The fashion design industry in the DACH region is thriving, marked by creativity and innovation. From luxury brands to sustainable fashion startups, the sector showcases a blend of established names and emerging players. Companies in this space offer an array of products including high-end clothing, accessories, and digital fashion solutions. Recent trends indicate a shift towards online shopping, with eco-friendly approaches gaining traction among consumers. As the industry embraces technology and sustainability, opportunities for investment are blossoming, inviting those keen to support the next wave of fashion pioneers in achieving their visions.


This listing highlights notable investors in the DACH fashion design sector, featuring a mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate firms. Predominantly based in key urban centers like Berlin and Munich, these investors range from large firms managing billions to smaller entities focused on niche markets. Founded between 1903 and 2018, they leverage their industry expertise in 2024 through numerous investments, underscoring their commitment to supporting fashion innovation. This blend of investor backgrounds fosters a dynamic funding ecosystem for the region's fashion industry.


Top 15 Fashion Design Investors in DACH


1. HV Capital

  • Website: hvcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: hvventures

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit, managing over €2.8 billion in assets. HV Capital has a diverse portfolio, with notable investments in the fashion industry, including Stylight, a fashion comparison shopping platform, and Depop, a social shopping platform that has gained popularity among young shoppers. Stylight raised funds in both seed and Series A rounds, while Depop has successfully completed multiple funding rounds, including Series A, B, and C, to expand its user base and enhance its market presence. These transactions highlight HV Capital's engagement in the fashion sector, making it a significant player in the investment landscape for fashion design.


2. 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. Acton Capital has a diverse portfolio, with significant investments in the fashion industry, such as a minority investment in mytheresa.com, a prominent luxury fashion retailer, and multiple funding rounds for Koio, a luxury sneaker brand. Their investment in Indochino, an online custom menswear service, further highlights their engagement in the fashion sector. Acton Capital focuses on helping companies develop tailored growth strategies to achieve long-term success, making them a relevant player in the fashion design investment landscape.


3. Burda Principal Investments


Burda Principal Investments is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in growth stage investing, primarily focusing on digital technology and media companies. They provide long-term growth equity to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate financial challenges during expansion. Notably, Burda Principal Investments has made significant investments in the fashion design sector, including a Series C funding round for M.Gemi, a direct-to-consumer luxury footwear brand, where they led a $16 million investment. Additionally, they have invested in SHOWROOM, a platform that connects fashion brands with retailers, and Miinto, an online marketplace for fashion. These transactions highlight their active role in the fashion industry, complementing their broader investment strategy.


4. Rocket Internet SE


Rocket Internet SE is a venture builder based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in incubating and investing in internet and technology companies globally, providing operational support and capital to entrepreneurs. Notably, Rocket Internet has made substantial investments in the fashion sector, including a EUR 300 million funding round for Global Fashion Group, which includes Jabong, aimed at enhancing operations in India. Additionally, they invested $100 million in ZALORA, a prominent online beauty and fashion store in Southeast Asia, and participated in funding rounds for Namshi, an online fashion retailer in the Middle East. These transactions highlight Rocket Internet's strategic focus on eCommerce, particularly in the fashion industry, showcasing their capability and interest in this market.


5. 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 jewelry, watches, leather goods, and fashion accessories, catering to affluent consumers who seek exclusive products. Richemont has made significant investments in the fashion design industry, including the acquisition of a 70% stake in the Italian footwear brand Gianvito Rossi in July 2023, aimed at supporting the brand's global development. Additionally, they acquired the Italian leather brand Serapian in November 2017 and the jewelry brand Vhernier S.p.A. in May 2024, both of which enhance Richemont's luxury brand portfolio. These strategic acquisitions reflect Richemont's focus on craftsmanship and heritage, further solidifying its position in the fashion design market.


6. 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 startups grow in competitive markets. Notably, TA Ventures has also invested in several fashion-related companies, showcasing their interest in the fashion design industry. Their investments include Rebag, a luxury handbag resale platform, and Armedangels, a sustainable fashion brand. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Luxodo, an online luxury marketplace, and Mirta, an e-commerce portal for artisanal products. These transactions highlight TA Ventures' engagement in the fashion sector, particularly in areas that blend technology with fashion, such as e-commerce and sustainability.


7. 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 made significant strides in the luxury retail market through strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired the Selfridges Group, a luxury retailer with 18 stores, for £4 billion in 2022, enhancing their presence in the global luxury retail landscape. Additionally, they acquired a 60% stake in the German online fashion mall Mybestbrands in 2017, which reflects their commitment to expanding their digital presence in the fashion sector. Other relevant acquisitions include Dress for Less, a fashion retailer, and their joint venture with Central Group to acquire the Swiss luxury department store chain Globus. These transactions highlight SIGNA's active role in the fashion retail industry, despite their broader focus on real estate and retail.


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 founded in 1979, based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany. 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 several notable transactions, including the acquisition of Ludwig Reiter Schuhmanufaktur GmbH, a company known for its high-quality shoe manufacturing, which directly ties to the fashion industry. Additionally, they acquired Paper+Design, which, while primarily a design company for paper products, may also intersect with fashion through packaging and design elements. Their investment in Franz Ziener GmbH & Co. KG, a company that could potentially relate to fashion through outdoor apparel, further illustrates their diverse investment portfolio. Overall, Hannover Finanz's strategic approach to investing in family-owned businesses positions them as a potential player in the fashion design sector.


9. Vorwerk Ventures


Vorwerk Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital fund founded in 2007, specializing in early-stage investments across diverse sectors, including consumer products, food, health, and climate. The firm provides seed and Series A funding, along with follow-on investments, to support innovative companies with strong business models and market potential. Notably, Vorwerk Ventures has invested in Mädchenflohmarkt, a profitable startup in the fashion resale market, and stylefruits, a platform that connects users with fashion and lifestyle products. Additionally, they have backed JUNIQE, a marketplace for affordable art, which, while not strictly fashion, aligns with lifestyle and design aesthetics. These transactions highlight Vorwerk Ventures' engagement in the fashion and design space, showcasing their interest in supporting startups that contribute to the fashion ecosystem.


10. 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 them with the necessary funding and resources to thrive in competitive markets. Notably, IBB Ventures has been involved in several transactions within the fashion design industry, including significant investments in Outfittery, which raised a total of approximately $39 million across multiple funding rounds (Series A, B, and C) from 2013 to 2015, focusing on personalized fashion solutions. Additionally, they invested in Stilnest, a platform for designer jewelry that raised funds through seed and angel rounds, emphasizing their commitment to innovative fashion-related startups. This combination of investments highlights IBB Ventures' active role in supporting the fashion design sector.


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. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors, including fashion. They provide financial backing and support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate challenges and scale their businesses. Notably, b2venture has invested in Armedangels, a sustainable fashion brand, and Luxodo, a German online luxury marketplace, showcasing their engagement in the fashion industry. Their collaboration with a community of angel investors enhances their investment strategy, making them a key player in the European venture capital landscape, particularly in sectors that include fashion design.


12. German Startups Group VC GmbH


German Startups Group VC GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in providing investment and financial services to startups and growth-stage companies across various industries, including technology and e-commerce. Notably, they have invested in several companies within the fashion design context, such as Armedangels, a sustainable fashion brand, and Mister Spex, an online eyewear retailer. Their portfolio also includes JUNIQE, an online marketplace for art and design products, which further emphasizes their engagement with design-oriented businesses. Through these investments, German Startups Group VC GmbH supports companies in achieving their growth objectives while contributing to the fashion and design sectors.


13. Mountain Partners


Mountain Partners is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investment management and focuses on providing funding and operational support to startups and technology companies across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Mountain Partners manages a diversified portfolio of VC funds aimed at empowering innovative businesses and facilitating their growth. Notably, they have invested in several companies within the fashion design sector, including Clovia, which raised funds in a seed round in 2013 and specializes in lingerie, and Shirtinator, which raised funds in a venture round in 2007 and focuses on custom apparel. Additionally, they have invested in mybestbrands, an online fashion marketplace, further demonstrating their engagement in the fashion industry.


14. 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 prominent media and technology company based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 1903. The company specializes in publishing and creating engaging content across various platforms, serving both consumers and businesses. In the context of fashion design, Hubert Burda Media has made notable investments, including leading a $16 million Series C funding round for M.Gemi, a direct-to-consumer luxury footwear brand, which has raised a total of $47.2 million to date. Additionally, they acquired the license for the monthly sewing magazine 'Fashion Style', enhancing their portfolio in the fashion sector. Their acquisition of Shoplove and StockFood also reflects their broader strategy in media and content creation, which can intersect with fashion design. Overall, Hubert Burda Media's activities indicate a commitment to innovation and sustainability in various industries, including fashion.


15. Greenfield Capital

  • Website: greenfield.xyz
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: greenfield-one

Greenfield Capital is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2018, specializing in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. The firm provides funding and operational support to early-stage blockchain projects, primarily targeting blockchain developers and startups. In addition to their core focus, Greenfield Capital has made notable investments in the fashion design sector, particularly in digital fashion. They led a $14 million Series A funding round for The Fabricant, a software startup that creates digital fashion items, and participated in a $15 million Series A funding round for DRESSX, a company aiming to sell digital fashion goods and expand into virtual spaces like Roblox and Meta. These transactions demonstrate Greenfield's engagement with innovative fashion technology, positioning them as a relevant player in the evolving fashion design landscape.



Fashion Design Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
Burda Principal InvestmentsMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020165
Rocket Internet SEBerlin, Berlin, Germany201-50020070
RichemontBellevue, Geneva, Switzerland10001+19881
TA VenturesFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020105
SIGNA Group of CompaniesVienna, Vienna, Austria10001+19990
Hannover FinanzHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany11-5019792
Vorwerk VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020077
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
b2ventureSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland11-50200015
German Startups Group VC GmbHFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020120
Mountain PartnersZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020051
Hubert Burda MediaFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany10001+19030
Greenfield CapitalBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020186


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