The model kit manufacturing industry in Europe encompasses a variety of segments including plastic models, radio-controlled vehicles, and educational kits. Major players range from established brands like Hornby and Revell to innovative startups specializing in 3D printing technology. This industry appeals to a wide audience, from hobbyists to educators, and emphasizes creativity and craftsmanship. As demand for interactive and customizable products rises, manufacturers are increasingly incorporating digital technologies. Sustainable practices are also gaining traction, with companies pushing towards eco-friendly materials and processes. Overall, growth is expected as new generations discover model building as a hobby.


The investors featured in this list reflect a mixture of types, including venture capital firms, private equity groups, and corporate investors all operating across Europe. They are geographically concentrated in major cities, such as London and Paris, and vary in size, from small firms to large enterprises with thousands of employees. Founded between the mid-1960s and 2015, these investors show dynamism, each boasting impressive deal counts for 2024, signaling a robust interest in the model kit sector. This variety of investors indicates significant financial confidence and commitment to the industry's future potential.


Top 13 Model Kit Manufacturing 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. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the model kit manufacturing context, such as Fishy Filaments, which raised funds through equity crowdfunding on multiple occasions (2017, 2021, and 2023). Fishy Filaments produces 3D printing materials that are essential for model kit creation, showcasing Crowdcube's involvement in the model kit manufacturing industry.


2. 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. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Wow! Stuff, a toy development company, committing £4.8 million to help bring new products to market and foster innovation. This investment, along with their other transactions, highlights BGF's engagement in the toy industry, which is closely related to model kit manufacturing. Additionally, BGF has made investments in companies like RMS International UK Ltd and toucanBox, further demonstrating their interest in the toy and hobby sectors.


3. 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 private equity investment firm based in London, England, founded in 1945. The firm specializes in private equity and infrastructure investments, focusing on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies to help them grow sustainably. 3i Group has a diverse portfolio and a strong international presence. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the model kit manufacturing context, including the acquisition of Early Learning Centre in 2001 and investments in Giochi Preziosi in 2005, both of which are associated with toys and educational products. These transactions indicate 3i Group's engagement in sectors that align with model kit manufacturing, showcasing their capability to support growth in related industries.


4. 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, specializing in providing venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia focuses on ambitious startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the model kit manufacturing context, including a £500k funding round for BinaryBots, a company that produces robotic toys, and a £400,000 loan to Toyland Toyshop, which enhances their purchasing power for toy stock. Additionally, they have invested in AME Group, a product design company that is expanding its 3D print production service, which could be relevant for model kit manufacturing. Mercia operates through various funds and investment vehicles, emphasizing their commitment to supporting businesses across the UK.


5. AM Ventures


AM Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investments in additive manufacturing technologies, focusing on supporting startups and entrepreneurs in the industrial 3D printing sector. They provide funding and strategic guidance to foster innovation and growth in this rapidly evolving industry. Notable transactions include a $2 million seed round for Fortius Metals in 2024, aimed at scaling manufacturing capacity and accelerating market strategies. Additionally, they have invested in other companies like Lithoz and Cubicure, which are involved in 3D printing technologies. In 2022, AM Ventures closed a $100 million fund to back industrial 3D printing businesses, indicating their commitment to advancing this sector.


6. 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 commitment to sustainable finance, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. Notably, Ardian acquired Schleich in May 2014 for approximately $301 million, a company recognized for its high-quality figurines and toys, which are closely related to the model kit manufacturing industry. This strategic acquisition reflects Ardian's focus on investing in companies with strong market positions and growth potential. Additionally, Ardian has engaged in various other acquisitions, such as imes-icore, a CNC technology company, and Revere Plastics Systems, a plastic injection molding manufacturer, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio while maintaining a keen interest in sectors that could complement model kit manufacturing.


7. Portugal Ventures


Portugal Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Porto, Portugal, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in investing in startups with global ambitions, primarily located in Portugal. They provide capital and strategic support to help these startups grow and scale their operations. Portugal Ventures has a diverse investment portfolio, focusing on innovative projects across various sectors, including technology and health. Notably, they have invested in Science4you, which raised funds in 2008 and specializes in educational toys, and MICE - Molds, which raised funds in 2015 and is involved in mold manufacturing. These transactions suggest a potential interest in the educational and manufacturing sectors, which could relate to model kit production, although their primary focus appears to be broader than just model kits.


8. Tikehau Capital


Tikehau Capital is an investment management firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in alternative asset management. Founded in 2004, the firm offers a range of services including private debt, private equity, real assets, and capital markets strategies. Tikehau Capital serves a diverse clientele, including institutional and private investors, as well as SMEs seeking tailored financing solutions to support growth and sustainability initiatives. Notably, Tikehau Capital has made significant investments in various sectors, including a notable investment in Asmodee, a company involved in the gaming and hobby industry, which includes model kits. This investment, along with their other transactions, showcases their capability and willingness to engage with companies that may have relevance to the model kit manufacturing sector.


9. HZG Group

  • Website: hzg-group.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Coburg, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: hzg-group

HZG Group is a technology investment company based in Coburg, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1997. They specialize in venture capital funding and support early-stage technology firms, particularly in the field of additive manufacturing. In 2024, HZG Group has made three investments, including notable transactions such as Q.BIG 3D, which raised €2 million to launch a large-format 3D printer, and AIM3D, which is preparing for the series production of its ExAM 510 industrial printer. These investments highlight HZG Group's commitment to advancing technologies that are relevant to the model kit manufacturing sector, as 3D printing is increasingly utilized in creating detailed and customizable models.


10. 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, venture capital, and healthcare investments, providing capital and expertise to help companies navigate market challenges and scale their operations sustainably. Notably, Cathay Capital acquired K’NEX on May 24, 2016, a significant player in the model kit and construction toy market, showcasing their commitment to the model kit manufacturing industry. They have also participated in various funding rounds, including investments in companies like Kidsland and Tongshifu, which, while not directly related to model kits, reflect their broader interest in the toy and crafts sectors. Their diverse portfolio and strategic investments position them as a valuable partner for companies in the model kit manufacturing space.


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 investment strategies 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 model kits and figurines, indicating their active interest in the model kit manufacturing industry. This acquisition aims to support Schleich's international growth and enhance its online capabilities, showcasing Partners Group's strategic approach to investing in sectors with growth potential. Other transactions, such as the acquisition of Dynacast International and SPi Global, highlight their diverse investment portfolio, but it is the Schleich acquisition that directly connects them to the model kit manufacturing sector.


12. Hornby

  • Website: uk.hornby.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sandwich, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1907
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: hornby-hobbies-ltd

Hornby is a corporate investor based in Sandwich, England, specializing in model railway manufacturing and retail. Founded in 1907, Hornby has a long-standing history in the hobbyist market, providing a diverse range of model trains, accessories, and hobby supplies. The company operates primarily through its online store, catering to a community of model railway enthusiasts. Notably, Hornby has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the model kit manufacturing industry, including the acquisition of Corgi Classics in 2008 for £7.5 million, which added a well-known brand of die-cast models to their portfolio. Additionally, they acquired Hornby Deutschland in 2006, further expanding their reach in the European market. These transactions highlight Hornby's commitment to enhancing their product offerings and maintaining a strong presence in the model kit sector.


13. Deg

  • Website: deginvest.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1962
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: deg

DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH is a public entity based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1962. As a development finance institution, DEG provides long-term financing and advisory services to private enterprises in developing and emerging markets, with a focus on sustainable development and job creation. DEG supports businesses across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Notably, DEG was involved in the acquisition of Revell, a prominent model kit manufacturer, on April 16, 2018. This transaction highlights DEG's engagement in the model kit manufacturing sector, showcasing its interest in supporting and growing businesses within this industry. While DEG has also participated in other transactions across different sectors, its direct involvement with Revell positions it as a relevant investor in the model kit manufacturing space.



Model Kit Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
Mercia Asset Management PLCHenley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241
AM VenturesStarnberg, Bavaria, Germany1-1020153
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
Portugal VenturesPorto, Porto, Portugal11-5020126
Tikehau CapitalParis, Île-De-France, France501-100020046
HZG GroupCoburg, Bavaria, Germany11-5019973
Cathay CapitalParis, Île-De-France, France51-200200610
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
HornbySandwich, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019071
DegNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany501-1000196217


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