The fashion design industry in the US is a dynamic arena filled with creativity, innovation, and business. This sector includes high-end designers, ready-to-wear brands, and e-commerce platforms that cater to various consumer preferences. Companies focus on sustainability, using technology to improve manufacturing processes and enhancing customer experiences. Trends indicate a growing shift towards ethical practices and independent labels taking center stage. As consumer demand for unique styles rises, the industry will likely embrace new opportunities through digital transformation and personalization, offering a fresh approach to fashion in a fast-paced world.

This list features a blend of venture capital and private equity firms actively investing in the fashion design space across the United States. Predominantly located in key hubs like San Francisco and New York, these firms range from smaller setups to larger institutions. Founded between the late 1970s and 2023, they have collectively participated in various funding rounds, securing a significant number of deals in 2024, showcasing their interest in enhancing fashion innovations and connecting brands with growth opportunities.

Top 16 Fashion Design 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. Notably, 500 Global has participated in several transactions within the fashion design context, including significant investments in Pomelo Fashion, a Thailand-based e-commerce firm that has raised multiple rounds of funding with their involvement. They also invested in italist, which raised $100,000 in a seed round, focusing on luxury fashion. Additionally, they were involved in Coveti, a fashion-related startup that raised funds in a seed round. These transactions highlight 500 Global's active role in the fashion industry, despite their broader focus on technology startups.

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 specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has invested in fashion-related ventures such as Curtsy, a clothing resale app that raised significant funding across multiple rounds, including a $11 million Series A round in 2021 and earlier pre-seed and seed rounds. Additionally, Y Combinator invested in COUTURME, which raised $150,000 in a pre-seed round in 2019. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the fashion industry, alongside its broader focus on technology startups.

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. They provide capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. With over 1,000 companies in their portfolio, many of which have achieved unicorn status, FJ Labs has made significant investments in the fashion sector. Notably, they participated in a $110 million Series F round for Farfetch, a leading luxury fashion e-commerce platform, and have invested in Rebag, a company focused on the resale of luxury handbags, with a $25 million Series C investment and a more recent venture round. These transactions highlight their active role in the fashion design industry.

4. 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 fashion industry, notably in companies like ModCloth and M.Gemi. ModCloth, an online retailer of vintage-inspired clothing, received significant funding from Accel across multiple rounds, raising a total of $43 million from 2010 to 2015. Additionally, Accel contributed to M.Gemi, a luxury footwear brand, which raised $34 million in funding from 2015 to 2017. These transactions highlight Accel's engagement in the fashion design space, showcasing their ability to identify and support innovative fashion brands.

5. 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, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing not only venture capital investment but also essential resources to help startups grow and succeed. In the fashion design context, SOSV has made notable investments, particularly in Unspun, a sustainable fashion brand that raised $14 million in a Series A funding round in June 2023, with additional funding of $7.5 million in a Seed Round in September 2021 and $32 million in a Series B round in July 2024. These transactions highlight SOSV's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the fashion industry, particularly those that focus on sustainability and advanced manufacturing technologies.

6. 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, including fashion. 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 fashion industry, acquiring a 51% stake in the Danish fashion brand Ganni to help expand its international presence. In 2024, they acquired a 36% stake in the Italian luxury brand Tod's SpA, valuing the company at approximately €1.4 billion, demonstrating their commitment to investing in established fashion brands. Additionally, they have invested in the French fashion label APC to support its international expansion and have taken a minority stake in the South Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster, which aims to grow its footprint in Europe and the Middle East. These transactions highlight L Catterton's strategic focus on driving growth and innovation within its fashion portfolio.

7. 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 early-stage and growth-stage investments, primarily in the technology sector, but have also made significant investments in the fashion industry. Notable transactions include a seed investment in Everlane, a direct-to-consumer clothing brand known for its transparent pricing and ethical production practices, and Bonobos, a men's clothing brand that revolutionized the way men shop for pants. Additionally, they invested in ShopShops, a platform that connects consumers with live shopping experiences, and Curtsy, a resale app for women's clothing. These investments highlight SV Angel's commitment to fostering innovation in both technology and fashion design.

8. 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 venture capital firm founded in 1977, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in technology and healthcare sectors. NEA partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, emphasizing long-term relationships with founders. Notably, NEA has been involved in several funding rounds for Moda Operandi, an online fashion retailer, including a $100 million funding round in 2020 and earlier investments that contributed to the company's growth. These transactions highlight NEA's engagement in the fashion design industry, showcasing their ability to support businesses beyond their primary focus areas.

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. While Goodwater focuses on various sectors, including healthcare and financial services, it has also made significant investments in the fashion industry. Notably, Goodwater led a $15 million Series B funding round for Frank & Oak, a New York-based menswear brand, and participated in subsequent funding rounds for the same company. Additionally, Goodwater invested in Stylemyle during its Pre-Seed round, further showcasing its engagement in the fashion design space. These transactions highlight Goodwater's interest in fashion and its potential to contribute to the growth of innovative fashion brands.

10. 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 specializes in early-stage startups. They provide essential funding and support to help businesses grow, connecting talented professionals with opportunities in their portfolio companies. Notably, Lerer Hippeau has made significant investments in the fashion design industry, including a seed round investment in Everlane, which raised $1.1 million in April 2011, focusing on ethical fashion. They also participated in the Series B funding for Who What Wear, a shoppable fashion site, which raised $8 million in August 2015, aimed at expanding its content and market reach. Furthermore, they invested in Clique, which raised $8 million in Series B and $4.025 million in Series A, both of which are involved in fashion media and e-commerce. Their investment in Allbirds, which raised $17.5 million in Series B in September 2017, highlights their commitment to sustainable fashion. These transactions demonstrate Lerer Hippeau's active role in the fashion design sector.

11. 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. Their client base includes institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking expert investment management and advisory services. Notably, Tiger Global has made significant investments in the fashion sector, including a $5 million Series A investment in Roposo, a fashion-focused social network aimed at creating a fashion search engine and building a community for fashion enthusiasts. They also participated in funding rounds for LimeRoad, a fashion e-commerce platform, and Vestiaire Collective, a luxury resale platform, highlighting their commitment to supporting innovative fashion ventures.

12. 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 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. Among its notable transactions, the fund has invested in Rhone Apparel, which raised approximately $1.43 million in Series C funding, and Trendsi, which secured $5 million in a Seed Round. Additionally, they have invested in unspun, a company that raised $7.5 million in a Seed Round, indicating a diverse portfolio that includes fashion-related ventures.

13. Forerunner

• Website: forerunnerventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 12
• LinkedIn: forerunner-ventures

Forerunner Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in consumer technology and innovative businesses, providing capital and strategic guidance to startups. Notably, Forerunner has made significant investments in the fashion industry, including M.Gemi, a luxury footwear brand that has raised a total of $47.2 million across multiple funding rounds, with Forerunner participating in Series A, B, and C. Additionally, they led a $10 million Series B funding round for Draper James, a Southern-inspired retail brand, and participated in a $55 million Series D funding round for Bonobos, a men's clothing brand. These transactions highlight Forerunner's active role in supporting fashion-related ventures, showcasing their expertise in navigating growth challenges within this sector.

14. General Atlantic

• Website: generalatlantic.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1980
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 32
• LinkedIn: general-atlantic

General Atlantic is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in growth equity. Founded in 1980, the firm provides capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and growth companies across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, General Atlantic has also invested in the fashion industry, with significant transactions such as House of Anita Dongre, which raised funds in 2013, and Sezane, which secured funding in 2018. Additionally, they were involved in multiple funding rounds for Gilt Groupe, a prominent online fashion retailer, raising substantial amounts over the years. These transactions highlight General Atlantic's engagement in the fashion design space, complementing their broader investment strategy.

15. Plug and Play Tech Center

• Website: plugandplaytechcenter.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 253
• LinkedIn: 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 across various sectors, including technology. In 2024, they have made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Among their notable transactions in the fashion design context, they participated in funding rounds for Naadam, a sustainable cashmere company, which raised $16 million in Series A funding, and Simplifyber, which raised $3.5 million in seed funding for its novel approach to clothing and accessory manufacturing. These investments highlight Plug and Play's commitment to supporting innovative solutions within the fashion industry.

16. Advent

• Website: adventinternational.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1984
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 17
• LinkedIn: advent-international

Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm founded in 1984, based in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in buyouts and investments across various sectors, including fashion. Advent has a global focus on long-term value creation for its portfolio companies, providing both capital and strategic guidance. Notably, Advent has made significant investments in the fashion industry, acquiring brands such as Gerard Darel in 2008, Maurices in 1994, and New Look in 1996. These transactions highlight Advent's commitment to the fashion sector and their strategy of partnering with companies to help them grow and navigate market challenges.

Fashion Design Insights: Key Investors in the US

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