The fashion design industry in Europe epitomizes creativity and craftsmanship, featuring a blend of established houses, emerging designers, and innovative startups that redefine trends. Companies range from high-end luxury brands to contemporary streetwear labels, catering to a broad spectrum of consumers. The industry is increasingly adopting sustainable practices, responding to demand for eco-conscious fashion. Digital transformation is also reshaping how brands connect with customers, leveraging e-commerce and social media. As personal expression through fashion gains importance, European designers are blending tradition with modernity, paving the way for a future where style and sustainability coalesce.

The investors fueling Europe’s fashion design sector include a mix of venture capital firms, private equity groups, and corporate giants. Headquartered primarily in London and Paris, these investors range from startups with a few employees to massive entities with over 10,000 staff. Founded between 1963 and 2015, their historical roots shape their strategic approaches. In 2024, they closed numerous deals—over 400 in total—fuelling innovation and promoting growth in the fashion industry. Their involvement supports a vibrant ecosystem where creativity meets capital, harnessing the potential of both established brands and emerging talents.

Top 13 Fashion Design 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 within the fashion design sector, including The Fold, a luxury women’s workwear brand that raised £1.7 million, and Threads Styling, which raised over $1.8 million. Other fashion-related investments include Beara Beara and Crumpet Cashmere, both of which successfully raised funds through equity crowdfunding. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting the fashion industry.

2. 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 multiple 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. Notably, LVMH has made strategic acquisitions in the fashion sector, including Fendi in 2001 and Céline in 1996, which have strengthened its portfolio. In 2019, LVMH acquired a minority stake in Stella McCartney, a brand recognized for its commitment to sustainability, further showcasing its investment strategy in the fashion design space. These transactions highlight LVMH's active role in shaping the fashion industry and its dedication to fostering innovative and luxury fashion brands.

3. 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 invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, but has also made significant investments in the fashion industry. Notable transactions include a $20 million Series C investment in Farfetch in 2013 and a $15 million Series A investment in Anine Bing, a luxury womenswear brand, in 2018. Additionally, Index Ventures invested $40 million in Nasty Gal during its Series B round in 2012, further emphasizing their commitment to supporting fashion brands. Through these investments, Index Ventures provides capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of growing their businesses in the competitive fashion landscape.

4. 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. The company operates various brands in the sports and fashion sectors, including Sports Direct and Jack Wills, and offers a diverse range of products such as clothing, footwear, and sporting goods. In recent years, Frasers Group has made significant investments in the fashion industry, including the acquisition of Matches Fashion Limited for approximately £80 million in December 2023, showcasing their commitment to expanding their fashion portfolio. Additionally, they have participated in post-IPO equity transactions with notable fashion brands such as Hugo Boss, Mulberry Group, and ASOS, indicating their active role in supporting and investing in the fashion design sector. Through these transactions, Frasers Group aims to enhance its retail offerings and cater to consumers seeking diverse fashion options.

5. 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 a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several key transactions in the fashion industry, particularly with Vestiaire Collective, a global platform for pre-owned fashion. Bpifrance participated in multiple funding rounds for Vestiaire Collective, including a $208 million Series I round in September 2021 and a $64 million funding round in April 2020, showcasing its commitment to the fashion sector and its potential for future growth. Additionally, Bpifrance's involvement in the Series A funding for Faircraft further highlights its engagement in innovative ventures within the fashion and related industries.

6. 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 founded in 2002, based in London, England, with a focus on early-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses within consumer industries. The firm provides funding and strategic support to help these businesses grow and succeed in competitive markets. Venrex has been involved in several notable transactions in the fashion design context, particularly with Lyst, a leading fashion e-commerce platform. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Lyst, including a Series A round in 2012, another Series A round in 2013, a Series C round in 2015, and a Series D round in 2021, totaling over $125 million in investments. This involvement highlights Venrex's commitment to the fashion industry, making them a relevant player in the fashion design investment space.

7. 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 founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm focuses on providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland, addressing the funding gap in the market. BGF has been involved in several notable transactions within the fashion design sector, including a £4 million investment in Sophia Webster, a British accessories designer, aimed at accelerating international growth. They also invested £3.75 million in Oliver Sweeney to enhance marketing strategies and introduce new licensing channels. Additionally, BGF provided £8 million to Strathberry, a luxury accessories brand, to support product development and international expansion. Their investment of £3.5 million in Moda in Pelle was intended to help the company open new stores and enhance its e-commerce capabilities. These transactions highlight BGF's commitment to fostering growth in the fashion design industry.

8. 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 London-based private equity investment firm founded in 1985, specializing in private equity and credit solutions. The firm partners 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 several strategic investments in the fashion industry, including the acquisition of Hugo Boss in 2007, a significant player in the global fashion market. In 2007, they also acquired a 29.6% stake in Valentino Fashion Group, further solidifying their presence in the fashion sector. More recently, in 2019, Permira acquired Reformation, a sustainable fashion brand, and in 2020, they purchased the Italian sneaker brand Golden Goose for 1.28 billion euros. Additionally, their acquisition of Schustermann & Borenstein, a leading German omnichannel premium fashion retailer, highlights their commitment to the fashion industry. These transactions reflect Permira's strategy to transform businesses into market leaders, particularly within the fashion design context.

9. 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, specializing in retailing sports and lifestyle apparel and footwear. Founded in 1981, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and operates both online and through physical stores. In recent years, JD Sports has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the fashion industry. Notably, in 2021, JD Sports acquired a majority stake in Missy Empire, an online fashion retailer, to strengthen its position in the young fast fashion market. Additionally, they acquired Oi Polloi, a Manchester-based menswear independent, further diversifying their offerings in the fashion sector. JD Sports also acquired Pretty Green, a brand known for its stylish menswear, in 2019. These transactions reflect JD Sports' commitment to expanding its influence in the fashion design landscape, making it a relevant investor in this category.

10. 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 to help them grow. Notably, Kima Ventures has participated in several transactions relevant to the fashion design industry, including investments in Dagne Dover, a New York-based handbag brand, which raised seed funding to support growth initiatives such as hiring and expanding their collection. Additionally, Kima Ventures was involved in the seed funding round for Futures Factory, a French marketplace focused on selling sneakers, indicating their active role in the fashion sector. Their diverse portfolio showcases their commitment to nurturing innovative startups, including those in the fashion design space.

11. 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 mid-market investments across various sectors, including fashion. The firm has a strong international presence and aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i has made significant investments in the fashion industry, including the acquisition of luxury lingerie retailer Agent Provocateur in 2007, the ladies' clothing and shoe chain Hobbs in 2004 for £111 million, and a stake in the fashion and lifestyle brand Gant in 2003, partnering with L Capital. Additionally, 3i has provided funding to Soya Concept, further showcasing its commitment to the fashion sector. These transactions highlight 3i's role as an active investor in fashion design, complementing its broader investment strategy.

12. HV Capital

• Website: hvcapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 28
• LinkedIn: hvventures

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit, managing over €2.8 billion in assets. HV Capital has a diverse portfolio, with notable investments in the fashion industry, including Stylight, a fashion comparison shopping platform, and Depop, a social shopping platform that has gained popularity among young shoppers. Stylight raised funds in both seed and Series A rounds, while Depop has seen significant investment through multiple funding rounds, including Series A, B, and C, totaling over $62 million. These transactions highlight HV Capital's engagement in the fashion sector, making them a relevant player in the fashion design investment landscape.

13. 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, specializing in high-end clothing, accessories, and beauty products. The company is known for its commitment to elegance and sophistication, catering to affluent consumers through its boutiques and online store. In recent years, Chanel has made several strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the fashion design industry. Notably, in 2022, Chanel acquired a 60% stake in FashionArt SpA, an Italian manufacturer specializing in sustainable high-end denim, marking its first investment in the denim sector. In 2024, Chanel further expanded its leather supply chain by acquiring the Italian tannery Conceria Gaiera Giovanni, emphasizing its dedication to quality craftsmanship. Additionally, Chanel has invested in the historic lace industry by acquiring a minority stake in the French lacemaker Sophie Hallette in 2016. These transactions highlight Chanel's focus on vertical integration and sustainability within the luxury fashion market, reinforcing its status as a key player in the fashion design industry.

Fashion Design Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Crowdcube	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
Lvmh	Paris, Île-De-France, France	10001+	1987	11
Index Ventures	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
Frasers Group	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1982	20
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
Venrex	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2002	11
Bgf	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
Permira	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	501-1000	1985	8
JD Sports	United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1981	1
Kima Ventures	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
3i Group plc	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3
HV Capital	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	11-50	2000	28
Chanel	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1883	4

Want to find more investors focusing on the fashion design industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the fashion designindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
• Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
• Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
• ...and much more!