The leather footwear industry in Benelux is a dynamic sector known for combining craftsmanship with contemporary fashion. It includes manufacturers producing both luxury and everyday footwear, often emphasizing quality and design. Companies range from established names with historic legacies to innovative startups pioneering sustainable practices using eco-friendly materials. As consumer demand grows for ethically produced goods, brands are increasingly investing in sustainable and technological solutions, positioning themselves to cater to environmental consciousness. The region is turning into a hub for experimentation, as investors support ventures creating new leather alternatives and pushing boundaries in style and sustainability.


This list features a variety of investors shaping the leather footwear scene in Benelux. Covering different types—from private equity firms like Quadrivio Group to venture capitalists such as Exor N.V.—these entities range in size and age. Most were founded in the early 2000s and operate with teams of 50 or fewer, highlighting a robust focus on growth. In 2024, they collectively executed numerous investments, indicating a healthy interest in this sector. Their headquarters are strategically located across prominent cities in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, funneling vital resources into this important market.


Top 15 Leather Footwear Investors in Benelux


1. Exor N.V.

  • Website: exor.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: exor_2

Exor N.V. is a holding company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. It operates across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, and media, and manages a diverse portfolio of companies. Notably, Exor has made strategic investments in the leather footwear industry, including a significant acquisition of a 24% stake in the luxury brand Christian Louboutin for approximately $643 million. This investment aims to enhance Louboutin's brand presence, particularly in China, showcasing Exor's commitment to the leather footwear market. Additionally, Exor has participated in seed funding rounds for companies like CARIUMA and Apparis, which are involved in the footwear sector, further emphasizing its interest in this industry.


2. Fashion for Good

  • Website: fashionforgood.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: fashionforgood

Fashion for Good is a not-for-profit organization based in Amsterdam, founded in 2017, that focuses on sustainable innovation within the fashion industry. They connect innovators with brands, retailers, and manufacturers to facilitate collaboration and drive change towards a regenerative industry. The organization provides support, mentorship, and resources to empower its network in adopting sustainable practices. Notably, Fashion for Good has participated in several relevant transactions, including a seed round for Biophilica, which is developing Treekind®, a plastic-free leather alternative. This aligns with their mission to promote sustainable materials in fashion. Additionally, they have supported MYCL | Mycotech Lab, which is also involved in innovative material solutions. Their backing of these companies highlights their commitment to advancing sustainable alternatives in the leather sector, making them a relevant player in the leather footwear investment landscape.


3. Vendis Capital

  • Website: vendiscapital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Machelen, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: vendis-capital

Vendis Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Machelen, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in consumer scale-ups, providing capital and strategic support to help businesses grow internationally and implement effective digitalization strategies. Vendis Capital has a collaborative approach, partnering with entrepreneurs to enhance market presence and achieve sustainable growth. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Petrol Industries, a Dutch fashion brand, which indicates their interest in the fashion sector that may include leather footwear. They have also acquired other brands such as Noppies and eyes+more, further demonstrating their active role in the consumer goods market. Their investment in these brands suggests a potential interest in leather footwear, making them a relevant player in this space.


4. Forward Venture Capital

  • Website: forwardvc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: forwardventurecapital

Forward Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2016. The firm supports early-stage entrepreneurs by providing investment and guidance to help them accelerate their growth. Forward Venture Capital focuses on various sectors, including digital commerce and SaaS. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Roccamore, a company in the leather footwear industry, during a seed round in July 2019. This investment highlights their engagement in the leather footwear market, although it is not their primary focus. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Volumental and Halfdays, which, while not directly related to leather footwear, showcase their broader investment strategy.


5. Quadrivio Group


Quadrivio Group is a private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2000, specializing in investment management. The firm focuses on transforming small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into small multinationals through specialized funds in sectors such as Lifestyle, Industry 4.0, and Silver Economy. Quadrivio Group's clients include institutional investors and family offices seeking tailored investment solutions. Notably, Quadrivio has been active in the fashion and lifestyle sectors, with significant transactions including the acquisition of Ferrante Brands, which owns the Filippo De Laurentiis label, indicating a direct interest in leather footwear. They also acquired Dondup, a brand that may include leather footwear in its offerings, and have made investments through their Made in Italy Fund, which targets Italian fashion brands. These transactions highlight Quadrivio's commitment to enhancing brand presence and expanding market reach, particularly in the leather and fashion industries.


6. Karmijn Kapitaal

  • Website: karmijnkapitaal.nl
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: karmijn-kapitaal

Karmijn Kapitaal is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in providing growth capital, acquisition financing, and management buy-out support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Netherlands. Karmijn Kapitaal emphasizes diversity in management teams and actively collaborates with its portfolio companies to enhance operations and drive sustainable growth. Notably, Karmijn Kapitaal has made significant investments in the leather footwear sector, including the acquisition of Fred de la Bretonière, a prominent shoe and bag brand in the Netherlands, in December 2014. Additionally, they acquired King Louie in September 2017, further solidifying their presence in the fashion and footwear industry.


7. Sofina

  • Website: sofinagroup.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1898
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: sofina

Sofina is a venture capital investment company based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1898. The firm specializes in providing patient capital to growing businesses across various sectors, including telecommunications, consumer goods, and energy. Sofina partners with entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses, offering strategic advice and long-term investment solutions to foster sustainable growth. Notably, Sofina led a €25 million Series C funding round for Spartoo, a European online footwear and bag retailer, which highlights their engagement in the footwear industry. This investment supports Spartoo's aggressive expansion across the European market, indicating Sofina's commitment to the footwear sector, particularly in the leather footwear context. Additionally, Sofina has participated in various other funding rounds, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio.


8. 5square Committed Capital

  • Website: 5square.nl
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Laren, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: 5square

5square Committed Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Laren, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in supporting medium-sized enterprises in the Netherlands by providing investment, strategic development, and operational improvement services. Among their notable transactions is an investment in Greve, a company known for its leather footwear, which they supported in a venture round in 2005. This investment highlights their capability and interest in the leather footwear sector, although their overall portfolio spans various industries. As of 2024, they have not made any new investments, which may indicate a shift in focus or a temporary pause in their investment activities.


9. Simile Venture Partners


Simile Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2012. The firm partners with exceptional founders to build disruptive companies primarily in the consumer internet, digital media, mobile, and B2B2C sectors. They provide investment and strategic support to early-stage ventures, focusing on markets in Western Europe, Southeast Asia, and India. Notably, Simile Venture Partners made a seed investment in Aeyde GmbH, a company known for its leather footwear products, on March 1, 2015. This transaction highlights their engagement in the leather footwear industry, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio that includes companies in this sector.


10. Retviews

  • Website: lectra.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Belgium
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: retviews

Retviews, operating under Lectra, is a corporate investor based in Belgium, founded in 2017. They specialize in providing technology solutions, including advanced software and equipment, aimed at enhancing production efficiency and sustainability in the fashion, automotive, and furniture industries. In 2021, Lectra acquired Gerber Technology for $210.9 million, a move that strengthens their position in the fashion technology sector. In 2022, they signed an agreement to acquire 51% of TextileGenesis for €15.2 million, with plans to acquire the remaining shares in the coming years. These transactions highlight their commitment to innovation and growth within industries that intersect with leather footwear manufacturing.


11. Armat Group


Armat Group is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in private equity, real estate, and asset-backed financing, providing flexible investment solutions to support businesses in their growth and international development. One notable transaction involved Isabel Marant, a fashion brand that raised an undisclosed amount in a private equity round on July 25, 2016. This investment highlights Armat Group's engagement with the fashion industry, which includes leather footwear, indicating their potential interest in this sector.


12. Brightlands Venture Partners


Brightlands Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Geleen, Limburg, Netherlands, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups that focus on health and sustainability. They provide both venture capital and advisory services to help these startups tackle complex societal challenges. Notably, Brightlands has invested in Qorium, a Dutch biotech startup that is pioneering the development of cell-cultured leather. In 2021, they led a €2.6M funding round for Qorium, which aims to sustainably develop real leather, indicating their commitment to innovative solutions in the leather industry. In 2024, they also participated in a seed funding round for Qorium, further emphasizing their ongoing support for advancements in sustainable leather production.


13. Parcom Capital

  • Website: parcomcapital.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Schiphol, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: parcom-capital

Parcom Capital is a corporate investment firm based in Schiphol, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1982. Specializing in private equity, Parcom focuses on unlocking the potential of businesses by providing investment management and strategic support to entrepreneurs and management teams. They have a diverse portfolio and partner with companies across multiple sectors to facilitate sustainable growth and transformation. Recently, Parcom Capital acquired Just Brands on April 18, 2024, which is involved in the fashion and footwear industry. This acquisition highlights Parcom's interest in the footwear market, potentially including leather footwear, as they seek to expand their investment footprint in this sector.


14. Convent Capital

  • Website: conventcapital.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: convent-capital

Convent Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in sustainable investments and growth capital provision, focusing on small to medium-sized enterprises in the Benelux region. Convent Capital supports innovative companies, particularly in the AgriFood sector, by offering investment management and advisory services aimed at enhancing sustainability efforts and achieving growth. Notably, Convent Capital has participated in multiple funding rounds for SafeSize, a Greek startup that provides 3D foot analysis and shoe recommendation solutions. Their involvement in SafeSize's Series B funding rounds in 2016, 2019, and 2023 highlights their commitment to the footwear industry, particularly in leveraging technology to improve shoe fitting and selection processes, which is highly relevant to the leather footwear market.


15. Astorg

  • Website: astorg.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: astorg

Astorg is a private equity firm founded in 1998 and based in Luxembourg, specializing in investments in global B2B companies. With €22 billion in assets under management, Astorg provides capital, strategic guidance, and governance to management teams across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, and business services. Notably, Astorg acquired Un Jour Ailleurs Europe in January 2002, a company that operates within the fashion industry, which encompasses leather footwear. This transaction highlights Astorg's engagement in sectors that intersect with leather footwear, showcasing their capability and interest in this market.



Leather Footwear Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Exor N.V.Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200926
Fashion for GoodAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020173
Vendis CapitalMachelen, Flanders, Belgium11-5020093
Forward Venture CapitalThe Hague, South Holland, Netherlands1-1020162
Quadrivio GroupLuxembourg11-5020003
Karmijn KapitaalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020101
SofinaBrussels, Brussels, Belgium51-20018984
5square Committed CapitalLaren, North Holland, Netherlands1-1020040
Simile Venture PartnersLuxembourg1-1020121
RetviewsBelgium51-20020171
Armat GroupLuxembourg1-1020070
Brightlands Venture PartnersGeleen, Limburg, Netherlands11-5020044
Parcom CapitalSchiphol, North Holland, Netherlands11-5019821
Convent CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands1-1020112
AstorgLuxembourg51-20019988


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