The mountain climbing gear industry in the US is vibrant and varied, catering to enthusiasts who seek adventure in nature. Companies range from renowned brands like Black Diamond to niche startups producing innovative equipment. This industry offers outdoor gear essentials like climbing ropes, harnesses, clothing, and accessories, which emphasize safety, durability, and performance. With increasing interest in outdoor activities and sustainability, manufacturers are focusing on eco-friendly materials and ergonomic designs. As climbing becomes a mainstream activity, the market is poised for growth, with technology enhancing user experience and safety across the board.


The investors listed are primarily venture capital and private equity firms, with headquarters spanning notable cities like New York, San Francisco, and Minneapolis. Founded between 1961 and 2023, they vary in size, from small firms with fewer than ten employees to larger entities managing thousands. In 2024, these investors collectively engaged in numerous transactions focusing on mountain climbing and outdoor gear, with firms like 500 Global leading in investment count.


Top 15 Mountain Climbing Gear Investors in the US


1. 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 focus on supporting entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Their investment strategy includes flexible capital solutions aimed at helping businesses grow and thrive. Notably, Advantage Capital has been involved in transactions with companies like Gura Gear, which specializes in outdoor gear, indicating their engagement in the outdoor and adventure market. In addition to Gura Gear, they have also financed other companies such as Drake Waterfowl Systems and Excel Boats, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio that includes businesses related to outdoor activities and equipment.


2. 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 based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. With a focus on innovative startups, 500 Global has made a significant number of investments, totaling 98 in 2024 alone. Among their notable transactions, they invested in AllTrails, which raised $400K in seed funding to expand its digital network focused on outdoor activities. This investment highlights 500 Global's interest in the outdoor sector, which is relevant to mountain climbing gear. Additionally, their involvement in other startups like SidelineSwap and Bespoke Post showcases their diverse investment portfolio, although these companies are not directly related to mountain climbing gear.


3. 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

The Deep Tech Fund, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. The firm specializes in providing accredited investors and institutions access to diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality startup opportunities. Among its notable transactions, the fund invested in Klymit, a company recognized for its innovative outdoor gear, including products that cater to camping and potentially mountain climbing enthusiasts. Other investments include Hydrow, a fitness technology company, and Rollick, which focuses on customer engagement solutions. While Klymit's involvement in outdoor gear aligns with the mountain climbing context, the overall investment strategy of the Deep Tech Fund appears to be broader, encompassing various sectors beyond just mountain climbing gear.


4. Vista Outdoor Inc.


Vista Outdoor Inc. is a corporate investor based in Anoka, Minnesota, founded in 1916. The company designs, manufactures, and markets a wide array of sporting and outdoor products, catering to outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality and innovative offerings. Notably, Vista Outdoor has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the outdoor sports and recreation market. Among these, the acquisition of Stone Glacier, a brand specializing in ultralight backcountry and hunting gear, stands out as particularly relevant to mountain climbing. This acquisition reflects Vista's commitment to diversifying its portfolio within the outdoor gear sector. Other acquisitions, such as CamelBak Products, which focuses on hydration solutions, and Fox Racing, known for its performance gear, further illustrate Vista Outdoor's strategy to cater to a broad range of outdoor activities, including mountain climbing.


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. The firm specializes in providing capital and strategic guidance to businesses across various sectors, focusing on building industry leaders and fostering sustainable growth. NEP has a diverse portfolio, including notable transactions in the sports and outdoor industry. For instance, they invested in Christy Sports, a retailer known for outdoor gear, and acquired United Sports Brands, the parent company of Shock Doctor, which produces sports protective gear. These transactions highlight NEP's engagement in sectors that overlap with outdoor and sports equipment, including potential mountain climbing gear.


6. BRS & Co.


BRS & Co. is a private equity firm based in New York, founded in 1995, specializing in managing assets for lower middle market consumer companies. They provide strategic advice and operational support to management teams, focusing on driving sustainable growth through investments and acquisitions. Notably, BRS has made several relevant transactions in the outdoor and sports sectors, including the acquisition of Evolv Sports & Designs, a company known for its climbing shoes, and Royal Robbins, Inc., which offers outdoor apparel. Additionally, they have invested in Gamo Outdoor and New Archery Products, further demonstrating their commitment to the outdoor industry. Their clientele primarily consists of businesses in the consumer products and services sector, which includes companies relevant to mountain climbing gear.


7. 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 been involved in several transactions relevant to the outdoor and adventure gear market, such as their investments in Rite in the Rain, which produces weather-resistant paper products suitable for outdoor activities, and Classic Accessories, known for their outdoor gear and accessories. These investments highlight Northstar's engagement with companies that align with the interests of mountain climbing enthusiasts, further supporting their inclusion in the mountain climbing gear investor category.


8. 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 specializing in investment management, focusing on consumer brands across various sectors. Founded in 1989, 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 and adventure space, including the acquisition of Taxa Outdoors, which manufactures lightweight mobile habitats for outdoor adventures, indicating their commitment to the outdoor lifestyle market. They also invested in Storyteller Overland, which aligns with outdoor exploration. These transactions reflect L Catterton's strategy to drive growth and innovation within its portfolio companies, particularly in sectors that resonate with outdoor enthusiasts.


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, that specializes in investing in high-growth potential consumer-oriented companies. The firm provides financial and operational resources to help these businesses scale effectively. Their clientele primarily consists of management teams seeking to enhance their growth strategies through strategic partnerships. Notably, Goode Partners has made significant investments in the outdoor recreation sector, including Huk Gear and Marolina Outdoor, which focus on outdoor gear, and ReadyWise, a leader in emergency food preparedness aimed at outdoor enthusiasts. These transactions highlight Goode Partners' commitment to supporting brands that cater to outdoor activities, which includes mountain climbing gear.


10. Clarus Corporation (CLAR)

  • Website: claruscorp.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn: clarus-corp-clar

Clarus Corporation (CLAR), founded in 1991 and based in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializes in outdoor equipment and lifestyle products. The company designs, manufactures, and distributes high-quality gear for outdoor enthusiasts, including climbing and skiing equipment. Clarus has made significant strides in the mountain climbing gear market through strategic acquisitions. In 2010, it acquired Black Diamond Equipment Ltd for $90 million, a leading brand in climbing gear, and Gregory Mountain Products for $45 million, further solidifying its presence in the outdoor equipment market. More recently, in 2023, Clarus acquired TRED Outdoors Pty Ltd, enhancing its Adventure segment, and in 2021, it acquired MAXTRAX, which, while focused on vehicle recovery, contributes to the broader outdoor adventure market. These transactions highlight Clarus's active role in the mountain climbing gear industry and its commitment to growth in this sector.


11. North Castle Partners


North Castle Partners is a private equity firm based in New York, founded in 1997, specializing in investment management and consulting services for consumer brands in the Healthy, Active, and Sustainable Living sectors. They partner with entrepreneurs to help scale their businesses through strategic guidance and operational support, focusing on creating value for both the companies and their investors. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Performance Bicycle, which caters to outdoor sports enthusiasts, and their investment in Ibex Outdoor Clothing, a brand that produces outdoor apparel suitable for activities like mountain climbing. They also invested in Brooklyn Boulders, a climbing gym that promotes climbing culture, further indicating their interest in the outdoor and climbing sectors.


12. Altamont Capital Partners


Altamont Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in Palo Alto, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in long-term investments in middle market businesses, partnering with management teams to provide capital and strategic support aimed at operational improvements and growth. Altamont has a diverse clientele across various sectors, including business services and financial services. Notably, they have made significant investments in the outdoor and action sports industry, acquiring Dakine, a brand known for its outdoor gear and accessories, on July 18, 2013, and Mervin Manufacturing, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of snowboards, on November 7, 2013. These transactions highlight their interest in companies that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, including those involved in mountain climbing and related activities.


13. 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 prominent 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 leading German outdoor retailer, for approximately 700 million euros (around $1 billion) in 2011. This acquisition highlights Blackstone's strategic interest in the outdoor gear market, particularly in companies that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and mountain climbers. Additionally, Blackstone has been involved in various other sectors, but its investment in Jack Wolfskin positions it as a relevant player in the mountain climbing gear industry.


14. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on driving long-term value for institutional investors, Carlyle has made significant investments across various sectors. Notably, they acquired Dainese, an Italian apparel manufacturer known for its protective gear, for €630 million in 2022, highlighting their interest in the outdoor and sports gear market. Additionally, their acquisition of the European Camping Group in 2014 further emphasizes their engagement in the outdoor equipment sector, which may include mountain climbing gear. These transactions reflect Carlyle's strategy of investing in companies that align with active lifestyles and outdoor activities.


15. 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 enhance its mapping solutions for outdoor enthusiasts, including mountain climbers. This investment indicates Summit's engagement with companies that support outdoor activities, showcasing their versatility in investment focus. Other transactions include investments in Grand Design RV and Tippmann Sports, although these are less directly related to mountain climbing gear.



Mountain Climbing Gear Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Vista Outdoor Inc.Anoka, Minnesota, United States (USA)1-1019160
Norwest Equity Partners (NEP)Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)11-5019611
BRS & Co.New York, New York, United States (USA)11-5019950
Northstar CapitalMinneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)11-5019931
L CattertonUnited States (USA)201-500198923
Goode PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020051
Clarus Corporation (CLAR)Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (USA)501-100019910
North Castle PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5019970
Altamont Capital PartnersPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)11-5020101
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
Summit PartnersBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)51-200198413


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