The leather footwear industry in DACH is a vibrant sector that comprises manufacturers, retailers, and e-commerce platforms. From classic artisan shoe makers to innovative sneaker brands, companies cater to various consumer preferences, providing products that balance style, comfort, and sustainability. Recent trends include a shift towards ethical sourcing and technological enhancements, like customized fitting solutions. Many brands are now prioritizing eco-friendly materials and production processes. This adaptability continues to attract a growing consumer base, highlighting the industry's potential for future growth and expansion in international markets.


In 2024, the DACH region saw significant investment activities from 14 distinct players in the leather footwear sector. This list includes both venture capital firms and private equity houses, with headquarters ranging from Munich to Geneva. The investors vary in size, from small firms with fewer than ten employees to large corporations boasting over 10,000. Established between 1997 and 2016, these entities participated in substantial deals, reflecting a keen interest in innovative brands like M.Gemi and Scarosso, signaling a dynamic investment climate in the footwear space.


Top 14 Leather Footwear Investors in DACH


1. Acton Capital


Acton Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in investing in startups at the Series A stage and beyond. They provide financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Notably, Acton Capital has invested in Koio, a luxury sneaker brand, which raised a total of $9 million in Series A funding. This investment highlights Acton Capital's engagement in the footwear industry, particularly in the luxury segment. Their focus on helping companies develop tailored growth strategies aligns with their investment in Koio, which aims to enhance footwear designs and expand its retail presence. Overall, Acton Capital's diverse portfolio and specific involvement in the footwear sector position them as a relevant player in the leather footwear investment landscape.


2. Richemont

  • Website: richemont.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bellevue, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1988
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: richemont

Compagnie Financière Richemont S.A. is a luxury goods company based in Bellevue, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1988. It specializes in the production and sale of high-end jewellery, watches, leather goods, and fashion accessories, catering to affluent consumers seeking exclusive products. In recent years, Richemont has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the leather sector. Notably, in July 2023, Richemont acquired a 70% stake in Gianvito Rossi, an Italian footwear brand, for over 100 million euros, aiming to support the brand's global development. Prior to that, in July 2021, Richemont acquired the Belgian luxury leather-goods brand Delvaux for approximately US$300 million, and in November 2017, it took a 100% stake in the Italian leather brand Serapian. These transactions highlight Richemont's focus on expanding its expertise and offerings in the leather goods and footwear market.


3. Burda Principal Investments


Burda Principal Investments is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in growth stage investments primarily in digital technology and media companies. They provide long-term growth equity to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate financial challenges for expansion. Among their notable transactions, they led a $16 million Series C funding round for M.Gemi, a luxury footwear brand known for its direct-to-consumer model, which highlights their engagement in the leather footwear market. Additionally, they have invested in Miinto, a fashion platform, which, while not exclusively focused on footwear, indicates their broader interest in the fashion industry. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting innovative companies across Europe, the U.S., and Asia, including those in the leather footwear sector.


4. IBB Ventures


IBB Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in early-stage financing and has invested in over 270 startups, providing not only capital but also expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive. Among their notable transactions, IBB Ventures invested in Scarosso, which raised $11 million in a Series B round in September 2014, highlighting their engagement in the leather footwear industry. Additionally, they have been involved in other fashion-related investments, such as Outfittery, which raised significant funding across multiple rounds, indicating their broader interest in the fashion and retail sectors.


5. Hannover Finanz

  • Website: hannoverfinanz.de
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: hannoverfinanz

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. Hannover Finanz has been involved in notable transactions in the leather footwear sector, including the acquisition of Ludwig Reiter Schuhmanufaktur GmbH in 2010, which is recognized for its high-quality leather shoes. Additionally, they participated in a funding round for Franz Ziener GmbH & Co. KG, a company that also operates in the footwear industry. These transactions highlight Hannover Finanz's commitment to investing in the leather footwear market while also addressing broader business challenges such as succession and restructuring.


6. 3TS Capital Partners


3TS Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in technology-focused private equity and venture capital, providing expansion capital and buyout funding to small and medium-sized enterprises in growth sectors, particularly in technology, internet, media, and communications. Notably, 3TS Capital Partners has been involved in significant transactions within the footwear industry, such as their investment in SafeSize, a Greek startup that offers innovative 3D foot analysis and shoe recommendation solutions. This investment, which included a €14 million Series B funding round in March 2023, highlights their engagement in the footwear sector, particularly in enhancing customer experience through technology. Their previous investments in SafeSize also include a €3 million investment in a Series B round in December 2016, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting growth in the footwear technology space.


7. Hubert Burda Media

  • Website: burda.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 1903
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: hubert-burda-media

Hubert Burda Media is a corporate investor based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 1903. The company specializes in media and technology, focusing on publishing and creating engaging content across various platforms. They serve consumers with media products and businesses with B2B services and investment opportunities in digital technology. Notably, Hubert Burda Media has made significant investments in the fashion and footwear sector, including a Series C funding round for M.Gemi, a luxury footwear brand, where they led a $16 million investment. This involvement highlights their interest in the leather footwear market, despite their broader focus on sustainability and innovation across multiple divisions.


8. adidas

  • Website: adidas-group.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1949
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: adidas

Adidas, founded in 1949 and headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany, is a leading sportswear manufacturer and retailer. The company specializes in a wide range of athletic footwear and apparel, catering to athletes, sports teams, and consumers. Adidas is committed to innovation and sustainability, operating through direct sales and community initiatives. Notably, adidas has made significant acquisitions that enhance its presence in the footwear market, including the acquisition of Reebok International for $3.8 billion in 2005, which bolstered its portfolio of athletic footwear, including leather options. Additionally, their acquisition of TaylorMade Golf and Adams Golf further demonstrates their strategy to diversify and strengthen their brand presence, although these are not directly related to leather footwear. Overall, adidas's involvement in the leather footwear sector, particularly through Reebok, positions them as a relevant investor in this category.


9. Paragon Partners

  • Website: paragon.de
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: paragon-partners_2

Paragon Partners GmbH is a private equity investment firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in private equity investments in established medium-sized enterprises, providing capital and strategic support to enhance business operations and foster growth. Among their notable transactions, Paragon Partners acquired 7days Marc Staperfeld GmbH, a company in the leather footwear sector, in a deal announced on November 26, 2020. This acquisition highlights their engagement in the leather footwear industry. Additionally, they have made other acquisitions, such as POLO Motorrad in 2012 and DICTUM in 2004, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio while still maintaining a presence in sectors related to leather goods.


10. Leanox Impact Capital

  • Website: leanox.eu
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: leanox

Leanox Impact Capital is an impact investment firm based in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm focuses on funding startups that drive social and environmental change across various sectors, including ClimateTech and HealthTech. Notably, Leanox has invested in Ponto Footwear, participating in both a Seed Round in March 2022 and a Series A round in October 2022. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting innovative companies in the leather footwear industry, particularly those that may emphasize sustainability and ethical practices. Leanox aims to empower entrepreneurs with impactful business ideas, making them a relevant player in the leather footwear investment landscape.


11. Mirabaud Asset Management


Mirabaud Asset Management is an asset management firm based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in investment strategies across various asset classes, including equities, fixed income, and private assets. They provide tailored investment solutions to a diverse clientele, focusing on sustainable and high-conviction strategies to navigate complex financial markets. Notably, Mirabaud has participated in significant transactions such as the Series A funding for La Bouche Rouge Paris, which raised over $11 million and is involved in the leather goods sector. This investment reflects their commitment to supporting innovative brands within the leather industry, particularly those that emphasize sustainability. Additionally, they were involved in the Series C funding for MycoWorks, a company focused on sustainable materials, showcasing their broader interest in sustainable innovation.


12. GoBeyond


GoBeyond is a venture capital investment platform based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2008. The firm specializes in connecting investors with early-stage startups, offering services such as individual portfolio investing, access to curated deal flow, and investment training. Notably, GoBeyond has been involved in several funding rounds for ShoeSize.Me, a company that focuses on shoe sizing technology, which is pertinent to the leather footwear industry. They participated in funding rounds for ShoeSize.Me in 2017, 2018, and 2019, indicating a sustained interest in the footwear sector. Additionally, GoBeyond has invested in Hamac, another startup, further showcasing their engagement with innovative companies. Overall, GoBeyond's activities reflect a commitment to supporting startups that may impact the leather footwear market.


13. Endeavour Vision

  • Website: endeavourvision.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: vision-capital

Endeavour Vision is a venture capital investment advisory firm based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in providing investment and strategic guidance primarily to healthcare technology companies, aiming to support innovators in developing and commercializing transformative technologies that enhance patient care and modernize healthcare systems. Notably, Endeavour Vision has participated in funding rounds for Spartoo, a leading European online footwear and bag retailer, contributing to both Series B and Series C funding rounds in 2010 and 2012, respectively. These investments, totaling €37 million, were aimed at accelerating Spartoo's growth and reinforcing its market position in Europe, showcasing Endeavour Vision's engagement in the footwear industry despite its primary focus on healthcare.


14. STS Ventures


STS Ventures GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Cologne, specializing in early-stage investments in technology-driven startups. Founded in 2018, the firm provides financial backing and strategic consulting to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of building sustainable businesses. Among their portfolio, they have invested in GetSteps, a Berlin-based shoe insole manufacturer, which received 2.5 million euros in funding from STS Ventures and several business angels. This investment highlights STS Ventures' engagement in the footwear industry, particularly in innovative solutions related to footwear, thus showcasing their versatility in supporting various sectors, including leather footwear.



Leather Footwear Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
RichemontBellevue, Geneva, Switzerland10001+19881
Burda Principal InvestmentsMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020165
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
Hannover FinanzHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany11-5019792
3TS Capital PartnersVienna, Vienna, Austria11-5019990
Hubert Burda MediaFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany10001+19030
adidasHerzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany10001+19491
Paragon PartnersMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020042
Leanox Impact CapitalEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020210
Mirabaud Asset ManagementGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland51-20020141
GoBeyondZurich, Zurich, Switzerland1-1020080
Endeavour VisionGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland11-5020002
STS VenturesNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020184


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