The textile machinery industry in the US plays a vital role in enhancing manufacturing efficiency, driven by innovation and technology advancements. Companies involved in this sector manufacture equipment essential for producing, processing, and finishing textiles. These range from spinning and weaving machines to specialized technology for dyeing and printing. With increasing demand for sustainable and automated solutions, manufacturers are poised for growth, refining processes to enhance product quality and reduce waste. As sustainability becomes a priority, many firms are integrating eco-friendly practices and solutions into their offerings, paving the way for a new era in textile manufacturing.

The list of textile machinery investors showcases a mix of venture capital and private equity firms headquartered across key US locations, including New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Founded from the late 1970s to mid-2010s, the investors range in size, from smaller firms like IndieBio to larger entities such as The Carlyle Group. In 2024, these investors engaged in a significant number of deals – with Y Combinator alone participating in 802 transactions. This growing interest and activity reflect a robust support system for innovation and growth within the textile machinery sector.

Top 14 Textile Machinery Investors in the US

1. Sosv

• Website: sosv.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 170
• LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. The firm operates globally, connecting innovative companies with investors and providing resources to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, Sosv has invested in Kniterate, which raised funds through convertible notes and pre-seed rounds, focusing on digital knitting technology. Additionally, Sosv has backed Smartex.ai, a company that raised significant amounts in seed rounds and convertible notes, offering AI solutions aimed at improving textile manufacturing processes. These transactions highlight Sosv's engagement in the textile machinery sector, showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation in this industry.

2. Y Combinator

• Website: ycombinator.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 802
• LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has made notable investments in the textile sector, including ALT TEX, which raised $500,000 in a Pre-Seed round in July 2022. This investment highlights Y Combinator's engagement with innovative textile solutions. Additionally, they have invested in companies like SockSoho and Industrial Next, which, while not exclusively focused on textiles, indicate a broader interest in industrial and technological advancements that could intersect with textile machinery. Y Combinator's structured program and resources, such as the Startup School, further support entrepreneurs in various sectors, including textiles.

3. Advantage Capital

• Website: advantagecap.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1992
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: advantage-capital-partners

Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses across various sectors, including agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. They focus on supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities, offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, Advantage Capital has participated in transactions relevant to the textile machinery context, such as their investment in UnityLab, which raised $4.5 million in Series A funding, indicating their interest in companies that operate within the textile processing and laundry systems space. Additionally, they have engaged in debt financing for companies like Zagis and Cady Bag, although these companies are not directly linked to textile machinery. Overall, Advantage Capital's investment strategy includes a diverse range of sectors, with some connections to textile-related businesses.

4. Hax

• Website: hax.co
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 55
• LinkedIn: hax

Hax is a venture capital firm and startup incubator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. They specialize in supporting hard tech startups by providing funding, engineering support, and access to manufacturing resources. Hax aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage companies through a collaborative environment and extensive networks. Notably, Hax has invested in Smartex.ai, a company that raised significant funding to enhance textile quality and traceability, indicating their engagement in the textile machinery sector. Additionally, they have invested in Kniterate, a startup that focuses on knitting technology, further demonstrating their interest in textile-related innovations. Hax's portfolio includes various seed rounds, showcasing their commitment to nurturing startups that can contribute to advancements in the textile industry.

5. Plug and Play Tech Center

• Website: plugandplaytechcenter.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 253
• LinkedIn: plug-and-play-tech-center

Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2024, they have made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in companies like Sonovia, which focuses on advanced textile technologies, and Rubi Laboratories, which is involved in innovative materials. These transactions highlight their engagement in the textile sector, particularly in areas that could impact textile machinery and manufacturing processes.

6. The Riverside Company

• Website: riversidecompany.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1988
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 12
• LinkedIn: the-riverside-company

The Riverside Company is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in providing flexible capital solutions and strategic guidance to smaller middle-market businesses across various industries. Founded in 1988, Riverside has built a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies globally. Notably, Riverside has made significant investments in the textile machinery sector, including the acquisition of Hudson-Sharp Machine Company in 1998, which specializes in manufacturing machinery for the packaging industry, and Momentum Group, which they acquired twice, first in 2006 and again in 2016. These transactions highlight Riverside's active role in the textile machinery market, demonstrating their capability to support transformative growth in this industry.

7. The Carlyle Group

• Website: carlyle.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on providing tailored investment solutions to institutional investors, Carlyle aims to drive long-term value. Among its notable transactions, Carlyle acquired a significant minority share in Jeanologia, a Spanish company known for its eco-efficient technologies in the denim industry, highlighting its commitment to sustainable practices in textile production. Additionally, Carlyle's diverse portfolio includes investments in various sectors, such as mechanical and electrical drive technology through its acquisition of Flender GmbH, and AI-based logistics solutions with AGILOX. These transactions reflect Carlyle's strategic approach to investing in innovative companies across different industries, including textile machinery.

8. EVI Industries, Inc.

• Website: evi-ind.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Miami, Florida, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1959
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: envirostar-inc-

EVI Industries, Inc. is a corporate investor based in Miami, Florida, specializing in commercial laundry services and the distribution and maintenance of laundry equipment. Founded in 1959, the company serves a diverse clientele, including sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, and government. EVI operates with a decentralized model, allowing local management to tailor services to specific market needs. In recent years, EVI has made significant strides in expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in March 2025, EVI announced the acquisition of Girbau North America, marking its largest acquisition to date, which is expected to contribute approximately $50 million in net revenue. Other relevant transactions include the acquisition of Martin Ray Laundry Systems in June 2017 and Wholesale Commercial Laundry Equipment, SE, LLC in October 2022. These acquisitions enhance EVI's distribution and service capabilities in the commercial laundry industry, further solidifying its position within the textile machinery sector.

9. Kkr

• Website: kkr.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1976
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 74
• LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm founded in 1976, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. With a global reach and a strong focus on providing asset management solutions, KKR helps institutional investors and individual clients navigate complex investment landscapes. Among their notable transactions, KKR acquired LS Mtron, a company involved in manufacturing textile machinery, on July 26, 2017. This acquisition highlights KKR's engagement in the textile machinery sector. Additionally, KKR has been involved in various other industries, including healthcare and food processing, showcasing their diverse investment strategy while maintaining a foothold in the textile machinery market.

10. IndieBio

• Website: indiebio.co
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 76
• LinkedIn: indiebio

IndieBio is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. It specializes in biotechnology and supports startups by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them develop innovative solutions across various sectors, including climate and food. In 2023, IndieBio participated in funding Re-Fresh Global, a startup focused on processing textile waste, which highlights its interest in sustainable practices within the textile industry. This investment, along with others in the biotech space, showcases IndieBio's commitment to supporting innovative solutions that can impact various industries, including textiles. The firm has been active in 2024, with a total of 76 investments, indicating a robust engagement in fostering new technologies and solutions.

11. Dcvc

• Website: dcvc.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 28
• LinkedIn: data-collective

DCVC is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in deep tech and life sciences, investing in innovative startups that address significant global challenges, particularly in climate and healthcare. Notably, DCVC has invested in Smartex.ai, which raised $24.7 million in a Series A round to enhance textile quality and traceability for manufacturers and fashion brands. They also participated in Smartex.ai's earlier Seed round, demonstrating a commitment to the textile sector. Additionally, DCVC invested in unspun, which raised $32 million in a Series B round, focusing on innovative textile production methods. These transactions highlight DCVC's active role in the textile machinery industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.

12. The Timken Company

• Website: timken.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: North, Ohio, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1899
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: the-timken-company

The Timken Company, founded in 1899 and based in North Ohio, USA, is a leading manufacturer specializing in engineered bearings and power transmission products. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Timken serves a diverse range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery. In recent years, Timken has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities and product offerings. Notably, the acquisition of Nadella S.r.l. in January 2023, a company involved in precision components, and Spinea s.r.o. in April 2022, which manufactures parts for factory automation and robotics, align with their goal of improving machinery performance. These transactions indicate Timken's commitment to expanding its influence in sectors that overlap with textile machinery, particularly in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of manufacturing processes. Their focus on power transmission solutions further supports their relevance in the textile machinery context.

13. Accel

• Website: accel.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1983
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 101
• LinkedIn: accel-vc

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983, based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in investing in startups and early-stage companies primarily in the technology sector. With a global presence that includes offices in London, India, and China, Accel has a diverse portfolio. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Fashinza, an AI-driven B2B marketplace for fashion brands, which raised significant capital to enhance supply chain technology. Additionally, they invested in Virgio, an Indian fashion tech startup focused on technological advancements in the fashion industry. These transactions highlight Accel's engagement in the textile and fashion technology space, suggesting a broader interest that could encompass textile machinery innovations.

14. Tiger Global

• Website: tigerglobal.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn: tiger-global-management

Tiger Global Management, LLC is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in both public and private equity investments. Founded in 2001, the firm manages approximately $50 billion and focuses on innovative companies that leverage technology across various sectors. In the textile industry, Tiger Global has been actively involved in significant transactions, including leading funding rounds for Baibu, a major player in China's textile industry, which raised $300 million in its Series D round, and $100 million in its Series C round. Additionally, they led a $40 million Series A investment in Groyyo, a startup that enhances manufacturing and supply chain capabilities in the textile sector. These investments highlight Tiger Global's commitment to supporting technological advancements in the textile industry, making them a relevant investor in this field.

Textile Machinery Insights: Key Investors in the US

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