The baby products industry in Europe thrives on innovation and adaptability, catering to the unique needs of families. Companies venture into various sectors, from nutritional products and clothing to eco-friendly toys and parental accessories. Their offerings focus on safety, sustainability, and functionality, responding to the evolving preferences of modern parents. With growing awareness surrounding health and environmental concerns, many brands are adopting greener practices and pursuing organic materials. The shift towards online shopping has further accelerated growth, allowing for innovative marketing and distribution strategies. As trends like tech-integrated baby gear emerge, the industry continues to attract investment and attention.


The investors highlighted here are a mix of venture capital, corporate, and private equity firms, predominantly based in major European hubs like London and Paris. Founded between 1945 and 2017, their sizes range from small teams to large companies with thousands of employees. In 2024 alone, these investors completed significant investments, with deal counts varying significantly across their portfolios. Notably, many have shown a keen interest in the baby products sector, indicating both a commitment to innovation and the potential for substantial financial returns in this growing market.


Top 15 Baby Products Investors in Europe


1. 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 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform has been involved in several notable transactions in the baby products sector, including Nimble Babies, which raised $550,692 in January 2022 and $309,404 in November 2019, and Qudo Baby, which raised $414,378 in January 2022. Additionally, CARiFiT, another baby-related venture, raised $616,499 in May 2022. Crowdcube emphasizes promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients, making it a significant player in the crowdfunding landscape for baby products.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the baby products sector, including investments in Little Cigogne, which raised funds in both 2016 and 2020, focusing on children's clothing. This indicates Bpifrance's engagement with the baby products market, alongside other sectors.


3. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across various sectors in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Bambino Mio, the UK's largest reusable nappy startup, with a £13 million funding round aimed at expanding its growth and infrastructure. Additionally, BGF invested £3.92 million in Trunki, a company known for its children's ride-on suitcases, further demonstrating their involvement in the baby products industry. Other relevant investments include Character.com, an online retailer of children's licensed clothing and accessories, showcasing BGF's commitment to supporting businesses that cater to children and families.


4. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a prominent private equity and infrastructure investment firm based in London, England, founded in 1945. The firm specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, focusing on sustainable growth. With a diverse portfolio and a strong international presence, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i has made significant investments in the baby products sector, including the acquisition of Mayborn Group Ltd. in 2006, which is recognized for its baby and parenting products. In 2024, they participated in a funding round for WaterWipes, a leading brand in baby wipes. Furthermore, their investment in Konges Sløjd, a premium lifestyle brand for babies and children, highlights their commitment to the baby products market. Additionally, 3i has a history of acquiring companies like Early Learning Centre, which focuses on educational toys for young children, further emphasizing their involvement in the baby and children's products industry.


5. Unilever Ventures

  • Website: unileverventures.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: unileverventures

Unilever Ventures is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in investing in emerging brands and technologies, particularly within the beauty and wellness sectors. They provide capital and leverage Unilever's extensive network to help startups grow. Notably, Unilever Ventures has participated in several transactions that are relevant to the baby products market. For example, they led a $4.7 million seed round for Perelel, a company that offers targeted nutrition for women during various stages of their reproductive life cycle, which is crucial for expectant mothers. Additionally, they were involved in the Series C funding for Plum, a brand that focuses on organic baby food, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting products that cater to infants and young children. This combination of investments highlights Unilever Ventures' broader interest in health and wellness, including products that directly benefit mothers and babies.


6. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant investments in consumer goods, including a substantial minority stake in PT Softex Indonesia, which is recognized for its strong market presence in baby, adult, and feminine care products. This transaction highlights CVC's engagement in the baby products sector. Additionally, CVC has a history of acquisitions in various retail sectors, such as Hamleys and Debenhams, showcasing their broad investment strategy while still maintaining a foothold in markets that include baby products.


7. Eurazeo

  • Website: eurazeo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1969. Specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets, Eurazeo provides tailored investment strategies aimed at fostering growth and expansion across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. In 2022, Eurazeo made a significant acquisition of Cranial Technologies, a company focused on products for infants, which aligns with the baby products industry. This transaction highlights Eurazeo's commitment to investing in sectors that cater to the needs of children and families. Additionally, Eurazeo has been active in various funding rounds, including a recent investment in May, which, while not directly related to baby products, showcases their ongoing engagement in diverse markets. With a total of 40 investments in 2024, Eurazeo maintains a strong presence in the investment management landscape, particularly in Europe.


8. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship to help them navigate initial challenges. Notable transactions include their investment in EcoMom, a platform dedicated to healthier and environmentally friendly products for families, and Numi, a French milktech startup that raised €3 million in Seed funding, indicating Kima's interest in products that cater to families and infants. Other investments include Wooop and KOALA.CH, which further demonstrate their active engagement in diverse sectors, including those relevant to baby products.


9. Unilever

  • Website: unilever.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1872
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: unilever

Unilever PLC is a multinational consumer goods company based in London, England, founded in 1872. It offers a diverse range of products, including food, beauty, personal care, and cleaning agents, serving consumers globally. Unilever is committed to sustainability, aiming to make sustainable living commonplace through its product offerings. Notably, Unilever has made significant acquisitions that align with the baby products market, such as the acquisition of Horlicks, a malted milk drink popular among children, for $3.8 billion in 2018. This acquisition enhances Unilever's presence in the rapidly growing Indian market and includes a stake in Glaxo's Bangladesh unit, which may also cater to child nutrition. Additionally, Unilever acquired OLLY in 2019, a brand known for its nutritional supplements, which can be relevant for parents seeking health products for their children. These transactions highlight Unilever's strategic interest in expanding its portfolio to include products that cater to the needs of families and children.


10. L'Oréal

  • Website: loreal.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1909
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: lor%c3%a9al

L'Oréal S.A. is a leading cosmetics manufacturer based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in personal care products. Founded in 1909, the company offers a diverse range of products including skin care, make-up, hair care, and perfumes. L'Oréal serves both individual consumers and businesses in the beauty industry, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. Notably, L'Oréal has made significant investments in the baby products sector, including the acquisition of Cadum International for approximately $264.5 million in 2012. This acquisition aimed to enhance L'Oréal's reach in the domestic market and integrate Cadum into L'Oréal France’s Consumer Products Division, showcasing their commitment to expanding their offerings in the baby products category. Additionally, L'Oréal has been involved in various other transactions, although they primarily focus on beauty and personal care brands.


11. Verdane

  • Website: verdane.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: verdane-capital

Verdane is a private equity investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in growth equity investments, primarily targeting technology-enabled companies that are poised for scaling. Verdane provides both capital and hands-on support to help businesses enhance their market position and operational efficiency, with a focus on digitalization and decarbonization trends. Notably, Verdane has made significant investments in the baby products sector, including multiple funding rounds for Babyshop, which raised over $46 million across three rounds from 2016 to 2019. Additionally, they invested in Stor & Liten, further showcasing their engagement in the baby products market. These transactions highlight Verdane's capability and interest in supporting companies within this industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.


12. 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 provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Among its notable transactions, Almi invested in OTTOs barnmat, a company focused on baby food, in a seed round in 2013. This investment highlights Almi's engagement in the baby products sector. Additionally, Almi has participated in various other seed rounds, such as Monivent and Neosense Technologies, although these companies do not directly relate to baby products. Overall, Almi's investment in OTTOs barnmat positions it as a relevant player in the baby products market.


13. Nestlé

  • Website: nestle.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1866
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nestle-s-a-

Nestlé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. With over 10,000 employees, Nestlé offers a diverse range of products including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, while also being a significant player in the nutrition sector. Notably, Nestlé has made substantial investments in the baby products market, acquiring Gerber Products Company for $5.5 billion in 2007, which solidified its position in the US baby food market. In 2012, Nestlé further expanded its reach by acquiring Wyeth Nutritionals for $11.85 billion, enhancing its portfolio in infant nutrition. More recently, in 2023, Nestlé Malaysia acquired Wyeth Nutrition's Malaysian unit, further strengthening its presence in the nutrition category. These strategic acquisitions highlight Nestlé's commitment to providing nutritious options for infants and young children, making it a key player in the baby products industry.


14. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as the SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund founded in 2017 and based in London, UK. The fund primarily invests in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence. However, its diverse portfolio includes significant investments in various sectors, including health tech, fintech, and notably, baby products. Among their key transactions, SoftBank has invested $400 million in FirstCry, a leading baby and mothercare product retailer, to enhance its online and offline presence. Additionally, they invested $160 million in PatPat, a babywear e-commerce platform, further solidifying their commitment to the baby products market. These strategic investments reflect SoftBank's aim to support growth-stage companies across multiple industries, including those catering to the needs of families and infants.


15. JamJar Investments


JamJar Investments is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage consumer tech brands, providing both financial backing and strategic support to help these companies grow. JamJar has a strong focus on building relationships with consumer brands, leveraging their experience from previous successful ventures. Notably, they have invested in companies relevant to the baby products sector, such as Tiney, which raised $6.5 million to enhance early years care by connecting childminders, and mifold, which raised $1.2 million for its innovative child booster seat. Other investments include toucanBox, Yoto, and Simba Sleep, showcasing their diverse portfolio while still maintaining a connection to the child and parenting market.



Baby Products Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
Unilever VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020029
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
EurazeoParis, Île-De-France, France201-500196940
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
UnileverLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+18720
L'OréalParis, Île-De-France, France10001+19094
VerdaneOslo, Oslo, Norway51-20019857
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
JamJar InvestmentsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020136


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