Top 13 Investors in Gymnastics Apparel Europe
Top 13 Investors in Gymnastics Apparel Europe
The gymnastics apparel industry in Europe is thriving, characterized by an array of brands specializing in activewear tailored for gymnasts at all levels. Companies range from established heavyweights to innovative startups, offering products such as leotards, warm-ups, and accessories. The marketplace is increasingly focused on sustainable practices, integrating eco-friendly materials into their designs. Athleisure trends are also influencing product lines, allowing gymnastics apparel to transition from training grounds to everyday wear. Customers now prioritize not only style and performance but also the ethical implications of their choices, propelling brands toward greener manufacturing processes.
The list of gymnastics apparel investors showcases a mix of venture capital and corporate players, primarily based in England, France, and Sweden. Ranging in size from small firms to large corporations, these investors have varied approaches, with many founded in the last two decades. By 2024, they engaged in multiple deals within the apparel market, demonstrating robust interest in supporting the growth and innovation of companies linked to gymnastics. Together, these investors signal confidence in the sector's evolution and increasing market demand for specialized apparel.
Top 13 Gymnastics Apparel 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 a variety of 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. The company has made significant acquisitions that enhance its position in the sports and fitness markets. Notably, in 2007, Frasers Group acquired Everlast Worldwide, a brand known for its boxing and fitness apparel, which could extend to gymnastics-related products. Additionally, the acquisition of DW Sports in 2020 included assets related to gym and fitness businesses, further solidifying their presence in the fitness sector. These transactions indicate Frasers Group's strategic focus on expanding its portfolio in areas that may encompass gymnastics apparel, making them a relevant player in this market.
2. 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. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has participated in funding rounds for companies like Circle Sportswear, which focuses on sports apparel, and i-Run, a retailer of sports shoes and apparel. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's engagement in the sportswear sector, making it a relevant player in the gymnastics apparel market.
3. 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, specializing in early-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses within consumer industries. Founded in 2002, the firm has a strong focus on providing funding and strategic support to help businesses grow in competitive markets. Notably, Venrex has invested in TALA, an activewear label founded by Grace Beverley, which raised $5.7 million in a funding round led by Venrex. This investment aims to support TALA's international expansion and product inventory, highlighting Venrex's commitment to the activewear sector. Additionally, Venrex has invested in other brands like Jöttnar and Orlebar Brown, further showcasing their interest in consumer-focused businesses. Their portfolio reflects a diverse approach to investing in the activewear market, which includes potential opportunities in gymnastics apparel.
4. 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 Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in early-stage investments across diverse sectors. The firm is known for its rapid investment pace, backing two startups per week, and providing them with essential 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, indicating their interest in the sports and apparel market. They also participated in funding rounds for HARDLOOP, a French outdoor sports e-tailer, which raised €3 million in January 2022, showcasing their commitment to companies focused on sports and environmentally responsible products. Although Kima Ventures has not directly invested in gymnastics apparel, their portfolio includes companies related to sports, suggesting a potential openness to this sector.
5. 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, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1969. The firm specializes in private equity, private debt, and real assets, providing tailored investment strategies to businesses across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Eurazeo has made significant investments in the activewear market, such as their funding of Bandier, a US-based activewear retailer, which raised $34.4 million to support its growth and digital expansion. Additionally, Eurazeo has invested in brands like Axel Arigato, a sneaker brand, indicating their interest in the broader apparel and activewear sectors. These transactions highlight Eurazeo's capability and willingness to invest in companies that align with the activewear and potentially gymnastics apparel market.
6. Pembroke VCT
- Website: pembrokevct.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2013
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 5
- LinkedIn: pembroke-vct
Pembroke VCT is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in managing investments in growth-stage companies across various sectors, including consumer goods, business services, and technology. Pembroke VCT aims to provide funding and strategic support to innovative businesses, helping them realize their growth potential. Notably, Pembroke VCT has participated in funding rounds for companies like TALA, an activewear label, which raised significant capital for international expansion and product development. They also invested in Heist Studios, a company focused on reinventing tights, and PlayerLayer, which is involved in sports apparel. These transactions highlight Pembroke VCT's engagement in the activewear sector, making them a relevant player in the gymnastics apparel market.
7. 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 investments. The firm focuses on digitally enabled business models primarily in the Nordics, partnering with entrepreneurs in the technology and retail sectors. Notably, eEquity has invested in companies relevant to the gymnastics apparel industry, such as Aim'n, which raised $6.6 million in 2020, indicating a commitment to activewear. They also invested SEK 50 million (approximately $5.8 million) in PS of Sweden, a retail business that could potentially include gymnastics apparel in its offerings. Additionally, eEquity has supported KidsBrandStore, which operates in the fashion sector for children, further showcasing their engagement in the apparel market. These transactions highlight eEquity's strategic focus on scaling businesses in the retail and apparel sectors, aligning with the interests of gymnastics apparel investors.
8. Felix Capital
- Website: felixcap.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 11
- LinkedIn: felix-capital
Felix Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in digital lifestyle brands and enabling technologies, providing both venture capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs. Notably, Felix Capital has participated in funding rounds for brands like Castore, which focuses on functional athletic apparel, indicating their involvement in the sportswear market. Additionally, they have invested in Athos, a company that develops smart apparel for fitness, further showcasing their interest in the athletic and potentially gymnastics apparel sectors. Their diverse portfolio reflects a commitment to fostering innovation in the technology and lifestyle sectors, making them a relevant player in the broader athletic apparel landscape.
9. True.
- Website: true.global
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2014
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 4
- LinkedIn: truegloballive
True. is a private equity investment firm based in London, England, founded in 2014. They specialize in venture capital and private equity, focusing on the retail, consumer, and technology sectors. True provides funding, innovation support, and strategic guidance to both startups and established brands, helping them navigate market challenges and achieve growth. Notably, True has made significant investments in the apparel sector, including the acquisition of Apparel Brands, which owns several clothing brands, and Frugi, a leading organic children's clothing maker. These transactions highlight True's commitment to the apparel industry, positioning them as a potential investor in gymnastics apparel as well.
10. Active Partners
- Website: active.partners
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2004
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 10
- LinkedIn: activepartners
Active Partners is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2004. They specialize in partnering with visionary founders to build iconic consumer brands, providing investment management and business support services to help these brands grow and redefine their categories. Active Partners focuses on mission-driven companies that inspire and delight consumers, primarily in the consumer goods sector. Notably, they have invested in TALA, an activewear label founded by Grace Beverley, which raised significant funding to support its international expansion and product inventory. This investment highlights their commitment to the activewear market, which is relevant to gymnastics apparel. Additionally, they have been involved in other consumer brands like Rapha and Finisterre, showcasing their diverse portfolio in the consumer goods space.
11. Midlands Engine Investment Fund
- Website: meif.co.uk
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Sheffield, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2017
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 10
- LinkedIn: midlands-engine-investment-fund
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) is a venture capital entity established in 2017, aimed at providing investment and funding options to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Midlands region of the UK. The fund offers a variety of financial products, including Small Business Loans, Debt Finance, Equity Finance, and Proof-of-Concept funding, to support local business growth. Notably, MEIF has invested in Silverback Gym Wear, a gym wear brand, providing £650,000 to help the company expand its operations and product offerings. This investment highlights MEIF's commitment to supporting businesses in the gymnastics apparel sector. Additionally, they have invested in other apparel companies, such as Velobici, a cycling apparel brand, and Oneskee, a snow apparel brand, showcasing their broader interest in the apparel industry.
12. 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 is a corporate investor based in Gothenburg, Sweden, founded in 1990. The company specializes in creating, acquiring, and developing brands and products across various sectors, including corporate, sports, gifts, and home. They serve both businesses and consumers, providing a diverse range of high-quality apparel and promotional products. Notably, New Wave Group has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its market presence. For instance, they acquired Craft North America, a company known for its sportswear, which aligns with the gymnastics apparel market. Additionally, their acquisition of Cutter & Buck Inc., a designer of upscale sportswear, further demonstrates their commitment to the sports apparel sector. Their recent acquisition of BTC Activewear, a multi-brand distributor of clothing and accessories, also indicates their strategy to strengthen their offerings in the apparel market. These transactions highlight New Wave Group's active role in the sportswear industry, making them a potential investor in gymnastics apparel.
13. Redrice Ventures
- Website: redriceventures.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2018
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 5
- LinkedIn: redrice-ventures
Redrice Ventures is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2018, specializing in supporting early-stage companies in creating premium consumer brands and related B2B tech solutions. They provide strategic and operational support to help these companies grow and connect with a community of entrepreneurs. Notable transactions include investments in Castore, a luxury sportswear brand, and Hylo Athletics, an athletic footwear startup. These investments reflect their commitment to the sportswear market, which is relevant to gymnastics apparel. Additionally, their participation in funding rounds for brands like By Rotation, a fashion rental startup, showcases their interest in innovative consumer brands, further indicating their potential relevance to the gymnastics apparel sector.
Gymnastics Apparel Insights: Key Investors in Europe
Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Kima Ventures | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 1-10 | 2010 | 50 |
Eurazeo | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 201-500 | 1969 | 40 |
Pembroke VCT | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 11-50 | 2013 | 5 |
eEquity | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 2010 | 0 |
Felix Capital | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 11-50 | 2015 | 11 |
True. | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 11-50 | 2014 | 4 |
Active Partners | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 11-50 | 2004 | 10 |
Midlands Engine Investment Fund | Sheffield, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 201-500 | 2017 | 10 |
New Wave Group | Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden | 1001-5000 | 1990 | 0 |
Redrice Ventures | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 1-10 | 2018 | 5 |
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