The sports equipment industry in Latin America is thriving, fueled by a growing interest in fitness and healthy lifestyles. Companies span various segments, including sports apparel, footwear, and specialized fitness products, catering to both amateur athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Notable brands and startups emphasize sustainability and innovation in their offerings, addressing the diverse needs of the market. With increased digitalization, e-commerce platforms are enhancing accessibility for consumers. As engagement in sports continues to rise, investment and interest in this sector are set to expand, potentially positioning Latin America as a key player in the global sports equipment market.


In this article, we explore 14 notable investors in Latin America's vibrant sports equipment sector. This list includes venture capitalists, private equity firms, and corporate investors, primarily based in São Paulo and Mexico City. Founded between the mid-1990s and 2020, these investors range in size from small to large firms. Notably, some have demonstrated robust activity, with investments fluctuating, as seen with firms like Kaszek contributing significantly in 2024. Their increasing focus on sports-related ventures reflects the industry's growth and evolving landscape.


Top 14 Sports Equipment Investors in Latin America


1. bossa invest

  • Website: bossainvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 56
  • LinkedIn: bossainvest

Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups, particularly in the technology sector, and provides capital, strategic guidance, and access to a network of co-investors. Bossa Invest has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in sports-related companies such as FightCamp, which raised $8 million in a Series A round in July 2020, focusing on fitness and boxing equipment. They also invested in Overtime, a sports media company that raised $23 million in a Series B round in February 2019, indicating their engagement in the sports industry. These investments reflect Bossa Invest's commitment to supporting growth in the startup ecosystem, including the sports equipment sector.


2. Go4it Capital

  • Website: go4itcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: go4itcapital

Go4it Capital is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2015. The firm partners with exceptional entrepreneurs to build innovative global businesses in sports, digital media, and well-being. Go4it Capital focuses on providing investment and strategic support to help these businesses grow and create a more active and enjoyable world. Notable transactions include investments in G2 Esports, a prominent esports organization, and Strava, a leading social network for athletes that tracks physical activities. These investments highlight Go4it Capital's commitment to the sports sector, particularly in areas that enhance engagement and participation in sports and fitness activities.


3. Kaszek

  • Website: kaszek.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: kaszek-ventures

Kaszek is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm is dedicated to investing in and supporting entrepreneurs across Latin America, particularly in technology-driven industries. With a strong emphasis on long-term partnerships, Kaszek aims to foster a vibrant technology ecosystem in the region. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Gympass, which received significant funding to expand its fitness and wellness services, highlighting their interest in the sports sector. Additionally, they co-led a funding round for Rei do Pitaco, a fantasy sports platform, showcasing their engagement with sports-related ventures. These investments reflect Kaszek's commitment to supporting innovative companies that contribute to the sports and fitness landscape.


4. Venturance Alternative Assets


Venturance Alternative Assets is an investment management company based in Vitacura, Santiago, Chile, specializing in alternative assets such as Growth Equity, Venture Capital, Real Estate, and Private Debt. Founded in 2010, the firm provides financial advisory services to businesses, families, and individuals, helping them navigate investment opportunities and manage their portfolios effectively. Notably, Venturance has been involved in several transactions within the sports equipment context, including investments in Haka Honu and Lippi Outdoor, both of which focus on outdoor and sports-related products. Additionally, they participated in the Seed Round for Trail, further emphasizing their engagement in the sports equipment industry. Their expertise in structuring and managing funds positions them to generate value for their clients while also contributing to the growth of the sports equipment sector.


5. Verve Capital

  • Website: vervecapital.us
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: verve-capital

Verve Capital is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in technology-driven startups across Latin America, providing not only funding but also strategic support to help entrepreneurs achieve significant growth. Verve Capital has a diverse portfolio, including investments in innovative sectors such as FinTech, HealthTech, and EdTech. Notably, they have also invested in the sports sector, with transactions like Esporte Educa, which raised an undisclosed amount in a Seed Round in January 2021, focusing on educational initiatives in sports. Additionally, they participated in the Series B funding round for Religion of Sports, which raised $50 million in June 2022, emphasizing storytelling in sports media. These investments highlight Verve Capital's engagement in the sports industry, making them a relevant player in the sports equipment investment landscape.


6. Ideas & Capital


Ideas y Capital is a venture capital firm based in Mexico City, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth companies across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and fintech. Their investment strategy is sector-agnostic, allowing them to capture diverse opportunities in the market. Notably, Ideas & Capital has invested in DEPORPRIVÉ, a company that raised $400,000 in a seed round in September 2020 and $550,000 in another seed round in February 2019, both of which are related to sports. Additionally, they invested in Golazzos, which also raised funds in a seed round in April 2014. These transactions highlight their engagement in the sports sector, particularly in companies that may be involved in sports equipment or services.


7. Magazine Luiza


Magazine Luiza is a prominent retail and e-commerce company based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 1957. It operates a marketplace platform that connects consumers and businesses, offering a diverse array of products, including electronics, home goods, and sports equipment. One of the notable transactions in its portfolio is the acquisition of Netshoes for $62 million, announced on April 29, 2019. Netshoes is a leading online retailer specializing in sports shoes and equipment, which aligns with Magazine Luiza's strategy to expand its offerings in the sports sector. Additionally, Magazine Luiza provides services like Magalu Pay, facilitating financial transactions and enhancing the shopping experience for its customers.


8. PUMA México Sport S.A. de C.V.


PUMA México Sport S.A. de C.V. is a corporate investor based in Mexico City, Mexico, founded in 1948. As a prominent sportswear retailer, PUMA specializes in athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories, catering to a diverse customer base that includes both athletes and fashion enthusiasts. The company operates an online store, providing easy access to its latest collections and promotions. Notably, PUMA has been involved in significant transactions, such as the acquisition of Cobra Golf from Acushnet Co. This strategic acquisition aims to strengthen PUMA's presence in the golf club market, showcasing their commitment to expanding their footprint in the sports equipment sector. The deal, announced on March 10, 2010, highlights PUMA's focus on enhancing its product offerings in the sports equipment domain, making them a relevant player in this industry.


9. Quartz


Quartz is a private equity firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in venture capital and growth equity investments, targeting high-growth companies across various industries. Their investment strategy emphasizes transparency and partnership, aligning with businesses that share their values. Notably, Quartz participated in a Series A investment in Tecnofit, a startup dedicated to gym management, which received R$13 million in funding. This investment highlights Quartz's engagement in the fitness sector, which is closely related to sports equipment. Additionally, they were involved in funding Zee.Dog, a company expanding its product line and presence in Brazil and the US, although this is less relevant to sports equipment. Overall, Quartz aims to provide capital and strategic support to help businesses scale and navigate challenges, making them a potential player in the sports equipment investment landscape.


10. Nexxus Capital


Nexxus Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Mexico City, Mexico, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in providing private equity and mezzanine debt to mid-sized companies primarily in Mexico and Spain. Nexxus Capital manages multiple funds aimed at helping businesses grow and expand their operations. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Grupo Sports World, a company that operates in the sports equipment sector, raising an undisclosed amount in a private equity round in 2005. This investment highlights their engagement in the sports industry. Additionally, they were involved in a post-IPO equity transaction with Immunotec in 2017, although this company does not relate to sports equipment. Overall, Nexxus Capital's portfolio includes a mix of industries, but their investment in Grupo Sports World demonstrates their capability and interest in the sports equipment market.


11. Red Cat

  • Website: redcatholdings.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: red-cat

Red Cat Holdings is a corporate investor based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, founded in 2016. The company specializes in defense technology, particularly unmanned aerial systems, and provides advanced drone solutions for military and security applications. In addition to their core focus, Red Cat has made significant strides into the sports equipment sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired Fat Shark Holdings, a prominent provider of FPV headsets, which generates approximately $7 million in annual revenues. This acquisition, announced on October 5, 2020, is expected to enhance Red Cat's revenue base. Furthermore, they entered into an agreement to acquire Rotor Riot, a company that offers FPV and drone racing hardware, announced on January 3, 2020. These transactions highlight Red Cat's interest in the sports equipment market, particularly in areas related to drone racing and FPV technology.


12. The Next Company


The Next Company is a corporate investment firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2018. They focus on backing early-stage entrepreneurs and startups, providing not only financial support but also guidance to help these businesses navigate challenges. Their investment strategy emphasizes innovation and purpose-driven initiatives across various industries. One notable transaction includes their investment in CARIUMA, which raised $13 million in a seed round on August 5, 2019. CARIUMA is known for its sustainable footwear, which aligns with the sports equipment category, showcasing The Next Company's engagement in this sector.


13. Lanx Capital Investimentos


Lanx Capital Investimentos is a corporate investment firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in private equity, venture capital, and real estate, providing investment management services to businesses and high-net-worth individuals. Lanx Capital aims to achieve exceptional returns through disciplined investment strategies. Notably, they participated in a venture round for CARIUMA, a brand known for its sustainable footwear, which is relevant to the sports equipment industry. This investment reflects their engagement with companies that operate in the sports and lifestyle sectors, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio.


14. Innova Capital


Innova Capital is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in innovative and scalable technology companies across various sectors, including anti-fraud solutions, embedded finance, and online credit marketplaces. Notably, Innova Capital has participated in funding rounds for CARIUMA, a Singapore-headquartered sneaker brand, which raised significant amounts in 2021 and 2022. This involvement in a sports equipment brand highlights their potential interest in the sports sector, despite their broader focus on technology-driven solutions for e-commerce and finance.



Sports Equipment Insights: Key Investors in Latin America


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
bossa investSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-50201156
Go4it CapitalSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-1020150
KaszekSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-50201117
Venturance Alternative AssetsVitacura, Santiago, Chile11-5020100
Verve CapitalSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-1020193
Ideas & CapitalMexico City, Mexico City, Mexico1-1020130
Magazine LuizaSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil10001+19570
PUMA México Sport S.A. de C.V.Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico1-1019480
QuartzSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-1020200
Nexxus CapitalMexico City, Mexico City, Mexico11-5019950
Red CatSan Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico51-20020162
The Next CompanySao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-1020180
Lanx Capital InvestimentosSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-5020032
Innova CapitalSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-1020112


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