The fashion design industry in the Nordics thrives on innovation and sustainability, with numerous brands emphasizing ethical practices. Companies range from high-end fashion houses to e-commerce platforms specializing in niche markets, showcasing unique designs that reflect cultural nuances. The industry is also heavily influenced by technology, as many brands adopt digital solutions to enhance consumer engagement and streamline production. With increasing awareness of environmental issues, sustainable fashion is gaining traction, setting a trend for future growth. Notably, collaborations with local artisans and an emphasis on transparency are shaping the industry's direction toward a more responsible future.


This list showcases a variety of investors in the Nordic fashion design industry, including private equity firms, venture capitalists, and corporate investors. Heading from Oslo to Stockholm, these firms differ in size and strategy, with ages spanning decades. In 2024 alone, some participated in numerous deals while others strategically opted out. Among them, notable investors include Verdane and EQT Group, reflecting the robust engagement in fashion investments across the region. Together, these investors play a pivotal role in shaping the market dynamics and supporting innovative fashion ventures.


Top 13 Fashion Design Investors in the Nordics


1. 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. Specializing in growth equity investments, Verdane focuses on technology-enabled companies, providing capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale. Their investment strategy emphasizes digitalization and decarbonization trends. Notably, Verdane has been involved in several transactions relevant to the fashion industry, including the acquisition of WoolOvers, a consumer brand, which aims to drive online and international growth. Additionally, they invested in Centra, a Stockholm-based SaaS e-commerce platform that supports fashion and lifestyle businesses, highlighting their commitment to enhancing the operational efficiency of companies within the fashion sector.


2. eEquity

  • Website: eequity.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: eequity

eEquity is a Stockholm-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in growth equity with a focus on digitally enabled business models primarily in the Nordics. The firm partners with entrepreneurs in various sectors, including technology and retail, providing both capital and strategic support to help scale businesses into regional and global leaders. Notably, eEquity has invested in several fashion-related companies, including SON OF A TAILOR, which raised $5,545,452 in a Series A round in 2020, and KidsBrandStore, a Swedish e-commerce platform for children's fashion, which received SEK 60M in funding to expand its operations in the Nordic countries. Additionally, eEquity has invested in John Henric, a brand known for its menswear, raising $7,352,092 in 2022. These transactions highlight eEquity's active role in the fashion design industry.


3. Kinnevik

  • Website: kinnevik.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1936
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: investment-ab-kinnevik

Kinnevik is an investment company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1936. They specialize in partnering with innovative entrepreneurs across various sectors, including healthcare, software, marketplaces, and climate tech. Kinnevik provides both capital and operational support to help companies scale and create long-term value. Notably, Kinnevik has been involved in several key transactions within the fashion industry, such as their investments in Global Fashion Group, which operates Jabong, and ZALORA, a leading online beauty and fashion store in Southeast Asia. They also participated in funding rounds for Panache Haute Couture and Namshi, further solidifying their presence in the fashion design sector. These transactions highlight Kinnevik's strategic interest in redefining industries and addressing global challenges through investments in fashion-related companies.


4. 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 specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has invested in several companies within the fashion design context, including Tini Garments, which raised $230,145 in a seed round in 2021, and re:newcell, which secured $5,000,000 in a venture round in 2019. Other relevant transactions include investments in Virtusize and Coloreel, which further highlight Almi's engagement in the fashion industry. These transactions reflect Almi's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the fashion sector, making them a relevant player in this investment category.


5. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant strides in the fashion design industry, acquiring CBR Group in 2007, which focuses on women's clothing and has seen substantial growth, and Eton Group AB in 2015, known for its premium men's shirts. These strategic acquisitions highlight EQT's commitment to expanding its portfolio in the fashion sector, alongside its broader investment activities.


6. 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 fashion design context, including the acquisition of a majority stake in Ideal of Sweden, a prominent Swedish design brand known for its stylish accessories. They also participated in the investment round for Oceansapart, a brand that emphasizes soulful clothing. Other transactions include investments in Dale of Norway and Revolution Race, which further highlight their engagement in the fashion industry. Through these investments, Altor demonstrates a commitment to supporting and growing fashion brands, aligning with their broader investment strategy of fostering sustainable growth.


7. Wellstreet

  • Website: wellstreet.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: wellstreet

Wellstreet is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily targeting Nordic tech companies. Wellstreet provides entrepreneurs with essential resources, including capital and strategic support, to foster growth and innovation. While their main focus is on sectors like FinTech, E-commerce, and GreenTech, they have also invested in several fashion-related companies. Notable transactions include Scandinavian Man, which raised $430,000 in 2019, Power Woman, which raised an undisclosed amount in 2018, and Sir of Sweden, which secured funding in a seed round in 2016. Additionally, Anatomic Studios and Icaniwill, both of which are involved in fashion, received significant funding from Wellstreet, further demonstrating their engagement in the fashion design industry.


8. Bestseller


Bestseller is a corporate investor based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1975. As a prominent fashion retailer, Bestseller operates a variety of brands that provide stylish clothing and accessories at competitive prices, catering to consumers through both physical stores and online platforms. In recent years, Bestseller has been involved in notable transactions within the fashion industry, including a significant investment in ASOS, where they participated in a post-IPO equity round raising approximately $92.6 million in May 2023. Additionally, they have invested in Miinto, a Danish fashion portal, across multiple funding rounds, including a €20 million capital raise for international expansion in January 2021, and earlier rounds in 2016 and 2019, demonstrating their commitment to supporting fashion technology and e-commerce ventures. This active engagement in the fashion sector highlights Bestseller's role as a key investor in the fashion design industry.


9. Litorina

  • Website: litorina.se
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: litorina

Litorina is a private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in private equity investments in Nordic niche market-leading companies, partnering with management teams and entrepreneurs to provide capital, strategic guidance, and operational support aimed at driving growth and value creation. Litorina has a notable focus on well-managed, profitable companies within the business services and consumer sectors. Among their relevant transactions, Litorina acquired Care of Carl, a Swedish online retailer of men's fashion, in 2011 and again in 2018, highlighting their commitment to the fashion industry. They also acquired Eton, a renowned brand in the fashion sector, in 2012. These transactions demonstrate Litorina's active role in the fashion design market, making them a significant player in this industry.


10. Accent Equity


Accent Equity is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in investments in private Nordic companies, focusing on enhancing the value of its portfolio through strategic management and investment. Accent Equity aims to create sustainable growth and superior returns for its clients across various sectors. Notably, they have made significant investments in the fashion industry, including the acquisition of East.dk ApS and EAST, both of which are companies focused on fashion and growth. Additionally, their portfolio includes other companies like Unisport, HOOKS HASTSPORT, and Textilia, showcasing their diverse investment strategy while maintaining a foothold in the fashion sector.


11. Nordic Capital

  • Website: nordiccapital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: nordic-capital

Nordic Capital is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in investments across various sectors, including healthcare and technology, but has also made significant strides in the fashion retail industry. Notably, Nordic Capital acquired a majority stake in Gina Tricot, a Swedish fashion retail chain, in July 2014, showcasing its commitment to the fashion sector. Additionally, the firm reacquired Ellos Group AB, a leading Nordic e-commerce group focused on fashion and home products, in June 2022 after the company faced insolvency. These transactions highlight Nordic Capital's strategic interest in fashion-related businesses, as they aim to partner with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements while focusing on sustainable investment opportunities.


12. CapMan

  • Website: capman.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: capman

CapMan Oyj is a private equity investment management firm based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and natural capital investments, catering to institutional investors seeking diverse strategies for sustainable returns. CapMan has a strong presence in the Nordic markets and leverages its expertise to manage funds and drive value creation. Notably, CapMan has been involved in several transactions relevant to the fashion design context, including the investment in Finlayson, a company recognized for its textile products, and the acquisition of Norum, which may also have connections to the fashion industry. These transactions highlight CapMan's engagement with the fashion sector, making it a noteworthy player in this space.


13. New Wave Group

  • Website: nwg.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: new-wave-group

New Wave Group AB, founded in 1990 and based in Gothenburg, Sweden, is a corporate investor specializing in the clothing manufacturing and brand ownership sectors. The company focuses on creating, acquiring, and developing brands and products across various segments, including corporate apparel, sportswear, gifts, and home products. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Cutter & Buck Inc., a designer of upscale golf and sportswear, for $156.5 million in 2007, which expanded their offerings in the sportswear market. In 2023, they acquired Tenson AB, an outdoor brand, to enhance their presence in the outdoor apparel segment. Additionally, their acquisition of BTC Activewear in 2022 for £33 million further solidified their position in the UK market, allowing them to integrate their own brands with BTC's multi-brand distribution. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate New Wave Group's commitment to expanding its influence in the fashion design industry.



Fashion Design Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
VerdaneOslo, Oslo, Norway51-20019857
eEquityStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5020100
KinnevikStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-50193610
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Altor Equity PartnersStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden51-20020036
WellstreetStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1-1020163
BestsellerOslo, Oslo, Norway10001+19750
LitorinaStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019980
Accent EquityStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019944
Nordic CapitalStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-500198910
CapManHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland51-20019894
New Wave GroupGothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden1001-500019900


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