Top 15 Sports Apparel Investors in the US
Top 15 Sports Apparel Investors in the US
The sports apparel industry in the United States includes a wide range of companies that specialize in both athletic and recreational clothing. Brands cater to performance needs while also focusing on style and athleisure trends, reflecting consumers' desire for comfort in everyday wear. From footwear to technical gear, this market is thriving. Increasing awareness of fitness and health is driving robust growth, with eco-friendly options gaining traction. This sector is expected to become more competitive as innovative materials and technology continue to emerge, reshaping how athletes and casual wearers experience apparel.
The roster of investors in the sports apparel sector features a mix of venture capital firms and corporate backers headquartered across key US cities like New York, San Francisco, and Menlo Park. Established between 1977 and 2023, these investors showcase a diverse size range, from small teams to larger establishments with hundreds of employees. Deal counts for 2024 indicate active participation in the industry, with investors like Y Combinator leading the charge with an impressive 802 transactions noted last year.
Top 15 Sports Apparel 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 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. Among its notable transactions, 500 Global invested in SidelineSwap, a platform for buying and selling sports gear, which raised $1.8 million in a seed round in September 2016. Additionally, they have invested in COOLMATE, which raised $150,000 in March 2020, and In Your Shoe, which raised $50,000 in October 2019. These investments reflect 500 Global's interest in innovative startups that may intersect with the sports apparel industry, showcasing their potential relevance in this sector.
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, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse investments, Y Combinator has backed companies in the sports apparel industry, including Vastrm, which raised $1M in seed funding in 2013, and Boardcave, which raised $500,000 in a venture round in 2022. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's involvement in the sports apparel sector, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative companies in this space.
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
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. Notably, the fund has invested in Rhone Apparel, which raised $1,429,997 in a Series C round in March 2019, highlighting its engagement in the sports apparel sector. Additionally, the fund has participated in various other transactions, including investments in companies like Thousand Fell and AC Momento, although these are less directly related to sports apparel. Overall, the fund's involvement with Rhone Apparel positions it as a relevant player in the sports apparel investment landscape.
4. 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 demonstrated a strong track record in supporting innovative startups. Notably, they have invested in Tracksmith, a company focused on running apparel, and SidelineSwap, a platform for trading sports gear, showcasing their engagement in the sports apparel industry.
5. 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. L Catterton has made significant investments in the sports apparel industry, including Rhone Apparel, a men’s activewear brand known for its innovative fabrics and performance characteristics, and Sweaty Betty, a premium activewear brand based in London. These investments reflect L Catterton's strong emphasis on consumer insights and its commitment to driving growth and innovation within its portfolio companies, particularly in the activewear segment.
6. 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 invested in several companies within the sports apparel industry, such as VITALI Wear, which raised funds through convertible notes and seed rounds in 2016, and Styched, which secured seed funding in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, they invested in Swag Kicks, a company that raised $150,000 in a pre-seed round in 2021. These transactions highlight Sosv's engagement in the sports apparel market, alongside their broader investment strategy.
7. 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, specializing in investing in startups and early-stage companies. While primarily focused on the technology sector, Accel has also invested in the sports apparel industry, notably through multiple funding rounds for Bonobos, a men's clothing brand. Accel participated in Bonobos' Series D funding round of $55 million in July 2014, as well as earlier rounds in 2012 and 2013, showcasing their ongoing support for the brand. Additionally, they were involved in a financing round for Wrogn, further indicating their interest in the apparel market. Accel operates globally with offices in London, India, and China, providing capital to help businesses grow and succeed.
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 based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2009. They specialize in investing in early-stage and growth-stage companies, primarily within the technology sector, but they have also shown interest in the sports apparel industry. Notable transactions include investments in 100 Thieves, a lifestyle brand that merges esports with apparel, and PLAE, which creates innovative footwear for children. Additionally, they invested in Bonobos, a menswear brand that emphasizes fit and style, and Vastrm, an ecommerce company focused on fashion. 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. 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 transactions, Tiger Global has invested in Allbirds, a sustainable footwear and apparel brand, participating in their Series B and Series C funding rounds, which raised a total of $67.5 million. Additionally, they invested in Grupo Netshoes, a significant player in the sports retail market, raising $170 million in 2014. These investments highlight Tiger Global's active role in the sports apparel industry, alongside their broader investment strategy that includes various sectors.
10. 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 prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. NEA partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, emphasizing long-term relationships with founders. In the context of sports apparel, NEA has made notable investments in companies such as Cotopaxi, which raised $6.5 million in a Series A funding round to expand its outdoor gear and apparel offerings, and ThirdLove, which raised $8 million in a Series A round to enhance its women's apparel line. These transactions highlight NEA's engagement in the sports apparel industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative companies in this space.
11. Gaingels
- Website: gaingels.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 60
- LinkedIn: gaingels
Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. The firm provides capital and support to startups, particularly those led by underrepresented groups, to foster diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. Gaingels has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in Carbon38, which raised $10 million for women's activewear, and Overtime, which raised $80 million in Series C funding and focuses on sports media and content. Additionally, they invested in TomboyX, a gender-neutral underwear brand that emphasizes size inclusivity. These transactions highlight Gaingels' commitment to supporting diverse companies within the sports apparel and related sectors.
12. Iconix International Inc
- Website: iconixbrand.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Palm Beach, Florida, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2005
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn: iconix-brand-group
Iconix International Inc, founded in 2005 and based in Palm Beach, Florida, is a corporate brand management company specializing in licensing and marketing a diverse portfolio of consumer brands across various sectors, including fashion, sports, and home products. The company has actively engaged in the sports apparel industry through notable acquisitions such as the purchase of the sports apparel and footwear brand Umbro from Nike Inc. for $225 million in 2012, the acquisition of the Danskin brand, and the purchase of Starter Clothing for $60 million in 2007. More recently, in 2023, Iconix acquired the marine apparel brand Salt Life for $38.74 million following a bankruptcy auction, and they also acquired Zoo York in 2011. These transactions highlight Iconix's commitment to expanding its influence and presence in the sports apparel market.
13. General Catalyst
- Website: generalcatalyst.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2000
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 144
- LinkedIn: general-catalyst-partners
General Catalyst is a venture capital firm founded in 2000, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth investments, providing capital and strategic guidance to startups across various industries, including technology and healthcare. Notably, General Catalyst has made significant investments in the sports apparel sector, particularly with Outdoor Voices, an Austin-based apparel company focused on activewear. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Outdoor Voices, including a $1.1 million seed round in April 2015, a $7 million Series A in October 2015, a $9 million convertible note in August 2017, and a $34 million Series C in March 2018. These transactions highlight General Catalyst's engagement and support for growth in the sports apparel market.
14. 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 focuses on investing in early-stage startups. They provide essential funding and support to help businesses grow, connecting talented professionals with opportunities in their portfolio companies. Among their notable investments, Lerer Hippeau has backed Tracksmith, a brand dedicated to running apparel, which raised $1.6 million in a seed round in 2014. They also invested in Allbirds, a company recognized for its sustainable footwear and apparel, participating in multiple funding rounds totaling over $25 million. Additionally, they were involved in Chubbies Shorts, a manufacturer of men's shorts, which aligns with the casual sportswear market. These transactions highlight Lerer Hippeau's active role in the sports apparel industry.
15. 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 also invested in the sports apparel industry, with transactions such as Wes and Willy, which raised an undisclosed amount in debt financing in May 2020, and Gator Made Golf, which also received debt financing. These investments demonstrate Advantage Capital's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in the sports apparel sector, alongside their broader mission of aiding businesses in underserved communities.
Sports Apparel 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 |
| Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) | Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2023 | 258 |
| FJ Labs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2015 | 169 |
| L Catterton | United States (USA) | 201-500 | 1989 | 23 |
| Sosv | United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1995 | 170 |
| Accel | Palo Alto, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1983 | 101 |
| SV Angel | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2009 | 44 |
| Tiger Global | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2001 | 25 |
| New Enterprise Associates (NEA) | Menlo Park, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1977 | 57 |
| Gaingels | Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2015 | 60 |
| Iconix International Inc | Palm Beach, Florida, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2005 | 1 |
| General Catalyst | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2000 | 144 |
| Lerer Hippeau | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2010 | 23 |
| Advantage Capital | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1992 | 5 |
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