The firearm accessories industry in the US is a robust market that includes an array of products, such as gun grips, holsters, scopes, and tactical gear. Various companies, from small manufacturers to large corporate entities, are involved in designing and producing these items, catering to both recreational enthusiasts and professionals, such as law enforcement and military personnel. The sector has been increasingly driven by innovation, with advancements in materials and technology enhancing safety and performance. Trends indicate a growing consumer interest in smart accessories and eco-friendly products, reflecting shifts toward sustainability in outdoor and sporting activities.


The investors in this article represent a mix of venture capital and private equity firms, predominantly headquartered in major financial hubs such as New York and San Francisco. Ranging from small to large firms, their employee count varies significantly, with most established in the 1990s. Collectively, they engaged in 2024 transactions that highlight their robust inclusivity in the firearm accessories market, encompassing providers of tactical gear, shooting range equipment, and firearm-related technologies.


Top 16 Firearm Accessories Investors in the US


1. BRS & Co.


BRS & Co. is a private equity firm based in New York, specializing in managing assets for lower middle market consumer companies. Founded in 1995, the firm focuses on providing strategic advice and operational support to management teams, aiming to drive sustainable growth through investments and acquisitions. BRS has a notable portfolio in the outdoor and firearm accessories sector, having acquired Magpul Industries, a leading manufacturer of firearm accessories, and Remington Arms Company, a historic firearms manufacturer. Their other investments include Gamo Outdoor, known for airguns, and Daisy Outdoor Products, which specializes in youth airguns. These transactions highlight BRS's commitment to the outdoor sports and firearm accessories market, reinforcing their position as a significant player in this industry.


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 diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has invested in companies like Amberbox Gunshot Detection, which raised funds in a Seed Round in 2016. This investment highlights Y Combinator's engagement with the firearm industry, particularly in innovative solutions related to gunshot detection, showcasing their interest in technology that intersects with firearm safety and accessories.


3. Advantage Capital


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, with a focus on underserved communities. Their investment strategy includes flexible capital solutions aimed at helping entrepreneurs grow and thrive. Advantage Capital has been involved in several transactions, including notable investments in companies like Drake Waterfowl Systems, which specializes in waterfowl hunting gear, and Gura Gear, which produces outdoor gear that may include products relevant to firearm enthusiasts. Their approach combines venture capital, capital investment consulting, and management of investment funds, allowing them to support a diverse range of businesses, including those in the outdoor and sporting goods sectors.


4. Northstar Capital

  • Website: northstarcapital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1993
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: northstar-capital

Northstar Capital is a private equity investment management firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, founded in 1993. The firm specializes in junior capital investments and equity co-investments for lower middle market companies, providing tailored financing solutions to financial sponsors, business owners, and management teams. Since its inception, Northstar Capital has raised nearly $2 billion in capital and has a diverse portfolio across various industries, including healthcare and consumer goods. Notably, they have made investments in companies relevant to the firearm accessories context, such as Drake Waterfowl Systems, which focuses on waterfowl hunting gear, and Weaver Leather, known for its leather products that may cater to outdoor enthusiasts. These transactions indicate a potential interest in the outdoor and hunting markets, which often intersect with firearm accessories.


5. Vista Outdoor Inc.


Vista Outdoor Inc. is a corporate investor based in Anoka, Minnesota, founded in 1916. The company designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of sporting and outdoor products, focusing on high-quality and innovative goods that enhance outdoor experiences. Notably, Vista Outdoor has made several strategic acquisitions to diversify its portfolio, including the acquisition of Stone Glacier, an ultralight backcountry and hunting gear brand, which aligns with the firearm accessories market. Other acquisitions, such as CamelBak Products and Simms Fishing Products, showcase Vista's broader focus on outdoor sports and recreation, but their involvement with brands like Stone Glacier highlights their relevance to the firearm accessories sector. Overall, Vista Outdoor operates through a portfolio of renowned brands, emphasizing performance-driven goods for outdoor enthusiasts.


6. Summit Partners

  • Website: summitpartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1984
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: summit-partners

Summit Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1984. The firm specializes in growth equity, focusing on providing capital and resources to category-leading companies primarily in technology, healthcare, and life sciences. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Tippmann Sports, a company known for its products in the firearm accessories market, which highlights their capability to engage with diverse sectors. Other investments include companies like Veepee, Belkin International, Grand Design RV, and Tivoli Audio, showcasing their broad investment portfolio. While their primary focus is not on firearm accessories, their involvement with Tippmann Sports indicates a willingness to invest in this area when opportunities arise.


7. Goldman Sachs

  • Website: goldmansachs.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 59
  • LinkedIn: goldman-sachs

Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1998, headquartered in New York, New York. The firm provides a comprehensive range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. Among their notable transactions, Goldman Sachs invested in SureFire in 2007, a company recognized for its innovative firearm accessories, which highlights their engagement in the firearm accessories market. Additionally, they have been involved in various other sectors, such as their acquisition of Navico, a company focused on marine electronics, showcasing their broad investment strategy. Despite their extensive portfolio, the investment in SureFire positions them as a relevant player in the firearm accessories industry.


8. Wells Fargo

  • Website: wellsfargo.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1852
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 42
  • LinkedIn: wellsfargo

Wells Fargo & Company is a financial services corporation based in San Francisco, California, founded in 1852. It offers a comprehensive range of banking products, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and investment management services, catering to both individual consumers and businesses. In recent years, Wells Fargo has been active in various investment transactions, including a notable $40 million debt financing for Sturm, Ruger & Co on October 5, 2018, which is a prominent player in the firearm industry. This transaction highlights Wells Fargo's engagement with companies in the firearm accessories sector, alongside its broader investment portfolio that includes diverse industries such as consumer goods and manufacturing. Their commitment to customer service and community engagement further underscores their role as a significant financial partner across multiple sectors.


9. Main Street Capital Corporation


Main Street Capital Corporation is a venture capital firm based in Houston, Texas, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in providing long-term debt and equity capital solutions to lower middle market companies across various industries. They focus on management buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth financings, helping businesses achieve their financial goals. Among their notable transactions, they invested in American Shooting Centers in 2013, which is relevant to the firearm accessories industry. Additionally, they have provided significant debt financing to Gamber Johnson, a company that may have connections to the outdoor and tactical markets, although it is not explicitly a firearm accessories company. Their diverse portfolio includes investments in various sectors, indicating a flexible approach to financing.


10. Gen Cap America, Inc.

  • Website: gencapamerica.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Nashville, Tennessee, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1988
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: gen-cap-america-inc.

Gen Cap America, Inc. is a private equity firm based in Nashville, Tennessee, founded in 1988. The firm specializes in acquisitions and recapitalizations of middle-market and lower-middle-market businesses, providing capital investments and strategic support. Their investment strategy focuses on various industries, including manufacturing and distribution. Notably, they have invested in Pyramyd Air, a company involved in the sale of air guns and accessories, which aligns with the firearm accessories market. Other transactions include the acquisition of Gared Holdings, a manufacturer of athletic equipment, and Day Motor Sports, indicating a diverse investment portfolio that extends beyond firearm accessories.


11. Cerberus Capital Management


Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments, including credit, private equity, and real estate. Founded in 1992, the firm provides capital solutions and operational expertise to a diverse range of investors, such as pension funds and charitable foundations, aiming to enhance performance and drive value creation across various market environments. Notably, Cerberus has made significant investments in the firearm industry, including the acquisition of Remington Arms Company in 2007 for $370 million, which is a prominent player in the firearms market. Additionally, they have invested in Votaw Precision Technologies, a manufacturer of critical components for defense applications, further solidifying their involvement in sectors related to firearms and defense. These transactions highlight Cerberus's commitment to enhancing operational capabilities and growth within the firearm accessories and defense industries.


12. Monomoy Capital Partners


Monomoy Capital Partners is a private equity firm founded in 2005, specializing in middle-market investments across various sectors, including industrial and consumer businesses. The firm focuses on providing strategic capital and operational expertise to companies facing critical transitions, aiming to enhance operational performance and drive value creation. Notably, Monomoy acquired Liberty Safe & Security Products, a key player in the gun safe and security products market, for an enterprise valuation of $147.5 million in July 2021. This acquisition highlights their commitment to the firearm accessories industry, alongside their broader investment strategy that includes companies like West Marine and Cobra Electronics Corporation.


13. Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI)


Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI) is an investment management firm founded in 2005, specializing in acquiring and managing middle-market businesses across industrial and branded consumer sectors. The firm focuses on creating shareholder value through strategic acquisitions and active management of its portfolio companies. Notably, CODI has made significant investments in the firearm accessories industry, including the acquisition of 5.11 Tactical for $400 million in 2016, which provides tactical gear and accessories. Additionally, they acquired Liberty Safe & Security Products for approximately $70 million in 2010, a company known for manufacturing gun safes. These transactions highlight CODI's commitment to the firearm accessories market, alongside their broader investment strategy.


14. Gridiron Capital LLC


Gridiron Capital LLC is a private equity investment firm based in New Canaan, Connecticut, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in partnering with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams to build middle-market companies into industry leaders. Gridiron Capital focuses on sectors such as branded consumer goods and B2B and B2C services, providing investment management and strategic support to drive growth and transformation. Notably, Gridiron Capital has made significant investments in the outdoor accessories sector, including the acquisition of GSM Outdoors, which provides a range of outdoor products that may encompass firearm accessories. Additionally, they have expanded GSM's portfolio by acquiring Dobyns Rods, further emphasizing their commitment to outdoor and recreational markets. Their acquisition of Rough Country, which specializes in off-road accessories, also aligns with the outdoor lifestyle that often intersects with firearm usage. These transactions highlight Gridiron Capital's strategic interest in sectors that could relate to firearm accessories, making them a noteworthy investor in this space.


15. Salt Creek Capital

  • Website: saltcreekcap.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Woodside, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: salt-creek-capital

Salt Creek Capital is a private equity firm based in Woodside, California, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investments in lower-middle market businesses, providing capital and management support to business owners seeking to transition or grow their companies. Their investment focus spans various industries, including manufacturing and IT. Notably, Salt Creek Capital has made significant acquisitions, including OP/TECH USA, Inc., a consumer products manufacturer known for its accessories, slings, straps, and harnesses, which are relevant to the firearm accessories market. Other acquisitions include Broco Rankin, a manufacturer of underwater cutting and welding tools, and Griplock Systems, a designer of proprietary cable suspension hardware. These transactions demonstrate Salt Creek's diverse investment strategy while highlighting their involvement in sectors that could intersect with firearm accessories.


16. Praesidian Capital


Praesidian Capital is a private equity firm based in Larchmont, New York, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in investments in lower middle market businesses, providing flexible capital solutions to support growth, acquisitions, and operational improvements. Praesidian Capital has a diverse investment portfolio that spans various industries, including manufacturing and healthcare. Notably, they made a strategic equity investment in Action Target Inc. in December 2023, which is a company focused on providing shooting range equipment and services. This investment aligns with the firearm accessories industry, showcasing Praesidian's capability and willingness to invest in this sector. Additionally, they have been involved in several debt financing transactions with other companies, but the most relevant to the firearm accessories context is their commitment to Action Target, indicating a strategic interest in the growth of businesses within this market.



Firearm Accessories Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
BRS & Co.New York, New York, United States (USA)11-5019950
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Northstar CapitalMinneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)11-5019931
Vista Outdoor Inc.Anoka, Minnesota, United States (USA)1-1019160
Summit PartnersBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)51-200198413
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
Wells FargoSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)10001+185242
Main Street Capital CorporationHouston, Texas, United States (USA)51-200199712
Gen Cap America, Inc.Nashville, Tennessee, United States (USA)11-5019881
Cerberus Capital ManagementNew York, New York, United States (USA)501-100019929
Monomoy Capital PartnersUnited States (USA)51-20020053
Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI)United States (USA)51-20020051
Gridiron Capital LLCNew Canaan, Connecticut, United States (USA)11-5020062
Salt Creek CapitalWoodside, California, United States (USA)11-5020091
Praesidian CapitalLarchmont, New York, United States (USA)1-1020020


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