The knitted fabric mills industry in the US specializes in producing a variety of fabric types using knitting processes. Companies involved in this sector include mills that create textiles for clothing, upholstery, and industrial applications. With increasing demand for sustainable and innovative textile solutions, the industry is adapting through advanced technology. Automation and eco-friendly materials are becoming more prevalent, driving growth. Trends indicate a shift towards functional fabrics, such as those that are moisture-wicking or temperature-regulating. This evolution makes the industry continuously relevant in fashion and functionality for consumers and manufacturers alike.


This list showcases a range of notable investors in the knitted fabric mills industry, indicating a strong interest in textile innovation. The collection includes venture capital firms and private equity entities headquartered in locations spanning major US cities such as San Francisco, New York, and New Orleans. Founded as early as 1839, the firms represent different sizes and specialties, contributing to the 2024 deal count reaching over 1,200 in total. These investors exhibit a shared commitment to supporting sustainable fabric initiatives and technological advancements in textiles, aligning with industry growth and consumer demand.


Top 15 Knitted Fabric Mills Investors in the US


1. 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 in various sectors, including health and climate technology. Notably, Sosv has invested in Kniterate, a company that raised funds through a convertible note and a pre-seed round, focusing on knitting technology. This involvement highlights Sosv's interest in the knitted fabric industry, alongside its broader investment strategy that spans multiple sectors. Additionally, Sosv has made investments in other innovative companies like Sci-Lume Labs and Spintex, indicating a diverse portfolio while still maintaining a connection to textile-related technologies.


2. Advantage Capital


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, with a particular focus on supporting entrepreneurs in underserved communities. They offer flexible capital solutions to help businesses grow and thrive. Notably, Advantage Capital has been involved in several transactions relevant to the knitted fabric mills industry, including multiple rounds of debt financing for Catalyst Fabric Solutions, a company that operates within the fabric sector. Additionally, they have provided financing to other textile-related businesses such as Zagis and Kanata Blanket, further demonstrating their engagement in the industry. Their services encompass venture capital, capital investment consulting, and management of investment funds, making them a versatile partner for businesses in various sectors, including textiles.


3. 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 specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Over the years, Y Combinator has successfully launched more than 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has invested in companies such as SockSoho, which focuses on socks and related apparel, and Vastrm, an ecommerce company in the fashion sector. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement with the fashion and textile industries, suggesting a potential interest in knitted fabric mills and related businesses.


4. Collaborative Fund

  • Website: collabfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 29
  • LinkedIn: collaborative-fund

Collaborative Fund is a venture capital investment firm based in New York, founded in 2010. The firm focuses on backing innovative companies across various sectors, including renewable energy, consumer goods, and health technology, with a mission to create positive societal and environmental impacts. Notably, Collaborative Fund has invested in companies like Rubi Laboratories, which raised $8.7 million to develop carbon-negative textiles, and AlgiKnit, which secured $13 million to scale its kelp-based yarn production. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting sustainable fabric development and innovation in the textile industry, making them a relevant player in the knitted fabric mills sector.


5. The Riverside Company


The Riverside Company is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in providing flexible capital solutions and strategic guidance to smaller middle-market businesses. Founded in 1988, Riverside manages a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies globally. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Keepsake Quilting in 2000, which specializes in quilting fabrics, and the Momentum Group, acquired in 2006 and again in 2016, which operates in the textiles sector. Additionally, Riverside acquired Thibaut Inc. in 2006, a company known for its fabric and wallpaper products. These transactions highlight Riverside's engagement in the textiles and fabric industries, aligning with interests in knitted fabric mills.


6. IFC - International Finance Corporation

  • Website: ifc.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, dedicated to fostering private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, helping them access capital and expertise to promote economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has been involved in significant transactions within the textile sector, including a $50 million debt financing for Brandix, a leading apparel manufacturer known for its knitted fabric production, and a $100 million debt financing for Epic Group, another key player in the textile industry. These transactions highlight IFC's engagement in the knitted fabric mills context, reinforcing its role as an investor in this sector.


7. Hax

  • Website: hax.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 55
  • LinkedIn: hax

HAX is a venture capital firm and startup incubator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. They focus on supporting hard tech startups by providing funding, engineering support, and access to manufacturing resources. HAX aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage companies in sectors such as sustainability, climate, and health. Notably, HAX has invested in companies like Kniterate, which raised funds in a Seed Round in 2016, and unspun, which raised funds in a Pre-Seed Round in 2018. Additionally, they have been involved with Smartex.ai, a company that has raised multiple rounds of funding, including a Seed Round in 2022 and a Series A round in 2022, aimed at enhancing textile quality and traceability for manufacturers and fashion brands. These transactions highlight HAX's engagement in the textile industry, particularly in areas relevant to knitted fabric mills.


8. Platinum Equity

  • Website: platinumequity.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: platinum-equity

Platinum Equity is a private equity firm based in Beverly Hills, California, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and operations management. Founded in 1995, the firm manages over $48 billion in assets and has a portfolio of approximately 50 companies across various industries. Notable transactions relevant to the knitted fabric mills context include the acquisition of American & Efird, the world's second-largest manufacturer of industrial and consumer sewing thread, and DyStar Textilfarben GmbH & Co. KG, which specializes in textile dyes and chemicals. Additionally, their acquisition of Hop Lun, a significant apparel manufacturer, further emphasizes their engagement in the textile sector. These strategic investments highlight Platinum Equity's commitment to enhancing growth and profitability in the fabric and textile industries.


9. Berkshire Hathaway


Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is a holding company based in Omaha, Nebraska, founded in 1839. It operates primarily in the insurance and investment management sectors, providing a diverse range of financial services to individual consumers and businesses. The company is renowned for its strong leadership under Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger and has a significant portfolio of subsidiaries across various industries. Notably, Berkshire Hathaway has made several key acquisitions in the textile and apparel sector, including Burlington Industries, which it acquired in 2003, and Fruit of the Loom Ltd.'s basic apparel business operations in 2001 for $835 million. Additionally, it acquired Garan Inc., a children's clothing manufacturer, in 2002. These transactions highlight Berkshire Hathaway's involvement in the fabric and apparel industries, making it a relevant investor in the knitted fabric mills context.


10. 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 a private equity investment management firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, founded in 1993. The firm specializes in junior capital investments and equity co-investments for lower middle market companies, providing tailored financing solutions to financial sponsors, business owners, and management teams across various industries, including healthcare and consumer goods. Notably, Northstar Capital has raised nearly $2 billion in capital since its inception. Among their relevant transactions, they invested in Weaver Leather in 2016, a company that operates within the textile sector, which includes knitted fabrics. This investment highlights their engagement in the textile industry, alongside other transactions such as Vectorply Corporation and Rollease Acmeda US, which, while not directly related to knitted fabrics, demonstrate their broader interest in companies that may intersect with textile manufacturing.


11. Meliorate Partners

  • Website: meliorate.earth
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Mercer Island, Washington, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: melioratepartners

Meliorate Partners is an investment firm founded in 2014, based in Mercer Island, Washington, that emphasizes sustainability and innovation. They support early-stage entrepreneurs and startups that are developing solutions to environmental challenges, particularly in materials science and waste management. Notably, they have been involved in transactions that align with the knitted fabric mills industry, such as their investment in Simplifyber, which raised $3.5 million in seed funding for a novel approach to clothing manufacturing using a cellulose formula derived from natural materials. Additionally, their investment in TômTex, a sustainable bio-material producer, showcases their commitment to innovative materials that could be relevant to the textile industry. These transactions highlight Meliorate Partners' focus on sustainable practices that are crucial for the future of knitted fabric production.


12. SK Capital Partners


SK Capital Partners is a private investment firm based in New York, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in the specialty materials, ingredients, and life sciences sectors, focusing on transforming portfolio companies through strategic investments and operational improvements. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Techmer PM, a company involved in specialty materials, and Tri-Tex Co., which may have relevance to the textiles industry. Their investment in Archroma, a company that provides specialty chemicals for textiles, further highlights their engagement in sectors that could intersect with knitted fabric mills. SK Capital Partners aims to create sustainable value for stakeholders by enhancing growth and efficiency in their portfolio companies.


13. Avient Corporation

  • Website: avient.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Avon Lake, Ohio, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: avient-corporation

Avient Corporation is a manufacturer specializing in polymer materials, offering a wide range of products including thermoplastic compounds, colorants, and advanced composites. Founded in 2000 and based in Avon Lake, Ohio, the company serves various industries such as automotive and healthcare, providing innovative solutions to enhance product performance and sustainability. Notably, Avient has made significant acquisitions that align with the textile industry, including the acquisition of Magna Colours Ltd. in July 2021 for $48 million, aimed at enhancing its portfolio of sustainable solutions in textile screen printing. Additionally, Avient has acquired FIBER-LINE, which may also relate to textile applications, further indicating its interest in the fabric and textile sectors.


14. Alto Partners SGR S.p.A.


Alto Partners SGR S.p.A. is a private equity firm based in Milan, Michigan, USA, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investments in small-to-medium-sized Italian companies, providing private equity investment, management buyouts, and consulting services to help businesses grow and navigate generational transitions. Their portfolio spans various sectors, including food retail, business services, and pharmaceuticals. Notably, Alto Partners has made significant investments in the knitted fabric industry, including the acquisition of Millefili, an Italian company specializing in yarn production for the knitwear industry. This acquisition, along with another investment in Millefili where they acquired a 70% stake, highlights their commitment to supporting the development of companies within the knitted fabric sector. These transactions demonstrate their active role in the industry, making them a relevant investor in the knitted fabric mills space.


15. Closed Loop Partners

  • Website: closedlooppartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: closed-loop-fund

Closed Loop Partners is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2014, that specializes in building the circular economy. They provide investment management services, venture capital, and private equity, while also operating the largest privately held recycling company in North America. Their focus is on sustainable practices and reducing waste, making them a key player in the sustainability space. Notably, they have invested in Evrnu, a textile innovation company that is working on sustainable textile solutions, and in Earthodic, which is developing materials technology with a focus on sustainability. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting innovations that can transform the textile and fabric industries, including knitted fabric mills.



Knitted Fabric Mills Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Collaborative FundNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201029
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
HaxSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201255
Platinum EquityBeverly Hills, California, United States (USA)201-500199520
Berkshire HathawayOmaha, Nebraska, United States (USA)10001+18394
Northstar CapitalMinneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)11-5019931
Meliorate PartnersMercer Island, Washington, United States (USA)1-1020143
SK Capital PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-20020073
Avient CorporationAvon Lake, Ohio, United States (USA)5001-1000020000
Alto Partners SGR S.p.A.Milan, Michigan, United States (USA)11-5020003
Closed Loop PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020148


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