The hunting gear retail industry in the US is a vibrant market, catering to avid hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Companies range from specialty retailers offering firearms and ammunition to those providing clothing, accessories, and tech gear designed specifically for hunting. As the industry evolves, there is a growing integration of e-commerce and innovative product designs, driven by advancements in technology. Sustainability is also gaining traction, encouraging brands to develop eco-friendly products. Meanwhile, the popularity of outdoor activities continues to rise, expanding customer bases and encouraging investments.

The list features an intriguing mix of investors, including venture capital and private equity firms, headquartered mainly in New York City and Minneapolis. Established between 1976 and 2015, their sizes vary, with some handling billions in assets and others focusing on mid-sized opportunities. In 2024, these investors collectively executed numerous deals highlighting their engagement in the hunting gear retail sector, particularly through companies like FJ Labs and KKR. This blend of backgrounds positions them strategically to influence the market's future direction.

Top 15 Hunting Gear Retail Investors in the US

1. 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 over 1,000 companies in their extensive portfolio, many of which have achieved unicorn status, FJ Labs has demonstrated a strong track record in supporting innovative startups. Notably, they have invested in Mystery Tackle Box, which raised $3,507,002 in Series A funding in 2017, focusing on subscription boxes for fishing enthusiasts. Additionally, their investments in SidelineSwap, a marketplace for buying and selling sports gear, highlight their interest in outdoor and recreational equipment, which can include hunting gear. This diverse investment strategy positions FJ Labs as a potential player in the hunting gear retail space.

2. 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. Notably, Advantage Capital has made significant investments in companies related to the hunting gear retail industry, such as Drake Waterfowl Systems, which raised $4 million in debt financing in August 2020. This investment highlights their commitment to supporting businesses that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and hunters. Other transactions include investments in companies like Excel Boats and Xplor Boatworks, which, while not directly related to hunting gear, indicate a broader interest in outdoor and recreational industries. Advantage Capital focuses on supporting entrepreneurs in underserved communities, offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive.

3. 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 its notable transactions, KKR acquired Academy Sports Outdoors in 2011, a retailer known for its extensive range of sporting goods, including hunting gear. Additionally, KKR's acquisition of Mills Fleet Farm in 2016 further solidified its presence in the outdoor retail market, as Mills Fleet Farm operates numerous stores that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, including hunters. These strategic investments reflect KKR's commitment to supporting growth in the outdoor retail sector and enhancing the availability of hunting gear to consumers.

4. BRS & Co.

• Website: brs.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: bruckmann-rosser-sherrill-%26-co.

BRS & Co. is a private equity firm based in New York, specializing in managing assets for lower middle market consumer companies. Founded in 1995, the firm provides strategic advice and operational support to management teams, focusing on driving sustainable growth through investments and acquisitions. BRS & Co. has made significant investments in the outdoor sector, including the acquisition of Gamo Outdoor, a company known for its air rifles and outdoor products, and Daisy Outdoor Products, a leading manufacturer of youth airguns. Additionally, they acquired New Archery Products, which specializes in archery equipment. These transactions highlight BRS & Co.'s active role in the hunting gear retail industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.

5. Norwest Equity Partners (NEP)

• Website: nep.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1961
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: norwest-equity-partners

Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) is a private equity investment firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, founded in 1961. NEP specializes in building industry leaders by providing capital and strategic guidance across various sectors. Their investment approach emphasizes long-term partnerships and sustainable growth. Notably, NEP has made significant investments in companies relevant to the outdoor and sports equipment market, including Bowtech, a manufacturer of archery equipment, and Shock Doctor Sports, which produces protective sports gear. Additionally, NEP's acquisition of United Sports Brands, the parent company of Shock Doctor, further highlights their commitment to the sports and outdoor sector. These transactions indicate NEP's active role in industries that intersect with hunting and outdoor activities, making them a relevant player in the hunting gear retail space.

6. 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 the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. NEA operates through a collaborative approach, emphasizing long-term relationships with founders. Notably, NEA participated in the funding rounds for Cotopaxi, a Benefit Corporation outdoor gear and apparel company, which raised $6.5M in Series A funding in 2015 and $3M in a Seed Round in 2014. This involvement highlights NEA's interest in the outdoor gear market, although their primary focus remains on technology and healthcare.

7. 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. 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 made significant investments in the outdoor sector, including the acquisition of TAXA Outdoors, which manufactures lightweight mobile habitats for outdoor adventures. This investment aims to enhance TAXA's growth by expanding its distribution and product offerings, showcasing L Catterton's commitment to the outdoor lifestyle market. Additionally, their acquisition of West Marine, a leading omni-channel platform in the marine aftermarket, further demonstrates their engagement in outdoor-related industries. With a strong emphasis on consumer insights, L Catterton aims to drive growth and innovation within its portfolio companies, making them a relevant player in the hunting gear retail space.

8. Vista Outdoor Inc.

• Website: vistaoutdoor.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Anoka, Minnesota, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1916
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: vistaoutdoorinc

Vista Outdoor Inc. is a corporate investor based in Anoka, Minnesota, founded in 1916. The company designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of sporting and outdoor products, catering to outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality and innovative offerings. Notably, Vista Outdoor has made significant acquisitions to enhance its portfolio, including Stone Glacier, an ultralight backcountry and hunting gear brand, which they acquired on December 28, 2021. This acquisition highlights their focus on the hunting gear market. Additionally, they have acquired QuietKat, another brand that aligns with outdoor and hunting activities. These strategic moves indicate Vista Outdoor's commitment to expanding its footprint in the hunting gear retail industry while also diversifying into other outdoor sectors such as fishing and water sports.

9. Goode Partners

• Website: goodepartners.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1

Goode Partners LLC is a private equity firm based in New York, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investing in high-growth potential consumer-oriented companies, providing both financial and operational resources to help these businesses scale effectively. Goode Partners has a history of investing in the outdoor and hunting gear sectors, with notable transactions including investments in Huk Gear and Nomad Outdoor, both of which are recognized brands in the hunting and outdoor apparel market. Additionally, they have invested in Marolina Outdoor, the parent company of Huk, further solidifying their presence in the hunting gear retail industry. Their clientele primarily consists of management teams seeking to enhance their growth strategies through strategic partnerships, making them a valuable player in the hunting gear retail investment landscape.

10. Blackstone

• Website: blackstone.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a leading investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a diverse portfolio that includes private equity, real estate, and credit solutions for both institutional and individual investors. Among its notable transactions, Blackstone acquired Jack Wolfskin, a German outdoor retailer, for approximately $1 billion, which is significant in the context of outdoor and hunting gear retail. This acquisition highlights Blackstone's strategy of investing in strong brands within the outdoor sector. Additionally, Blackstone has engaged in various other investments, such as Billabong International and Leica, showcasing its broad investment approach while still maintaining a foothold in the outdoor lifestyle market.

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 investments. The firm has a diverse portfolio and actively connects talented professionals with opportunities in their portfolio companies. Notably, Lerer Hippeau has participated in funding rounds for companies like Cotopaxi, an outdoor gear and apparel company, which raised significant capital to expand its product offerings and events. This involvement in the outdoor sector indicates their interest in companies that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, which can include hunting gear retailers. Their investment strategy focuses on supporting innovative startups, making them a potential player in the hunting gear retail space.

12. Summit Partners

• Website: summitpartners.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1984
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn: summit-partners

Summit Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1984. The firm specializes in growth equity, providing capital and resources to category-leading companies primarily in technology, healthcare, and life sciences. Notably, Summit Partners has invested in onX Maps, which raised significant funding to expand its offerings for outdoor enthusiasts, including hunters. This investment highlights their engagement in the outdoor sector. Additionally, they have invested in Tippmann Sports, a company that may have relevance in the hunting gear space, although details on the transaction are limited. Overall, Summit Partners leverages its extensive experience in investment management to partner with businesses seeking growth and success in their respective markets.

13. Northstar Capital

• Website: northstarcapital.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1993
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: northstar-capital

Northstar Capital is an investment management firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializing in junior capital investments and equity co-investments for lower middle market companies. Founded in 1993, the firm has raised nearly $2 billion in capital and focuses on providing tailored financing solutions to financial sponsors, business owners, and management teams across various industries, including healthcare and consumer goods. Notably, Northstar Capital has made significant investments in companies relevant to the hunting gear retail sector, such as Drake Waterfowl Systems, which specializes in waterfowl hunting gear, and Weaver Leather, known for its outdoor and hunting-related products. Additionally, their investment in Rite in the Rain, which produces weatherproof paper products, and Classic Accessories, which offers outdoor gear and accessories, further demonstrates their commitment to the outdoor and hunting markets.

14. Jet

• Website: walmart.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Hoboken, New Jersey, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1962
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: jet-com

Jet, operating under Walmart Inc., is a corporate investor based in Hoboken, New Jersey, founded in 1962. Walmart is a leading retail chain known for its extensive network of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores, offering a wide range of products from groceries to electronics. In recent years, Walmart has made significant acquisitions to bolster its online sales and product offerings. Notably, the acquisition of Moosejaw, a retailer specializing in outdoor gear, including hunting equipment, highlights Walmart's strategic move to enhance its inventory in the outdoor and hunting gear sector. This acquisition, along with others like ShoeBuy and Hayneedle, demonstrates Walmart's commitment to expanding its reach in the outdoor retail market, making it a relevant player in the hunting gear retail industry.

15. Norwest Mezzanine Partners (NMP)

• Website: nmp.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: norwest-mezzanine-partners

Norwest Mezzanine Partners (NMP) is an investment firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializing in providing junior capital solutions to financial sponsors. Founded in 2000, NMP focuses on creating flexible capital structures, including subordinated debt and equity, to support private equity-backed companies across various industries. Notably, NMP has been involved in transactions with companies like Crosman Corporation, which raised significant funds for its airgun and hunting accessory products, and Spyder Active Sports, which is associated with outdoor sports. These investments suggest a connection to the outdoor and hunting gear market, although NMP's broader investment strategy encompasses various sectors, including healthcare and consumer products.

Hunting Gear Retail Insights: Key Investors in the US

Want to find more investors focusing on the hunting gear retail industry?

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!