The activewear brands industry in the US has experienced tremendous growth, driven by an increasing focus on fitness and wellness among consumers. Companies in this sector design, manufacture, and market apparel and accessories for various physical activities, catering to a broad audience from casual exercisers to serious athletes. Innovations in fabric technology and sustainability are becoming paramount, as brands seek to offer stylish yet functional products. Forecasts indicate a continued expansion of the market, fueled by lifestyle trends promoting health and wellness and the vibrant participation of millennials and Generation Z in fitness culture.


This list highlights 16 notable investors in the activewear space, showcasing a mix of venture capital and private equity firms. Predominantly located in major hubs like San Francisco and New York, these firms range from smaller teams to large organizations. Founded between 1961 and 2023, they recorded varying deal counts in 2024, indicating a robust activity across the sector. Each investor represents unique opportunities, with interests rooted in consumer brand growth and innovation, shaping the future of activewear.


Top 16 Activewear Brands 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. In recent years, 500 Global has been involved in several seed rounds for companies that intersect with the activewear industry, such as COOLMATE, which raised $150,000 in March 2020, and StalkBuyLove, which also received funding in 2016. These transactions highlight their engagement with brands that cater to the activewear market, showcasing their interest in innovative startups that may contribute to 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, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, Y Combinator participated in the Series A funding of Curtsy, a clothing resale app aimed at Gen Z women, which raised $11 million. This involvement highlights Y Combinator's interest in the fashion and apparel sector, including activewear brands. Additionally, they have invested in companies like Boardcave, which, while not exclusively focused on activewear, operates within the broader sports and lifestyle context. This diverse investment portfolio indicates Y Combinator's potential relevance to the activewear industry.


3. 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. With a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many achieving unicorn status, FJ Labs provides capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. Notably, they have invested in Tracksmith, a brand focused on running apparel, and Black Limba, which has raised funds in the activewear space. Their investment in Adore Me, a lingerie and activewear brand, further highlights their engagement in the activewear sector. In 2024 alone, FJ Labs has made 169 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape.


4. 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. The firm provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has participated in significant transactions within the activewear sector, including a Series C investment in Rhone Apparel, which raised approximately $1.43 million in March 2019, and multiple investments in Knix Wear, a company focused on women's activewear, including a Series A round in March 2019 and a Series B round in May 2021. Additionally, they have invested in Hydrow, a brand that combines fitness and technology, further showcasing their engagement in the activewear and fitness-related markets.


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 founded in 1989, specializing in investment management with a focus on consumer brands across various sectors. 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 activewear sector, including a strategic growth investment in Sweaty Betty, a premium activewear brand, and a private equity investment in Rhone Apparel, a men’s activewear and lifestyle brand known for its innovative fabrics and performance characteristics. These transactions highlight L Catterton's commitment to driving growth and innovation within its portfolio companies in the activewear space.


6. 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 a strategic investment in Barry's Bootcamp, which aims to expand its brand in new markets, and a significant funding round for Therabody, which raised $165 million to enhance its digital content and acquisitions. Their involvement with Mack Weldon and ProSupps further highlights their engagement in the activewear and fitness-related markets, reinforcing their relevance in this industry.


7. General Catalyst


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 activewear sector, particularly in Outdoor Voices, an Austin-based apparel company. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Outdoor Voices, including a $7 million Series A in 2015, a $9 million convertible note in 2017, and a $34 million Series C in 2018. These transactions highlight General Catalyst's active role in supporting the growth of activewear brands, making them a relevant investor in this category.


8. Silicon Valley Bank

  • Website: svb.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 31
  • LinkedIn: silicon-valley-bank

Silicon Valley Bank is a commercial bank founded in 1983, specializing in providing financial services to the innovation economy, particularly tech startups and venture capital firms. They offer a range of products including business banking, global payments, and asset management, helping clients navigate financial challenges and support their growth. Notably, Silicon Valley Bank has been involved in significant transactions within the activewear sector, such as their investment in Castore, a British sportswear brand that raised £50 million to expand its operations. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for WHOOP, a company focused on fitness technology, and FORM, which is involved in sports technology. These transactions highlight their engagement in the activewear industry, showcasing their capability and interest in supporting brands within this market.


9. Goodwater Capital

  • Website: goodwatercap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlingame, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: goodwater-capital

Goodwater Capital is a venture capital firm based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in consumer technology and supports seed-stage entrepreneurs by providing investment, resources, and a community to help them grow. Goodwater Capital has a diverse investment portfolio that spans various sectors, including healthcare, financial services, and consumer products. Notably, they have invested in companies relevant to the activewear industry, such as Kaya Climb, which raised funds in a seed round, and Fit!, which raised pre-seed funding. These transactions highlight Goodwater's engagement with brands that cater to active lifestyles, showcasing their interest in the activewear market.


10. 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 focuses on providing capital and support to startups led by underrepresented groups, fostering diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. Gaingels has been involved in several notable transactions in the activewear and related sectors, including investments in Carbon38, a women's activewear brand that raised $10 million in a convertible note in 2019, and Ergatta, a fitness technology company that closed a $30 million Series A funding round in 2021 with participation from Gaingels. Additionally, they have invested in TomboyX, a gender-neutral underwear brand that emphasizes size inclusivity, further showcasing their engagement in the activewear and apparel space.


11. 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 activewear-related companies such as Adore Me, which raised funds in 2012, and Styched, which has received seed funding in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, they have invested in Overhand Fitness, further demonstrating their engagement in the activewear and fitness apparel market. SOSV operates globally, connecting innovative companies with investors, and their diverse portfolio reflects a broad interest in various industries, including activewear.


12. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They specialize in connecting startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2024 alone, they have made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in companies relevant to the activewear industry, such as G.O.A.T. Fuel, which raised funds in both 2022 and 2023, focusing on performance nutrition for athletes, and Fit Pay, a startup that enables wearable devices to facilitate contactless payments, enhancing the functionality of activewear technology. These transactions highlight their engagement in sectors that intersect with activewear, making them a relevant investor in this space.


13. Nike

  • Website: nike.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Beaverton, Oregon, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1964
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: nike

Nike, Inc. is an athletic apparel brand and manufacturer founded in 1964, headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, USA. The company specializes in footwear, apparel, and sports equipment, serving athletes and fitness enthusiasts with high-quality products designed for performance. Nike operates retail stores and an online platform, providing consumers with easy access to their extensive product range. Notably, Nike has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in the activewear market, including the acquisition of Umbro PLC for $582 million in 2007, aimed at strengthening its presence in soccer. Additionally, Nike acquired Rip Curl in 2002, further diversifying its activewear offerings. These transactions highlight Nike's active role in the industry, making it a significant player in the activewear sector.


14. 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 through long-term partnerships and sustainable growth. NEP has been actively involved in the activewear and sports products industry, as evidenced by their recent acquisition of United Sports Brands, the parent company of Shock Doctor, which offers a range of sports products sold globally. Additionally, NEP has previously invested in Wahoo Fitness, a company known for its fitness technology, and Life Time, a prominent health and fitness company. These transactions highlight NEP's commitment to enhancing operations and market positions within the activewear and fitness sectors.


15. Vista Outdoor Inc.


Vista Outdoor Inc. is a corporate investor based in Anoka, Minnesota, founded in 1916. The company designs, manufactures, and markets a diverse range of sporting and outdoor products, focusing on performance-driven goods for outdoor enthusiasts. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Fox Racing in July 2022 for $540 million, which strengthens its position in the activewear market, particularly in cycling and motocross apparel. Additionally, Vista Outdoor acquired CamelBak Products, a leading provider of hydration solutions, for $412.5 million in 2015, further expanding its reach in outdoor sports. Other relevant acquisitions include Simms Fishing Products and Stone Glacier, both of which enhance Vista's portfolio in outdoor gear and apparel. These strategic moves highlight Vista Outdoor's focus on activewear and outdoor recreation, aligning with its mission to provide high-quality products that enhance outdoor experiences.


16. Launch

  • Website: launch.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 46
  • LinkedIn: launch-calacanis

LAUNCH is a startup accelerator and investment firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. They support early-stage startups through funding and educational programs, investing millions annually in promising ventures. Notably, they have invested in Ruby Love, a company that specializes in period apparel, including active gear, and Fitbod, a fitness application that caters to individuals looking to enhance their workout routines. These investments highlight LAUNCH's commitment to supporting brands that align with active lifestyles, making them a relevant player in the activewear industry.



Activewear Brands Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
L CattertonUnited States (USA)201-500198923
North Castle PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5019970
General CatalystSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002000144
Silicon Valley BankSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)5001-10000198331
Goodwater CapitalBurlingame, California, United States (USA)51-200201441
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
NikeBeaverton, Oregon, United States (USA)10001+19640
Norwest Equity Partners (NEP)Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)11-5019611
Vista Outdoor Inc.Anoka, Minnesota, United States (USA)1-1019160
LaunchSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201046


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