The technical textile manufacturers industry in Europe involves producing specialized fabrics that meet specific technical requirements across various sectors, including healthcare, automotive, and construction. This industry houses companies that innovate in materials to enhance performance, sustainability, and functionality. With a growing focus on eco-friendly solutions, the industry is witnessing advancements in smart textiles and biodegradable materials. The rise of digital technologies and automation is shaping manufacturing processes, leading to improved efficiency. Industries are becoming increasingly aware of sustainability issues, prompting manufacturers to adapt and create responsible products, ultimately steering their operations towards greener practices.


This article reviews 15 investors focusing on the technical textiles sector in Europe. These investors represent a mix of corporate, private equity, and venture capital types, headquartered in vibrant locales like Paris, Stockholm, and Brussels. Founded between 1958 and 2017, they range in size from small firms with 11-50 employees to large corporations employing thousands. In 2024, these investors engaged in a combined total of over 220 transactions, illustrating their active participation in the market and support for innovation in technical textiles.


Top 15 Technical Textile Manufacturers Investors in Europe


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship throughout Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to promote innovation across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding transactions relevant to the technical textile industry, such as Dimpora, which raised $1,932,971 in a grant in March 2022, and Resortecs, which secured $2,638,999 in a grant in June 2022, as well as $2,182,128 in a pre-seed round in January 2021. These investments highlight the EIC's focus on supporting innovative solutions in the textile sector, particularly those that enhance sustainability and efficiency.


2. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions relevant to the technical textile industry, including investments in HealthTextiles, which focuses on textile applications in healthcare, and Vividye AB, a startup that enhances printing technology for textiles. These investments reflect Almi's commitment to supporting innovation within the textile sector, particularly in areas that intersect with technology and sustainability.


3. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that allows businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services. Notable transactions include Thermulon, which raised $956,058 in 2021, and Flax London, which raised $280,187 in 2023. These transactions suggest Crowdcube's involvement in innovative sectors, including those related to technical textiles, showcasing its role in supporting diverse business ventures.


4. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm focuses on providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in companies like Polar Technology Management Group, which specializes in engineering and has plans to expand production capacity, and Mzuri Group, which operates in the manufacturing sector and has received significant follow-on investments to enhance its European sales and distribution capabilities. These transactions indicate BGF's engagement with businesses that may intersect with the technical textile industry, making them a potential investor in this sector.


5. Saint-Gobain

  • Website: saint-gobain.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Courbevoie, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1665
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: saint-gobain

Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A. is a construction materials manufacturer that provides innovative solutions for the construction and industrial sectors. Founded in 1665 and headquartered in Courbevoie, Île-De-France, France, the company operates in 76 countries and employs over 100,000 people. Saint-Gobain focuses on sustainability and performance, offering a range of products that enhance building efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Notably, Saint-Gobain has made significant acquisitions in the technical textiles space, including the purchase of Pritex, a Wellington-based firm specializing in technical textiles, which further solidifies their commitment to this sector. Other acquisitions, such as R.Sol, which specializes in resins for flooring, and UP Twiga, a glass wool insulation manufacturer, showcase their diverse investment strategy within the construction materials industry, but the Pritex acquisition is particularly relevant to technical textiles.


6. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their strategies. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions within the textile industry, including investments in Schappe Techniques and Côté Textiles, both of which are relevant to the technical textiles sector. Additionally, they have supported Minafin, a company that may have applications in technical textiles, further showcasing their engagement in this field. Their clientele includes business leaders seeking to enhance operations and navigate market challenges, making them a versatile investor in the textile domain.


7. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to fostering economic development in Scotland. It provides a variety of services, including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. The organization plays a crucial role in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape by supporting businesses seeking growth and operational improvement. Notably, Scottish Enterprise has been involved in several transactions relevant to the technical textiles sector. For instance, it participated in funding rounds for CelluComp, a company focused on sustainable materials, indicating its interest in innovative textile solutions. Additionally, its investment in CuanTec, which develops biodegradable food wraps, showcases its commitment to supporting companies that prioritize sustainability, a key aspect of modern technical textiles. These transactions highlight Scottish Enterprise's role as a significant investor in sectors that intersect with technical textiles, particularly in the realm of sustainable and innovative materials.


8. 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, Netherlands, founded in 2017. It is dedicated to promoting sustainable innovation in the fashion industry by connecting innovators with brands, retailers, and manufacturers. The organization provides support, mentorship, and resources to empower its network in adopting sustainable practices. Notably, Fashion for Good has been involved in several relevant transactions in the technical textile sector, including investments in Kintra Fibers, which raised $7,894,988 in Series A funding for sustainable fiber development, and Sonovia, which focuses on innovative textile technologies. Other investments include Spintex, Keel Labs, and Dimpora, all of which contribute to advancements in textile manufacturing and sustainability.


9. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant acquisitions in the technical textiles space, including Zeus Industrial Products in December 2023, which specializes in advanced materials. They also acquired BTX Group in 2005, further demonstrating their engagement in sectors related to technical textiles. Their investment strategy reflects a commitment to innovation and growth, making them a relevant player in the technical textile manufacturing industry.


10. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. It specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has a diverse investment portfolio, with notable acquisitions in the textile sector, such as Taminco, acquired in 2007 for over $1 billion, which specializes in specialty chemicals that can be applied in textile manufacturing. Additionally, CVC's acquisition of Pacific Brands in 2001 highlights its involvement in the apparel and textile market, further demonstrating its engagement with companies that may intersect with technical textiles. Other acquisitions, such as Pasubio and Kalle, also suggest a focus on materials and manufacturing processes relevant to the textile industry.


11. Indutrade Life Science

  • Website: indutrade.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: indutrade-life-science

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company is part of an industrial group that focuses on developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various sectors, including technology and industrial products. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and operates through a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from the group's resources. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Beldam Crossley, a company involved in technical textiles, and TSE Troller, a manufacturer of high-quality coating dies, which may have applications in technical textiles. These acquisitions reflect Indutrade's strategy to expand its portfolio in sectors that require innovative industrial solutions.


12. Agoranov

  • Website: agoranov.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 42
  • LinkedIn: agoranov

Agoranov is a startup incubator based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2000. They specialize in supporting technology and science startups through personalized assistance, fully equipped facilities, and acceleration programs. Agoranov has been actively involved in various innovative sectors, including technical textiles. Notable transactions include support for Fairbrics, which focuses on sustainable textile production, and Ever Dye, which is involved in innovative dyeing technologies. These transactions highlight Agoranov's engagement with startups that are relevant to the technical textile industry, showcasing their commitment to fostering advancements in this field.


13. Tikehau Capital


Tikehau Capital is an investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in alternative asset management. Founded in 2004, the firm offers a diverse range of services, including private debt, private equity, real assets, and capital markets strategies. Tikehau Capital serves a broad clientele, including institutional and private investors, as well as SMEs seeking tailored financing solutions to support growth and sustainability initiatives. Notably, Tikehau has been involved in several transactions that could relate to the technical textiles sector. For instance, they have invested in Addev Materials, which received significant funding to support its acquisition strategy, indicating a focus on advanced materials that may overlap with technical textiles. Additionally, their investment in Brandart Spa, a sustainable packaging solutions provider, reflects their interest in innovative materials, which could also relate to technical textiles. Their approach to investing in companies that are involved in material innovation positions them as a potential player in the technical textiles market.


14. Sofinnova Partners


Sofinnova Partners is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1972. The firm specializes in life sciences investments, particularly in biopharma and medtech sectors, providing funding and strategic guidance to innovative healthcare startups. In recent years, Sofinnova has expanded its investment portfolio to include companies focused on sustainable materials and innovative textiles. For instance, they participated in a seed funding round for Werewool, which is developing biodegradable fibers, and invested in Qorium, a Dutch-based company creating cell-cultured leather. These transactions highlight Sofinnova's interest in supporting advancements in materials that could be applicable to the technical textiles industry, alongside their core focus on healthcare.


15. Bunzl UK and Ireland

  • Website: bunzl.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1854
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: bunzl

Bunzl Public Limited Company is a distribution and outsourcing company based in London, England, founded in 1854. The company specializes in providing essential items necessary for businesses to operate across various industries. Bunzl has a strong focus on tailored solutions and operates globally, leveraging an extensive distribution network to meet customer needs effectively. In recent years, Bunzl has made several strategic acquisitions that enhance its position in the technical textiles market. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Juba Personal Protective Equipment, which specializes in PPE, and Workwear Express, known for personalized workwear. These acquisitions reflect Bunzl's commitment to expanding its portfolio in sectors that utilize technical textiles, thereby reinforcing its relevance in this industry.



Technical Textile Manufacturers Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
Saint-GobainCourbevoie, Île-De-France, France10001+166514
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
Fashion for GoodAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020173
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
AgoranovParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200042
Tikehau CapitalParis, Île-De-France, France501-100020046
Sofinnova PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-200197225
Bunzl UK and IrelandLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500018545


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