The athletic shoe industry in Europe represents a dynamic market where comfort meets performance. Companies range from established brands like Nike and Adidas to innovative startups offering eco-friendly and technologically advanced footwear. This industry caters to various sports, recreational activities, and fashion, appealing to health-conscious consumers and trendsetters alike. Growth is fueled by the rising demand for sustainable materials, digital shopping experiences, and personalized products. Moreover, collaboration between lifestyle brands and athletic shoe manufacturers is transforming the sector, enhancing product offerings and cultural relevance.

The list of top investors features a mix of corporate and venture capital firms, primarily based in major European cities like London and Paris. Spanning various sizes, from small firms to large corporations, these investors have collectively engaged in numerous transactions to support athletic shoe brands. Founded between 1945 and 2015, their deal counts in 2024 range from one to over two hundred, reflecting a proactive stance in the competitive investment landscape. This selection illustrates the commitment to funding innovative ideas and expanding brands within this vibrant market.

Top 13 Athletic Shoe Investors in Europe

1. 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 prominent 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. The company offers a wide range of products such as clothing, footwear, and sporting goods, as well as fitness services through its Everlast Fitness Club chain. Frasers Group has made significant acquisitions in the athletic shoe industry, including the purchase of Umbro in 2005, a brand recognized for its athletic footwear. In 2022, they acquired JD Sports' fashion brands, further expanding their footprint in the sports retail market. Additionally, their acquisition of DW Sports in 2020 and the recent acquisition of Wiggle in 2024, which includes cycling-related products, showcases their commitment to the sports and fitness sectors. Overall, Frasers Group serves consumers looking for diverse retail options and fitness solutions, making them a key player in the athletic shoe market.

2. 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 corporate investor based in the United Kingdom, founded in 1981. The company specializes in retailing sports and lifestyle apparel and footwear, catering to a diverse customer base that includes men, women, and children. JD Sports operates both online and through physical stores, providing a comprehensive shopping experience. In recent years, JD Sports has made significant acquisitions to bolster its position in the athletic shoe market. Notably, in 2018, they acquired Finish Line, an American sportswear retailer, for $558 million, which expanded their presence in the U.S. market. In 2024, JD Sports announced the acquisition of Hibbett Sports for $1.1 billion, further increasing their North American sales share. Additionally, they have acquired stakes in other sports-related companies, such as Kukri Sports Ltd. and Sportiberica, demonstrating their commitment to the athletic footwear and apparel sector.

3. 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 venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. They aim to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has participated in funding rounds for athletic shoe-related companies, such as i-Run, which raised 100 million euros to expand its network of stores and enhance its eco-responsible offerings. Additionally, they were involved in earlier funding rounds for i-Run and other sportswear companies like Satisfy, which raised $2.5 million in Series A funding. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in the athletic shoe industry, making them a relevant investor in this sector.

4. Lvmh

• Website: lvmh.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: lvmh

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE is a leading luxury goods manufacturer and retailer based in Paris, France. Founded in 1987, LVMH operates across various sectors, including fashion, leather goods, wines, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, and jewelry. The company is known for its exclusive brands that embody craftsmanship and heritage, catering to affluent consumers. In recent years, LVMH has made significant investments in the footwear sector, particularly in brands that resonate with the athletic and comfort-focused market. Notably, LVMH acquired a majority stake in Birkenstock for approximately £3.5 billion, signaling a strategic move towards comfort-focused footwear. Additionally, LVMH's investment in Giuseppe Zanotti, acquiring a 30% stake, further emphasizes its commitment to the footwear market. These transactions highlight LVMH's active role in the athletic shoe industry, making it a notable investor in this space.

5. 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. The firm focuses on investing in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, while also showing a notable interest in the athletic shoe industry. Among their relevant transactions, they invested in Tracksmith, which raised $1.6 million in a seed round in July 2014, focusing on running apparel and footwear. They also participated in a significant investment in Goat Group, which raised $60 million in a Series C round in February 2018, a platform dedicated to the sneaker resale market. These investments highlight Index Ventures' commitment to supporting brands within the athletic shoe sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.

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 investment firm based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. Founded in 2005, it manages approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has been involved in various acquisitions, including OXBOW and Jallate, which are not directly related to athletic shoes. However, their investment in A Bathing Ape (BAPE) in 2021 highlights their interest in fashion brands that may intersect with the athletic shoe market, particularly through collaborations and global expansion efforts.

7. 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 venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in Colizey, which raised $2,699,711 in a seed round in May 2020, and Barooders, a used-sporting-goods marketplace that secured €2.2 million in funding in September 2022. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in the sports and athletic goods market, aligning them with the athletic shoe industry.

8. Venrex

• Website: venrex.partners
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: venrex

Venrex is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses within consumer industries, providing both funding and strategic support to help these businesses thrive in competitive markets. Notably, Venrex has invested in TALA, an activewear label that raised significant funding to support its international expansion and product inventory, indicating a strong interest in the activewear sector. Additionally, Venrex has backed Jöttnar, a brand that focuses on outdoor and performance gear, further showcasing its engagement with companies that cater to active lifestyles. These transactions highlight Venrex's commitment to supporting businesses that align with athletic and activewear markets, making it a relevant player in the athletic shoe investment landscape.

9. Permira

• Website: permira.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: permira

Permira is a private equity investment firm based in London, England, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in private equity and credit solutions, partnering with management teams and entrepreneurs to drive growth and create long-term value across various sectors, including technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. Notably, Permira has made significant investments in the footwear industry, including the acquisition of Dr Martens, a well-known British footwear brand, for £300 million in 2013, aimed at expanding its global presence. In 2020, Permira acquired Golden Goose, an Italian brand specializing in sneakers, for 1.28 billion euros, reflecting the brand's strong revenue growth and potential in the athletic shoe market. These transactions highlight Permira's strategic focus on transforming businesses into market leaders within the footwear sector.

10. 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 several companies within the footwear sector, including a £3.5 million investment in Moda in Pelle to help the company expand its footwear stores and enhance its e-commerce capabilities. Additionally, BGF invested £3.75 million in Oliver Sweeney, which aims to implement a new marketing strategy and expand its licensing channels. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in the footwear industry, making them a significant player in the market.

11. 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, primarily targeting technology-enabled companies. Verdane provides capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale, with a focus on digitalization and decarbonization trends. Notably, Verdane has been involved in several transactions relevant to the athletic shoe context, including investments in Outnorth, a company that specializes in outdoor gear, and MM Sports, which also operates in the sports sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Silva, a provider of niche outdoor sports equipment, further highlights their engagement in the broader sports and outdoor market, which often intersects with athletic footwear.

12. 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. Notably, 3i has been involved in several transactions relevant to the footwear industry, including an investment in Clarks Americas in 1988, which is recognized for its range of shoes, including athletic options. Additionally, 3i acquired a significant minority stake in GO Outdoors in 2011, a retailer that offers outdoor gear and apparel, which may include athletic footwear. These transactions highlight 3i's historical engagement with companies in the footwear sector, although their recent focus appears to be broader and less specifically targeted at athletic shoes.

13. Apax

• Website: apax.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: apax-partners

Apax Partners LLP is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including technology, internet/consumer, healthcare, and services. Apax collaborates with management teams of high-potential companies to drive growth and innovation, serving institutional investors seeking to enhance their capital through strategic investments in private equity funds. Notably, Apax has made significant investments in the athletic shoe and apparel sector, including the acquisition of Cole Haan LLC from NIKE, Inc. for $570 million in 2013, which is a prominent brand in the athletic and lifestyle footwear market. Additionally, Apax acquired Spyder Active Sports in 2004, a company that focuses on active sports apparel, further demonstrating its engagement in the athletic industry.

Athletic Shoe Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Frasers Group	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1982	20
JD Sports	United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1981	1
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
Lvmh	Paris, Île-De-France, France	10001+	1987	11
Index Ventures	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
Cvc	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
Kima Ventures	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
Venrex	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2002	11
Permira	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	501-1000	1985	8
Bgf	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
Verdane	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	51-200	1985	7
3i Group plc	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3
Apax	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1981	8

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