The fashion retail industry in DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) thrives on innovation and style, showcasing a mix of high-end brands and accessible fashion outlets. It includes traditional brick-and-mortar stores, contemporary e-commerce sites, and luxury fashion platforms, all offering a wide range of apparel, accessories, and footwear. Recently, sustainability has emerged as a significant focus, with many brands exploring eco-friendly materials and production processes. The growing prominence of online shopping has reshaped consumer behavior, with advancements in technology streamlining the shopping experience. As customers seek personalized and unique fashion finds, businesses must adapt to rapidly changing preferences.


The list highlights a varied group of 15 investors active in the fashion retail sector across DACH. These firms range from international venture capitalists to large corporate investors, with headquarters spanning Munich to Zurich. Most firms were founded between the late 1990s and 2010s, showcasing established expertise. The size of the firms varies significantly, with some employing over a thousand staff members. In 2024, these investors engaged in numerous transactions, reflecting a proactive approach. This dynamic ecosystem backs promising fashion startups, ultimately shaping the future of fashion retail within the region.


Top 15 Fashion Retail 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. With over €2.8 billion under management, HV Capital specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit. The firm has a diverse portfolio, including significant investments in the fashion retail sector. Notable transactions include investments in Dafiti, an online fashion retailer in Latin America, and Namshi, a leading online fashion retailer in the Middle East. Additionally, HV Capital has invested in Depop, a social shopping platform that caters to fashion enthusiasts, highlighting their commitment to the fashion retail industry. Through these investments, HV Capital provides capital and strategic guidance to help these companies navigate growth challenges and achieve market success.


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 focus on providing financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Notably, Acton Capital has made significant investments in the fashion retail space, including a minority investment in mytheresa.com, a prominent online luxury fashion retailer, and a leading role in the Series B funding round for Eloquii, an e-commerce platform catering to contemporary fast fashion in sizes 14 to 28. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Indochino, a custom menswear e-retailer, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative fashion retail businesses. Acton Capital aims to help companies develop tailored growth strategies to achieve long-term success, making them a relevant player in the fashion retail investment landscape.


3. Rocket Internet SE


Rocket Internet SE is a Berlin-based venture builder founded in 2007, specializing in incubating and investing in internet and technology companies globally. The firm provides operational support and capital to entrepreneurs, helping them build market-leading companies across various sectors, including eCommerce, PropTech, and FinTech. Notably, Rocket Internet has made significant investments in the fashion retail space, including a $50 million Series A investment in Dafiti, a prominent fashion eCommerce platform in Latin America, and seed investments in Namshi and Lamoda, both of which are key players in the online fashion retail market. Additionally, Rocket Internet has heavily invested in Global Fashion Group, contributing around EUR 85 million to support its operations, including Jabong in India. These transactions highlight Rocket Internet's commitment to the fashion retail sector, making it a relevant player in this industry.


4. 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 grow. Notably, TA Ventures has also invested in the fashion retail sector, with significant transactions including Luxodo, a German online luxury marketplace, and Mirta, an Italian e-commerce portal for artisanal products. They have also backed Adore Me, a lingerie brand, and Rebag, a luxury handbag resale platform. These investments highlight TA Ventures' engagement in the fashion retail industry, complementing their broader investment strategy.


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 jewellery, watches, leather goods, and fashion accessories, catering to affluent consumers who seek exclusive products. Richemont has made significant investments in the fashion retail sector, including the acquisition of the lifestyle brand Peter Millar, the Italian footwear brand Gianvito Rossi, the Italian leather brand Serapian, and the Belgian luxury leather-goods brand Delvaux. These strategic acquisitions aim to enhance Richemont's presence in the luxury fashion market and support the global development of these brands, emphasizing the company's focus on craftsmanship and heritage in its offerings.


6. Burda Principal Investments


Burda Principal Investments is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in growth stage investments primarily in digital technology and media companies. The firm provides long-term growth equity to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate financial challenges for expansion. Among their notable transactions in the fashion retail sector, they led 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 have invested in Miinto, a fashion platform from Denmark, contributing to its funding rounds in 2019, which included €12 million from Burda and other investors. These investments highlight Burda's engagement in the fashion retail space, complementing their broader investment strategy.


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 a strong focus on commercial real estate development and retail platforms, serving businesses and consumers across Europe. Notably, SIGNA has made significant strides in the fashion retail industry through various acquisitions. In 2022, they acquired the luxury retailer Selfridges Group for £4 billion, enhancing their presence in the global luxury retail market. Additionally, in 2020, they partnered with Central Group to acquire the Swiss luxury department store chain Globus for $1 billion. SIGNA also acquired a 60% stake in the German online fashion mall Mybestbrands in 2017, indicating their strategy to expand in the digital fashion retail space. Furthermore, their acquisition of Dress for Less in 2016 and SportScheck in 2020 showcases their commitment to diversifying their retail portfolio within the fashion and sports sectors. Overall, SIGNA's activities reflect a robust engagement in the fashion retail market, making them a notable investor in this space.


8. 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 fashion jewelry brand, in 2015, and participated in the acquisition of Varsity Brands in 2018, which operates in the apparel sector. Furthermore, their joint acquisition of Centro Navile Retail Park in 2016 highlights their engagement in retail assets, including shopping centers that may house fashion retailers. These transactions demonstrate Partners Group's active role in the fashion retail industry, alongside their broader investment portfolio.


9. 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. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Clovia, which raised funds in 2013 and is recognized for its contributions to the lingerie and activewear market. Additionally, they supported Shirtinator in 2007, a company that specializes in custom apparel, further highlighting their engagement in the fashion retail sector. Other investments include mybestbrands, Jualo, and MeinProspekt, showcasing their broad investment strategy while still maintaining a presence in fashion-related ventures.


10. GMPVC German Media Pool

  • Website: germanmediapool.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: gmpvc

GMPVC German Media Pool is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in media for equity investments, focusing on scaling consumer-facing startups through tailored media services. They provide investments in exchange for equity, helping startups enhance their brand visibility across various media channels. Among their notable transactions, they invested in mybestbrands, a fashion retail platform, which highlights their involvement in the fashion industry. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for other startups like Baby Sweets and Momox, although these are not directly related to fashion. Their strategy of supporting startups in enhancing market presence aligns well with the needs of fashion brands seeking growth.


11. SevenVentures

  • Website: sevenventures.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 10262962

SevenVentures is a corporate investment firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in media investments and partnerships with consumer-oriented startups, providing media-for-equity and media-for-revenue investments. Their approach helps businesses enhance brand visibility through tailored advertising strategies. Notably, SevenVentures has made significant investments in the fashion retail context, including a multi-million euro Series B investment in Stylight, a German fashion moodboard startup, which they announced on January 31, 2013. This investment was aimed at enhancing Stylight's product offerings, including the development of an iOS app. Other transactions include investments in myToys.de GmbH and Brille24, although these are less directly related to fashion retail. Their recent investment in Matsmart, a food retail company, further illustrates their diverse portfolio, but their involvement with Stylight solidifies their relevance in the fashion retail sector.


12. 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 funding but also expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive. Among their notable transactions, IBB Ventures has made significant investments in Outfittery, a prominent online personal shopping service for men, participating in multiple funding rounds including Series A, B, and C, with total investments exceeding $50 million. Additionally, they have invested in Inselberg, a digital booking platform for models and influencers, and The Female Company, a FemCare startup, showcasing their engagement with the fashion and lifestyle sectors. This diverse portfolio highlights IBB Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative startups, particularly in the fashion retail industry.


13. 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, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. They collaborate with a community of angel investors, enhancing their investment strategy and positioning them as a key player in the European venture capital landscape. Notably, b2venture has invested in several companies within the fashion retail sector, including Luxodo, a German online luxury marketplace that raised $2.4 million in 2013, and Armedangels, a sustainable fashion brand that secured funding in 2007. These investments highlight b2venture's engagement in the fashion retail industry, alongside their broader investment portfolio.


14. 3TS Capital Partners


3TS Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in technology-focused private equity and venture capital, providing expansion capital and buyout funding to small and medium-sized enterprises in growth sectors, particularly in technology, internet, media, and communications. Notably, 3TS Capital Partners has been involved in several transactions relevant to the fashion retail industry, including investments in eyerim, an online eyewear retailer. They led a Series A funding round for eyerim with an initial investment of €1.5 million in 2017, and also participated in earlier funding rounds, including a Seed Round in 2016. Additionally, they invested in ZOOT, a fashion e-commerce platform, raising $6.4 million in 2015. These transactions highlight their engagement in the fashion retail sector, particularly in technology-driven retail solutions.


15. Vorwerk Ventures


Vorwerk Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital fund founded in 2007, specializing in early-stage investments across various 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 Stuttgart-based startup focused on fashion resale, and stylefruits, which operates in the fashion retail space. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for JUNIQE, a marketplace for affordable art, which, while not strictly fashion, aligns with the broader consumer retail market. These transactions highlight Vorwerk Ventures' engagement in the fashion retail sector, reinforcing their relevance as an investor in this industry.



Fashion Retail Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
Rocket Internet SEBerlin, Berlin, Germany201-50020070
TA VenturesFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020105
RichemontBellevue, Geneva, Switzerland10001+19881
Burda Principal InvestmentsMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020165
SIGNA Group of CompaniesVienna, Vienna, Austria10001+19990
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Mountain PartnersZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020051
GMPVC German Media PoolBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020110
SevenVenturesFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-5020093
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
b2ventureSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland11-50200015
3TS Capital PartnersVienna, Vienna, Austria11-5019990
Vorwerk VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020077


Want to find more investors focusing on the fashion retail industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the fashion retailindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!