The textile machinery industry in Europe is a vital sector that designs, manufactures, and supplies equipment for producing textiles. The industry comprises companies ranging from large, established manufacturers to smaller, specialized firms, each contributing innovative solutions such as weaving machines, dyeing equipment, and automation systems. Driven by technological advancements, sustainability, and digitalization, the sector is evolving to address environmental concerns while enhancing productivity. As fashion and textile needs become more sophisticated, European firms are focusing on high-quality, sustainable machinery, positioning themselves competitively in a global market with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices.


In 2024, a mix of corporate and private equity investors made a notable impact in the European textile machinery sector. Headquartered across key cities like Luxembourg, Paris, Stockholm, and London, these investors vary in size and expertise, with deal counts ranging from one to over 200. Many were founded in the latter half of the 20th century, reflecting a legacy of commitment to innovation and industry growth. Companies like the European Investment Bank and Bpifrance demonstrate the significant financial backing existing for advancements in textile technology, underscoring changing investor interests in sustainability and efficiency.


Top 13 Textile Machinery Investors in Europe


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding transactions relevant to the textile industry, such as Resortecs, which raised nearly $2.6 million in grants and pre-seed funding for its innovative solutions in textile recycling. Additionally, Dimpora received over $1.9 million in grants for its work on sustainable textile technologies. TM Systems also received funding from the EIC, indicating the council's active role in supporting companies that may contribute to advancements in textile machinery and related technologies.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Among its notable transactions, Bpifrance invested in Tekyn, which raised $6,543,389 in a Series A round in March 2021, focusing on textile technology. Additionally, it participated in a €15 million Series B funding round for Primo1D in November 2021, aimed at increasing production capacity and installing new manufacturing equipment. Bpifrance also acquired a stake in Tesca in January 2024, and was part of a consortium that acquired the French cashmere label Eric Bompard in January 2018, further highlighting its involvement in the textile sector.


3. 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 through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has invested in several companies within the textile sector, including Coloreel, which raised $6,789,470 in 2016 for its innovative dyeing technology, and re:newcell, which secured $5,000,000 in 2019 for its sustainable textile recycling process. Other investments include HealthTextiles, Tini Garments, and Mimbly, all of which contribute to advancements in textile technology and sustainability. These transactions highlight Almi's commitment to supporting innovation in the textile industry.


4. 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, enabling businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process while promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the textile industry, such as Wool and the Gang, which raised $1,539,189 in 2015, and Flax London, which raised $280,187 in 2023. These companies focus on sustainable textiles and fashion, indicating Crowdcube's engagement with the textile sector. Additionally, Crowdcube has supported other businesses like Oxwash and Common Objective, which, while not directly related to textile machinery, contribute to the broader textile ecosystem.


5. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, EIB has participated in significant transactions relevant to the textile machinery industry, such as its investment in Spinnova, which raised $8,656,690 in a venture round in 2018, focusing on sustainable textile innovations. Additionally, EIB's involvement in Valmet, which raised $183,842,841 in post-IPO debt in 2023, highlights its commitment to supporting companies that may have applications in textile machinery. Furthermore, EIB's participation in the Series B financing of Magazino, which closed at €21 million, showcases its interest in technology that could intersect with textile machinery applications. These transactions illustrate EIB's active role in financing initiatives that align with the textile machinery sector, making it a relevant investor in this field.


6. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their investment strategies. Notably, Crédit Mutuel Equity has been involved in several transactions relevant to the textile machinery industry, including investments in Côté Textiles and Schappe Techniques, both of which operate within the textile sector. Additionally, their investment in Hunkeler, a company recognized for its textile machinery solutions, highlights their engagement in this industry. Through these investments, Crédit Mutuel Equity demonstrates its commitment to supporting growth and transformation in the textile machinery market.


7. Capvis AG

  • Website: capvis.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: capvis

Capvis AG is a private equity firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1990. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including healthcare and industrial technology. Capvis partners with institutional investors, such as pension funds, to provide long-term capital and strategic growth opportunities. The firm focuses on enhancing the market position of its portfolio companies through effective management and consulting. Notably, Capvis has made significant investments in the textile machinery sector, acquiring Uster Technologies in 2003, a leader in textile quality control systems, and Benninger in 2006, which specializes in textile machinery and systems. Additionally, Capvis acquired Hess Natur-Textilien GmbH in 2012, further showcasing its engagement in the textile industry. These transactions highlight Capvis's commitment to investing in companies that contribute to the textile machinery landscape.


8. 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 investments in the textile machinery industry, including the acquisition of FINN-POWER, a well-known manufacturer of textile machinery, on March 11, 2002. Additionally, they acquired Lillbacka Corporation, which is associated with textile machinery, on May 17, 2002. These transactions highlight EQT's commitment to supporting growth and innovation within the textile machinery sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


9. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm founded in 1997, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses. The firm focuses on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare, providing operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential. Notably, Triton has been involved in significant transactions within the textile machinery sector, including the acquisition of Battenfeld-cincinnati in 2007, which is a key player in the textile machinery industry. Additionally, their acquisition of Dunkermotoren GmbH and the United Grinding Group further demonstrates their engagement in industrial technology, which encompasses textile machinery. Their strategic investments aim to partner with management teams to address challenges and drive growth, making them a relevant player in the textile machinery investment landscape.


10. Montagu

  • Website: montagu.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1968
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: montagu-private-equity-llp

Montagu Private Equity is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1968. The firm specializes in investment management and growth strategies, partnering with management teams across various sectors to unlock their full potential through strategic investments and operational improvements. Montagu has a strong commitment to responsible investing and focuses on mid-market companies. Notably, Montagu has been involved in several significant transactions, including the acquisition of Texon International Group in 1995 for $222,243,967, which is relevant to the textile machinery industry. Additionally, they acquired ELIS in 1997 and Kalle in 2004, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio. While they also invest in sectors like healthcare and financial services, their involvement with Texon International Group highlights their relevance to the textile machinery sector.


11. Bayern Kapital

  • Website: bayernkapital.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Landshut, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: bayern-kapital-gmbh

Bayern Kapital is a venture capital firm based in Landshut, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in providing investment and growth capital to innovative high-tech startups and scale-ups in Bavaria. They support their clients with financial resources and access to a network of industry experts, helping them navigate the challenges of growth and development in various sectors, including life sciences and software. Notably, Bayern Kapital has invested in several companies relevant to the textile machinery industry, such as sewts, which focuses on automating processes in the textile sector, and Cevotec, which is developing software and production capabilities for textiles. Their participation in these transactions highlights their commitment to fostering innovation within the textile machinery space, making them a significant player in this industry.


12. Deutsche Beteiligungs AG

  • Website: dbag.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1965
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-beteiligungs-ag

Deutsche Beteiligungs AG (DBAG) is a private equity firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, specializing in investments in mid-sized companies. Founded in 1965, DBAG has over 55 years of experience in providing capital and advisory services to enhance the growth potential of its portfolio companies. While the firm primarily focuses on sectors such as telecommunications, IT services, software, and healthcare, it has also made significant investments in machinery-related companies. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Stephan Machinery GmbH for EUR 40 million, which is involved in machinery production, and the acquisition of Karl Eugen Fischer Group, a developer of cutting machines for the tyre industry. These transactions highlight DBAG's engagement in the machinery sector, which can be relevant to the textile machinery industry.


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, known for its high-end clothing, accessories, and beauty products. The company operates through boutiques and an online store, catering to affluent consumers. As an investor, Chanel has made significant moves in the textile sector, including acquiring a minority stake in Sophie Hallette, a French lacemaker, to preserve the historic lace industry. In 2022, Chanel acquired a 60% stake in FashionArt SpA, an Italian manufacturer specializing in high-end denim and fabrics, marking its first investment in the denim sector and emphasizing sustainable production. These strategic acquisitions enhance Chanel's production capabilities and commitment to quality textiles, making it a notable player in the textile machinery landscape.



Textile Machinery Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
Capvis AGBaar, Zug, Switzerland11-5019900
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
MontaguLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20019682
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527
Deutsche Beteiligungs AGFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany51-20019652
ChanelLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+18834


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