The sports equipment industry in DACH comprises companies manufacturing and distributing a wide range of products, from athletic footwear to specialized gear for various sports. Brands like Adidas and Puma are prominent here, showcasing innovation and a growing focus on sustainability. The shift toward digital platforms and e-commerce continues to reshape how consumers access sports products. With rising health awareness and increased investment in sports technology, the industry is poised for expansion, evolving to meet demands for sustainable materials, smart technology integration, and overall enhanced user experience in sports participation.

This list features a mix of corporate giants, venture capitalists, and private equity firms active in DACH's sports equipment sector. Based in locales such as Frankfurt, Hanover, and Zurich, these investors vary significantly in size and investment strategies. Founded from the late 19th century to the 21st century, firms like Deutsche Bank and Acton Capital have been pivotal in supporting industry growth. With 2024 investments ranging across dozens of initiatives, they demonstrate strong engagement in the market’s evolution.

Top 15 Sports Equipment Investors in DACH

1. HV Capital

• Website: hvcapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 28
• LinkedIn: hvventures

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit, managing over €2.8 billion in assets. HV Capital has been active in various sectors, including a notable investment in Urban Sports Club, which secured €95 million in funding to enhance health and fitness awareness across Europe. This investment reflects HV Capital's engagement in the sports sector, showcasing their commitment to supporting companies that promote sports and fitness initiatives. Additionally, their diverse portfolio includes investments in various industries, indicating a broad investment strategy while still recognizing the importance of the sports domain.

2. Hannover Finanz

• Website: hannoverfinanz.de
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
• Founded year: 1979
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: hannoverfinanz

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. They help businesses navigate challenges related to succession, growth, and restructuring. Notably, Hannover Finanz has been involved in several transactions relevant to the sports equipment sector, including the acquisition of Simplon Fahrrad in 2014, a company known for its high-quality bicycles, and their investment in Franz Ziener GmbH & Co. KG, which produces sports apparel. These transactions highlight Hannover Finanz's engagement in the sports equipment industry, alongside their broader investment portfolio.

3. adidas

• Website: adidas-group.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1949
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: adidas

Adidas is a leading sportswear manufacturer and retailer based in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1949. The company specializes in a wide range of athletic footwear and apparel, catering to athletes, sports teams, and consumers. Adidas is known for its focus on innovation and sustainability, operating through direct sales and community initiatives. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the sports equipment sector, including:1. **TaylorMade Golf** - Acquired in 2005, this acquisition allowed Adidas to strengthen its position in the golf equipment market.2. **Reebok International** - Acquired in 2005 for $3.8 billion, this deal expanded Adidas's reach in the athletic footwear and apparel market, further solidifying its status as a major player in sports equipment.3. **Adams Golf** - Acquired in 2012 for approximately $70 million, this acquisition aimed to enhance Adidas's presence in the golf category.In addition to these acquisitions, Adidas has also invested in technology-driven companies like OneFootball and PlayVS, indicating its interest in the evolving landscape of sports and esports. Overall, Adidas's investment strategy reflects a strong commitment to the sports equipment industry.

4. Deutsche Bank

• Website: db.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 1870
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 32
• LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG is a prominent investment bank and financial services provider based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 1870. The bank offers a wide range of solutions, including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. It serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. Notably, Deutsche Bank has been involved in significant transactions within the sports equipment context, such as providing debt financing to Adidas, a leading global sportswear manufacturer. This transaction, along with its participation in funding other companies like Berlin Brands Group, which may include sports-related brands, highlights Deutsche Bank's active role in the sports equipment industry.

5. Capvis AG

• Website: capvis.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1990
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: capvis

Capvis AG is a private equity firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1990. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including healthcare and industrial technology, while also partnering with institutional investors like pension funds to provide long-term capital and strategic growth opportunities. Notably, Capvis has made significant investments in the sports equipment sector, particularly through its acquisition of Arena, a well-known swimwear company, in January 2014, and Arena Italia in December 2013. These transactions highlight Capvis's engagement in the sports equipment industry, showcasing their ability to enhance the market position of their portfolio companies through effective management and consulting.

6. Acton Capital

• Website: actoncapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: acton-capital-partners

Acton Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in investing in startups at the Series A stage and beyond. They focus on providing financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Notably, Acton Capital has invested in Koio, a luxury sneaker brand, which raised a total of $9 million in Series A funding. This investment highlights their engagement in the sports equipment industry, particularly in footwear design and development. Additionally, Acton has been involved in other transactions such as TeamPages, which, while not directly related to sports equipment, showcases their broader investment strategy in the sports and community engagement sectors.

7. b2venture

• Website: b2venture.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn: btovpartners

b2venture is a venture capital firm based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. They collaborate with a community of angel investors, enhancing their investment strategy and positioning them as a key player in the European venture capital landscape. Notably, b2venture has invested in Urban Sports Club, a Berlin-based provider of sports flat rate memberships, which has secured multiple funding rounds, including significant investments in 2017 and 2018. This involvement highlights their interest in the sports sector, particularly in companies that facilitate access to sports and fitness activities. Additionally, their diverse portfolio includes other sectors, but their engagement with Urban Sports Club demonstrates their potential relevance to the sports equipment industry.

8. Porsche Ventures

• Website: porsche.ventures
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn: porsche-ventures

Porsche Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Stuttgart, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across various sectors, including mobility, industrial technology, and sustainability. They provide startups with capital, strategic guidance, and access to a vast network of industry connections to help them scale and navigate complex business challenges. Notably, Porsche Ventures has made significant investments in the sports equipment context, such as their involvement in VAHA, which produces smart digital mirrors for fitness, reflecting a growing interest in innovative fitness solutions. Additionally, their strategic acquisitions in Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Technology demonstrate their commitment to the sports industry, particularly in motorsports, further showcasing their diverse investment portfolio.

9. Project A

• Website: project-a.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn: project-a-ventures

Project A is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. They specialize in early-stage tech investments and provide operational support for startups. Their services include consulting in technology and growth, access to a network of investors, and pre-seed investment opportunities. In 2021, Project A participated in a venture round for Perfect Drive Sports Group, a company involved in the sports equipment sector. This investment highlights their engagement in the sports industry, alongside their broader focus on tech entrepreneurs and startups looking to scale their businesses effectively.

10. SIGNA Group of Companies

• Website: signa.at
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: signa-unternehmensgruppe

SIGNA Group of Companies, founded in 1999 and based in Vienna, Austria, is a prominent venture capital firm primarily operating in the real estate and retail sectors. The company has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including notable transactions in the sports equipment industry. In 2020, SIGNA Retail acquired SportScheck, enhancing its presence in the German sports market by adding 19 shops and an online platform. In 2019, they further strengthened their sports retail strategy by acquiring TennisPro, a leading online retailer in France and Southern Europe, focusing on tennis and other sports. Additionally, their acquisition of Internetstores in 2016 reflects their commitment to multichannel sports distribution, supporting growth in various sports categories such as cycling and outdoor sports. These transactions highlight SIGNA's active role in the sports equipment sector, despite their broader focus on real estate and retail.

11. bmp Ventures

• Website: bmp.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: bmpventures

bmp Ventures AG is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth startups across various innovative sectors, providing not only financial resources but also strategic advisory services to help startups navigate their growth journey. Notably, bmp Ventures led a €4M Series A funding round for Wingfield, a sportstech startup that aims to improve the overall product experience for tennis players and facilities. This investment highlights their engagement in the sports equipment industry. Additionally, they have invested in other companies like Urwahn Engineering and United Games Entertainment GmbH, showcasing their diverse portfolio, but their involvement with Wingfield is particularly relevant to sports equipment.

12. Verve Ventures

• Website: verve.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn: investiere-venture-capital

Verve Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in deep tech investments across Europe, providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups. Their focus spans various sectors, including climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in significant transactions within the sports equipment context, such as their investment in Nanoleq, a wearable technology company that raised CHF 11.5 million in a Series A funding round. This investment highlights their interest in innovative technologies that can enhance sports performance and equipment. Additionally, they were involved in the funding of GotCourts, a Swiss sports startup, which indicates their engagement in the sports sector. These transactions demonstrate Verve Ventures' potential relevance to the sports equipment industry, despite their broader investment focus.

13. Paragon Partners

• Website: paragon.de
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: paragon-partners_2

Paragon Partners GmbH is a private equity investment firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in private equity investments in established medium-sized enterprises, providing capital and strategic support to enhance business operations and foster growth. Among their notable transactions, Paragon Partners acquired POLO Motorrad in March 2012, a significant player in the motorcycle gear and accessories market, which aligns with the sports equipment sector. This acquisition highlights their engagement in the sports equipment industry, alongside other investments such as EOS and pro optik, which, while not directly related to sports, showcase their diverse investment portfolio. Paragon Partners aims to deliver sustainable investment opportunities to institutional investors, reflecting their commitment to fostering growth in various sectors, including sports equipment.

14. Bosch

• Website: bosch.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Founded year: 1886
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: bosch

Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and technology company founded in 1886, based in Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. With over 10,000 employees, Bosch offers a diverse range of products and services across mobility, consumer goods, industrial technology, and energy solutions. Notably, Bosch has made strategic investments in the sports equipment context, including the acquisition of Cobi, a company specializing in digital solutions for bicycles, which enhances Bosch's offerings in the e-bike market. Additionally, Bosch increased its stake in Husqvarna, valued at around $600 million, a company recognized for its outdoor tools, aligning with sports and outdoor activities. These transactions reflect Bosch's commitment to innovation and sustainability, particularly in sectors that intersect with sports equipment.

15. 3TS Capital Partners

• Website: 3tscapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: 3ts-capital-partners

3TS Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in technology-focused private equity and venture capital, providing expansion capital and buyout funding to small and medium-sized enterprises in growth sectors. Notably, 3TS Capital Partners has been involved in several transactions, including a significant investment in SafeSize, a Greek startup that offers innovative 3D foot analysis and shoe recommendation solutions. This investment, which included a €14 million Series B funding round in March 2023, highlights their engagement in the sports equipment sector, particularly in enhancing footwear technology. Additionally, they have previously invested in SafeSize in earlier funding rounds, further solidifying their commitment to this area. Other investments, such as in MALL.cz and eyerim, showcase their broader focus on technology and e-commerce, but the connection to SafeSize is particularly relevant for the sports equipment industry.

Sports Equipment Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
HV Capital	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	11-50	2000	28
Hannover Finanz	Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany	11-50	1979	2
adidas	Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany	10001+	1949	1
Deutsche Bank	Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany	10001+	1870	32
Capvis AG	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	11-50	1990	0
Acton Capital	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	1999	3
b2venture	St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland	11-50	2000	15
Porsche Ventures	Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	11-50	2018	9
Project A	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	51-200	2012	13
SIGNA Group of Companies	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	10001+	1999	0
bmp Ventures	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	1997	3
Verve Ventures	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2010	25
Paragon Partners	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	2004	2
Bosch	Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	10001+	1886	5
3TS Capital Partners	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	11-50	1999	0

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