Top 15 Fashion Retail Investors in the US
Top 15 Fashion Retail Investors in the US
The fashion retail industry in the US is a dynamic sector characterized by a range of players, from established brands to innovative startups. Companies engage in designing, manufacturing, and selling apparel and accessories, catering to consumer demands for style, quality, and sustainability. The industry is witnessing a shift towards digital transformation and e-commerce platforms, with consumers embracing online shopping experiences. Trends such as resale and rental models are rising, reflecting growing interest in sustainable fashion. Notably, the US fashion retail market is anticipated to prioritize ethical practices while capturing the shifts in consumer behavior, with sustainability at the forefront.
Investors in the US fashion retail scene predominantly include venture capital and private equity firms, each targeting different growth stages. Headquartered mainly in major cities, these firms vary in size, with some overseeing assets in the thousands. Founded from 1976 to 2023, they collectively engaged in over 800 transactions in 2024, revealing strong interest in the fashion sector. From Tiger Global to KKR, their conveyance highlights varied investment strategies reflecting the market’s lucrative potential and evolving trends in fashion retail.
Top 15 Fashion Retail Investors in the US
1. 500 Global
- Website: 500.co
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2010
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 98
- LinkedIn: 500-startups
500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator founded in 2010, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. Notably, 500 Global has made significant investments in the fashion retail sector, including multiple funding rounds for Pomelo Fashion, a Thailand-based e-commerce firm that focuses on online fashion retail. They participated in Pomelo's pre-series A funding round in 2014, a venture round in 2015, and a Series A funding round in 2016, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative fashion retail startups. Additionally, 500 Global has invested in TuckerNuck, a fashion retail brand, through both seed and Series A funding rounds in 2012 and 2015, respectively. These transactions highlight 500 Global's active role in the fashion retail industry, complementing their broader investment strategy.
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 provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in fashion retail companies such as Shoptiques, a boutique e-commerce site that raised $2 million in a seed round in 2012, and Curtsy, a clothing resale app for Gen Z women that raised $11 million in Series A funding in 2021, along with earlier seed investments. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the fashion retail sector, particularly in innovative e-commerce solutions.
3. FJ Labs
- Website: fjlabs.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 169
- LinkedIn: fj-labs
FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. They provide capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. With a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many of which have achieved unicorn status, FJ Labs has established itself as a significant player in the venture capital landscape. Among their notable transactions in the fashion retail sector are investments in Farfetch, which raised $110 million in Series F funding, Eloquii, which secured $6 million in Series A funding, and Curtsy, a clothing resale app that raised $11 million in Series A funding. These investments highlight FJ Labs' commitment to supporting innovative companies within the fashion retail industry.
4. 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 leveraging technology. Among its notable investments in the fashion retail sector are LimeRoad, which raised $15 million in Series B funding in 2014, and Allbirds, a sustainable footwear brand that raised $50 million in Series C funding in 2018 and $17.5 million in Series B funding in 2017. Additionally, Tiger Global has shown interest in the resale market through its involvement with Vestiaire Collective, a platform for pre-owned luxury fashion. These transactions highlight Tiger Global's engagement with the fashion retail industry, catering to both traditional and emerging fashion brands.
5. 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, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, India, and China. The firm specializes in investing in startups and early-stage companies, primarily in the technology sector. However, Accel has also made notable investments in the fashion retail industry, including significant funding rounds for companies like ModCloth and Lyst. ModCloth, an online retailer known for its vintage-inspired clothing, received multiple rounds of funding from Accel, including $25 million in 2012 and $15 million in 2015. Similarly, Lyst, a fashion e-commerce platform, raised $40 million in 2015 and $85 million in 2021, showcasing Accel's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the fashion retail space. These transactions highlight Accel's diverse investment portfolio and its engagement in the fashion retail sector.
6. L Catterton
- Website: lcatterton.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1989
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 23
- LinkedIn: l-catterton
L Catterton is a private equity firm founded in 1989, specializing in investment management with a focus on consumer brands across various sectors, including fashion retail. The firm partners with middle market companies and high-growth enterprises, providing capital and strategic guidance to enhance brand equity and market presence. Notably, L Catterton has acquired a 51% stake in the Danish fashion brand Ganni, aiming to leverage its expertise to expand Ganni's international presence. Additionally, the firm has invested in Everlane, raising $85 million in a Series F round, and acquired Seafolly, further solidifying its footprint in the fashion industry. Their investment in Trendy International Group also highlights their engagement in the fashion retail space, showcasing their commitment to driving growth and innovation within their portfolio companies.
7. 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, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. The firm provides venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed across various sectors, including health and climate technology. Notably, Sosv has also invested in the fashion retail industry, with significant transactions such as Adore Me, which raised $2.5 million in Series A funding in April 2012 and an additional undisclosed amount in a Venture Round in November 2012. They also invested in Try & Buy Fashion, which raised $970,000 in a Seed Round in November 2018, and Swag Kicks, which raised $150,000 in a Pre-Seed Round in August 2021. These investments highlight Sosv's engagement in the fashion retail sector, showcasing their ability to connect innovative companies with investors globally.
8. SV Angel
- Website: svangel.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2009
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 44
- LinkedIn: sv-angel
SV Angel is a venture capital firm founded in 2009, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth-stage companies, primarily in the technology sector. However, SV Angel has also made significant investments in the fashion retail industry, supporting innovative brands such as Everlane, which focuses on transparent pricing and ethical production; Bonobos, known for its men's apparel; and Shoptiques, a boutique e-commerce platform. Other notable investments include Curtsy, a resale platform for women's clothing, and ShopShops, which connects consumers with global retailers through live shopping experiences. SV Angel provides not only financial backing but also strategic advice and access to a network of industry experts, helping startups navigate the challenges of business development.
9. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)
- Website: nea.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1977
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 57
- LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates
New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a venture capital firm founded in 1977, based in Menlo Park, California. NEA specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in technology and healthcare sectors. However, they have also made notable investments in the fashion retail industry, particularly with Moda Operandi, an online fashion retailer. NEA participated in several funding rounds for Moda Operandi, including a $100 million funding round in January 2020 and a $60 million series E funding in February 2015. These investments highlight NEA's strategic approach to partnering with entrepreneurs across various sectors, including fashion, to provide funding and guidance for business growth.
10. Advent
- Website: adventinternational.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1984
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 17
- LinkedIn: advent-international
Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1984. The firm specializes in buyouts and investments across various sectors, with a strong focus on long-term value creation for its portfolio companies. Advent has a notable track record in the fashion retail industry, having acquired several prominent brands. Key transactions include the acquisition of Charlotte Russe for $380 million in 2009, Fat Face in 2005, Maurices in 1994, New Look in 1996, and Takko Fashion for €770 million in 2007. These investments highlight Advent's commitment to the fashion retail sector, as they partner with companies to provide capital and strategic guidance, helping them achieve growth and navigate market challenges.
11. Lerer Hippeau
- Website: lererhippeau.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2010
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 23
- LinkedIn: lerer-hippeau-ventures
Lerer Hippeau is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2010, that specializes in early-stage startup investments. The firm is known for connecting talented professionals with opportunities in its portfolio companies, providing essential funding and support to help these businesses grow. Notably, Lerer Hippeau has made significant investments in the fashion retail sector, including a seed round investment in Everlane, which raised $1.1 million in April 2011, and multiple funding rounds for Allbirds, totaling over $25 million across seed and Series A and B rounds from 2016 to 2017. Additionally, they invested in Chubbies Shorts, a brand focused on men's casual wear, further demonstrating their active role in the fashion retail industry. Through these investments, Lerer Hippeau has established itself as a key player in supporting innovative fashion retail brands.
12. General Atlantic
- Website: generalatlantic.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1980
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 32
- LinkedIn: general-atlantic
General Atlantic is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in growth equity. Founded in 1980, the firm provides capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and growth companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and fashion retail. Notably, General Atlantic has invested in several fashion-related companies, such as Sezane, which raised funds in 2018, and Depop, a social shopping platform that raised $62 million in Series C funding in 2019 to expand its U.S. presence. Additionally, they have been involved with Grupo Axo, a company that operates in the fashion retail space. These investments highlight General Atlantic's commitment to enhancing the growth trajectories of its portfolio companies within the fashion retail industry.
13. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)
- Website: av.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2023
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 258
- LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios. With a network of over 10,000 investors, the firm focuses on connecting them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in several notable transactions in the fashion retail space, including investments in Rhone Apparel, which raised approximately $1.4 million in Series C funding, and Maisonette, which also raised funds in Series C. Additionally, they invested in Trendsi, which secured $5 million in a seed round, and Verishop, which raised an undisclosed amount in Series B. These transactions highlight the fund's active engagement in the fashion retail industry.
14. Goodwater Capital
- Website: goodwatercap.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Burlingame, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2014
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 41
- LinkedIn: goodwater-capital
Goodwater Capital is a venture capital firm based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in consumer technology and supports seed-stage entrepreneurs by providing investment, resources, and a community to help them grow. Goodwater Capital has a diverse investment portfolio that spans various sectors, including healthcare and financial services, but they have also made significant strides in the fashion retail industry. Notably, they led multiple funding rounds for Frank & Oak, a New York-based menswear brand, contributing to its growth with investments totaling over $20 million across Series B and C rounds. Additionally, they have invested in Stylemyle, indicating their ongoing interest in fashion retail ventures. This blend of technology and fashion retail positions Goodwater Capital as a versatile investor in the consumer landscape.
15. 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 based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored investment solutions to institutional and individual clients. Among their notable transactions in the fashion retail sector, KKR acquired SMCP SA on April 18, 2013, which is known for its fashion brands. Additionally, KKR has participated in significant funding rounds for Reliance Retail, raising substantial amounts in 2020 and 2023, indicating their strategic interest in the retail market. These transactions highlight KKR's commitment to investing in the fashion retail industry while also maintaining a diverse portfolio across various sectors.
Fashion Retail Insights: Key Investors in the US
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 Global | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 2010 | 98 |
| Y Combinator | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2005 | 802 |
| FJ Labs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2015 | 169 |
| Tiger Global | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2001 | 25 |
| Accel | Palo Alto, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1983 | 101 |
| L Catterton | United States (USA) | 201-500 | 1989 | 23 |
| Sosv | United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1995 | 170 |
| SV Angel | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2009 | 44 |
| New Enterprise Associates (NEA) | Menlo Park, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1977 | 57 |
| Advent | Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 1984 | 17 |
| Lerer Hippeau | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2010 | 23 |
| General Atlantic | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 1980 | 32 |
| Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) | Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2023 | 258 |
| Goodwater Capital | Burlingame, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2014 | 41 |
| Kkr | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1976 | 74 |
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!
%20(1).jpg)
Trusted by 700+ companies
