Mercia Asset Management PLC | Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 1982 | 41 |
| Ardian | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 1001-5000 | 1996 | 21 |
| Cvc | Luxembourg | 1001-5000 | 2005 | 16 |
| Index Ventures | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 1996 | 67 |
| Eurazeo | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 201-500 | 1969 | 40 |
| Kering | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 10001+ | 1963 | 3 |
| Cathay Capital | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 51-200 | 2006 | 10 |
| Endless LLP | Leeds, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 11-50 | 2005 | 2 |
| Partners Group | Baar, Zug, Switzerland | 1001-5000 | 1996 | 19 |
| Frasers Group | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 10001+ | 1982 | 20 |
| SoftBank Investment Advisers | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 201-500 | 2017 | 14 |
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