The leather goods retailers industry in the DACH region comprises a wide array of companies offering products such as handbags, shoes, and accessories. It is characterized by a blend of established luxury brands and innovative startups, both focusing on quality craftsmanship and sustainability. Growing consumer awareness around eco-friendly practices has pushed brands to prioritize ethical sourcing and production methods. Additionally, digital transformation is reshaping the market, with e-commerce and direct-to-consumer models gaining traction. As consumers seek unique and high-quality leather goods, the industry is poised for growth, with brands adapting to changing preferences and trends.


The investors in this compilation include corporate giants and venture capital firms, mostly based across Switzerland and Germany. With sizes ranging from small teams to thousands of employees, these investors have been active as of 2024, securing significant stakes in emerging and established leather goods companies. Founded between 1903 and 2016, their varied investment strategies reflect a commitment to growth in fashion. Notable investments include brands like Koio and M.Gemi, showcasing the combination of innovation and tradition within this market segment.


Top 14 Leather Goods Retailers 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 that emphasizes high-quality leather products, securing a total of $9 million in Series A funding. This investment highlights their commitment to the leather goods market. Additionally, they have made a minority investment in mytheresa.com, a luxury fashion retailer that includes leather goods in its offerings. Acton Capital's focus on tailored growth strategies positions them as a supportive partner for companies in the leather goods sector, aiming for long-term success.


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. Richemont has made significant strides in the leather goods sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in July 2021, Richemont acquired the Belgian luxury leather-goods brand Delvaux for approximately US$300 million, aiming to enhance its presence in the leather accessories segment. In November 2017, Richemont took a 100% stake in the Italian leather brand Serapian, further integrating leather expertise into its portfolio. Additionally, in July 2023, Richemont acquired a 70% stake in Gianvito Rossi, an Italian footwear brand, which also emphasizes the company's focus on luxury leather products. These transactions highlight Richemont's commitment to expanding its influence in the leather goods market.


3. TA Ventures

  • Website: taventures.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: ta-ventures

TA Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage technology startups across various sectors, including HealthTech and FinTech, providing capital and strategic support to help these startups thrive in competitive markets. Notably, TA Ventures has participated in several transactions relevant to the leather goods sector, such as Rebag, which raised $800,000 in a seed round in 2014, focusing on luxury handbags. They also invested in Trendlee, another company in the luxury goods space, and Mirta, an Italian e-commerce platform for artisanal products, which includes leather goods among its offerings. This diverse portfolio showcases TA Ventures' engagement in the leather goods market, alongside their broader investment strategy.


4. Burda Principal Investments


Burda Principal Investments is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in growth stage investing primarily in digital technology and media companies. With a team size of 11-50, they focus on providing long-term growth equity to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate financial barriers to expansion. Among their notable transactions, they led a $16 million Series C funding round for M.Gemi, a luxury footwear brand that emphasizes direct-to-consumer sales, raising a total of $47.2 million to date. This investment highlights their engagement in the leather goods sector, particularly in the footwear niche. Additionally, they have invested in Miinto, a fashion platform, which, while not exclusively focused on leather goods, indicates their broader interest in the fashion industry.


5. SIGNA Group of Companies


SIGNA Group of Companies, founded in 1999 and based in Vienna, Austria, operates primarily in the real estate and retail sectors. The company has a significant presence in commercial real estate development and retail platforms across Europe. Notably, SIGNA has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio in the retail space. In 2022, they acquired the Selfridges Group, a luxury retailer known for its high-end offerings, which likely includes leather goods. This acquisition aligns with their strategy to strengthen their position in the global luxury retail market. Additionally, their acquisition of a 60% stake in the online fashion mall Mybestbrands and the purchase of Dress for Less further demonstrate their commitment to expanding their retail footprint, which may encompass a variety of products, including leather goods.


6. 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 invested in TOUS, a well-known brand in the leather goods sector, raising an undisclosed amount in a private equity round on July 13, 2015. This investment highlights their engagement in the leather goods market, alongside their diverse portfolio that caters to institutional investors, private banks, and individual investors seeking access to private markets.


7. 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. Paragon Partners has a diverse portfolio, including notable transactions such as the acquisition of POLO Motorrad in 2012, a brand recognized for its leather motorcycle gear and accessories. Additionally, they acquired a majority stake in 7days Marc Staperfeld GmbH in 2020, which may also involve leather goods. Their focus on sustainable investment opportunities aligns with the interests of institutional investors, making them a significant player in the investment landscape.


8. 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, including the acquisition of Ludwig Reiter Schuhmanufaktur GmbH in 2010, a prestigious leather shoe manufacturer, and MILES in 2003. Their investment in Ludwig Reiter highlights their commitment to the leather goods sector, showcasing their ability to support and grow businesses within this industry.


9. 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 in competitive markets. Among their notable transactions, IBB Ventures invested in Scarosso, which raised $11 million in a Series B round in September 2014. Scarosso is known for its high-quality leather shoes, making this investment particularly relevant to the leather goods sector. Additionally, IBB Ventures has been involved in multiple funding rounds for Outfittery, a fashion retailer, which, while not exclusively focused on leather goods, indicates their broader interest in the retail space.


10. 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 leather goods sector, including a Series C funding round for M.Gemi, a luxury footwear brand, where they led a $16 million investment. This funding round highlights their commitment to the leather goods market, alongside their acquisition of Shoplove, which may also relate to retail and consumer goods. Their operations emphasize sustainability and innovation, further enhancing their profile as an investor in the leather goods industry.


11. b2venture

  • Website: b2venture.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: btovpartners

b2venture is a venture capital firm based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, founded in 2000. They specialize in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. Their collaboration with a community of angel investors enhances their investment strategy, making them a key player in the European venture capital landscape. Notably, b2venture has invested in Luxodo, a German online luxury marketplace, which raised $2.4 million in funding, indicating their interest in the luxury retail space. Additionally, they invested in Armedangels, a sustainable fashion brand, further showcasing their engagement in the fashion industry, which often includes leather goods.


12. 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 focus on providing tailored investment solutions to a diverse clientele, emphasizing sustainable and high-conviction strategies. Notably, Mirabaud Asset Management has participated in significant transactions within the leather goods sector, including a Series A investment in La Bouche Rouge Paris, which raised over $11 million in February 2022. This investment highlights their engagement in the leather goods industry, alongside their broader investment strategies.


13. Genui

  • Website: genui.de
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: genui

GENUI is an investment management firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2014. The firm focuses on sustainable investments and partnerships with entrepreneurs, providing advisory services to help portfolio companies scale their operations while promoting positive social and ecological impacts. GENUI operates across various sectors, including healthcare and technology, but has also made significant investments in the fashion industry. Notably, in September 2015, GENUI acquired Fashionette, a retailer specializing in fashion accessories, including leather goods. This acquisition highlights GENUI's engagement in the leather goods market, showcasing their interest in this sector alongside their broader investment strategy.


14. Mutschler Ventures AG


Mutschler Ventures AG is a venture capital firm based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in scalable tech companies across various sectors, including Fintech and Digital Health. Mutschler Ventures not only provides capital but also offers strategic support to help these companies grow and succeed. Notably, they have invested in Aeyde GmbH, a company in the leather goods sector, which raised an undisclosed amount in a Series B round on April 1, 2017. This investment highlights Mutschler Ventures' engagement in the leather goods industry, despite their broader focus on technology.



Leather Goods Retailers Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
RichemontBellevue, Geneva, Switzerland10001+19881
TA VenturesFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020105
Burda Principal InvestmentsMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020165
SIGNA Group of CompaniesVienna, Vienna, Austria10001+19990
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Paragon PartnersMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020042
Hannover FinanzHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany11-5019792
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
Hubert Burda MediaFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany10001+19030
b2ventureSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland11-50200015
Mirabaud Asset ManagementGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland51-20020141
GenuiHamburg, Hamburg, Germany11-5020140
Mutschler Ventures AGBaar, Zug, Switzerland1-1020071


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