The fishing tackle industry in Europe is vibrant and multifaceted, catering to both professional anglers and recreational fishing enthusiasts. Companies within this sector produce a wide array of products including rods, reels, lures, and accessories. Market trends show a growing interest in eco-friendly materials and technology integration, like apps for fish tracking and weather forecasts. Noteworthy is the industry's commitment to sustainability, focusing on environmentally responsible practices to protect aquatic ecosystems. As outdoor activities gain popularity, forecasts suggest continued growth for the industry, bolstered by strong community engagement and increased participation in water sports.


This list highlights various investors active within the European fishing tackle market. Spanning venture capitalists, private equity firms, and corporate investors, they operate from locations like London, Stockholm, and Oslo. The years of establishment range from established players like 3i Group, founded in 1945, to newer firms like Crowdcube launched in 2010. Each investor differs in size, investment style, and focus, with a total of 198 deals recorded in 2024 among them. These investments reflect their strategic interest in engaging with the fishing tackle industry and supporting its growth trajectory.


Top 16 Fishing Tackle Investors in Europe


1. 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 enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. Crowdcube has been involved in several notable transactions within the fishing tackle industry, including WeFish, which raised $239,856 for its fishing diary and forecast app in September 2021. Additionally, Crowdcube supported Waterhaul, which raised $977,697 in November 2023, and Fishy Filaments, which has had multiple successful funding rounds, raising $310,246 in April 2021 and $27,089 in September 2017. These investments highlight Crowdcube's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion while also supporting innovative businesses in the fishing tackle sector.


2. Frasers Group

  • Website: frasers.group
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: frasers-group

Frasers Group plc is a corporate investor based in London, England, founded in 1982. The company operates various brands in the sports and fashion sectors, including Sports Direct and Jack Wills, and offers a wide range of products such as clothing, footwear, and sporting goods. Notably, Frasers Group has made several strategic acquisitions in the outdoor and sporting goods market, including Field & Trek.Com Ltd in 2007, Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) in 2017, and Gelert Ltd in 2013. These acquisitions demonstrate their commitment to expanding their portfolio in sectors that include fishing tackle and outdoor recreational products. In 2024, they also announced plans to acquire the Holdsport Group, further indicating their growth strategy in the sporting goods retail space. Their diverse offerings and focus on outdoor activities position them as a relevant player in the fishing tackle industry.


3. Verdane

  • Website: verdane.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: verdane-capital

Verdane is a private equity investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in growth equity investments, primarily targeting technology-enabled companies. Verdane provides capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale, with a focus on digitalization and decarbonization trends. Notably, Verdane has made significant investments in the outdoor and fishing tackle sectors, including the acquisition of Mustad, a leading brand in fishing tackle, and Silva, which provides niche outdoor sports equipment. Additionally, their acquisition of Maskinklippet.se and Hylte Jakt och Lantman aims to create a leading Nordic e-tailer in forestry, gardening, hunting, and outdoor products, further demonstrating their commitment to outdoor and recreational markets.


4. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has participated in several transactions, including a significant investment in Temo, a French company specializing in electric motors for boats, which raised €6 million in a Series A financing round in January 2024. This investment highlights Bpifrance's engagement in sectors related to fishing and boating. Additionally, Bpifrance has been involved in funding rounds for companies like Snowleader and i-Run, which, while not directly related to fishing tackle, showcase its broad investment strategy in the sports and outdoor sectors.


5. 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, that provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 1994, Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has invested in Fishbrain, a prominent fishing app that raised $3.7 million in a Series B round in 2017 and $150,000 in a seed round in 2013. This involvement highlights Almi's engagement in the fishing tackle industry, alongside other investments in various sectors such as fashion and outdoor equipment.


6. Altor Equity Partners

  • Website: altor.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: altor

Altor Equity Partners is a private equity investment management firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in providing consulting services across various sectors, including technology and consumer products, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth for its partners. Altor has been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of Navico, a key player in marine electronics, which is directly relevant to the fishing tackle industry. They also invested in XXL Sport & Villmark, a retailer that offers a range of outdoor and sporting goods, including fishing equipment. Additionally, Altor's acquisition of CCM Hockey and Rossignol highlights their broader interest in sports-related companies, further indicating their capability and interest in sectors that may overlap with fishing tackle.


7. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1945. The firm specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Among their notable transactions, 3i Group acquired a significant minority stake in GO Outdoors for £28 million in 2011, supporting the company's expansion plans in the outdoor retail sector. Additionally, they have made acquisitions in companies like Nova Rodman and Rohan Designs, which are involved in outdoor and recreational products. Their investment in Halti Oy, a company that may cater to outdoor enthusiasts, further emphasizes their focus on the outdoor market, which includes fishing tackle as a relevant segment.


8. Montagu

  • Website: montagu.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1968
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: montagu-private-equity-llp

Montagu Private Equity is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1968. The firm specializes in investment management and growth strategies, partnering with management teams across various sectors, including healthcare and financial services. Montagu focuses on mid-market companies and is committed to responsible investing. Notably, Montagu has made significant acquisitions in the aquatic sector, including Aqua Lung, a company known for its diving equipment, which is relevant to fishing tackle. They also acquired Hansen Protection, which specializes in protective gear for water sports, and Survitec, a company involved in safety and survival equipment. These transactions highlight Montagu's engagement with companies that operate in the fishing and water sports industries, reinforcing their relevance as an investor in the fishing tackle space.


9. Mobeus


Mobeus Equity Partners is a private equity firm based in London, UK, specializing in equity investments in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Founded in 2012, Mobeus partners with management teams to provide funding for management buyouts and equity releases, facilitating growth and strategic development across various sectors. Notably, Mobeus has made significant investments in the outdoor and water sports industries, including a £5 million growth investment in Wetsuit Outlet, a UK-based online retailer of technical clothing and equipment for water sports. This investment aims to enhance Wetsuit Outlet's market share in Europe and expand into the US, indicating a strategic interest in the outdoor sports market. Additionally, Mobeus acquired Equip Outdoor Technologies, further emphasizing their commitment to the outdoor sector. Their diverse portfolio and focus on growth in related industries position them as a relevant player in the fishing tackle investment landscape.


10. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. They focus on helping management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has made investments in companies such as American Golf, which operates in the sporting goods sector, indicating their interest in related industries. Additionally, LDC has supported businesses like Mountain Warehouse, an outdoor clothing retailer, and Tropical Marine Center, which, while not directly related to fishing tackle, showcases their diverse investment portfolio. Their strategic approach and history of supporting growth in various sectors suggest that they may also consider opportunities within the fishing tackle industry.


11. 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 managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the sports retail sector, including the acquisition of XXL Sport & Villmark, a leading sports retail chain in the Nordic region, which likely includes fishing tackle products. Additionally, their acquisition of Lundhags skomakarna in 2006 further emphasizes their interest in outdoor and sporting goods, potentially encompassing fishing tackle. These transactions highlight EQT's engagement in industries related to fishing tackle, making them a relevant investor in this space.


12. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in Fishtripr, a Belgian startup focused on fishing, which raised €500k in a seed funding round in February 2019. Additionally, they participated in the funding of Barooders, a marketplace for used sporting goods, and HARDLOOP, an outdoor sports e-tailer. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in the sporting goods sector, including fishing tackle, showcasing their versatility and interest in outdoor activities.


13. 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 founded in 2011, based in London, England. 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. Notable transactions include a £2.8 million investment in Rutland Cycling, a family-owned business that caters to outdoor enthusiasts, and a £5.7 million investment in Source BMX, a leading BMX retailer. Additionally, BGF invested in Ruroc, an action sports protection brand, which indicates their interest in the outdoor and recreational sector. These investments suggest that BGF is open to supporting businesses that may have synergies with the fishing tackle industry.


14. FSN Capital Partners

  • Website: fsncapital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: fsn-capital

FSN Capital Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including services, green transition, industrials, and technology, with a focus on sustainable returns for institutional investors and pension funds. Notably, FSN Capital has made significant investments in the sporting goods sector, particularly through their acquisition of Active Brands AS in 2017, a Norwegian supplier of premium sporting goods brands. This acquisition aimed to enhance Active Brands' position in the Nordics and accelerate its international growth. Additionally, FSN Capital's earlier involvement with Morenot, although less directly related to fishing tackle, showcases their engagement in the broader sporting goods market. These transactions highlight FSN Capital's potential interest in sectors that may overlap with fishing tackle, making them a relevant player in this space.


15. Enterprise Investors

  • Website: ei.com.pl
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: enterprise-investors

Enterprise Investors is a private equity firm based in Warsaw, Poland, specializing in investment management and financing for mid-market companies. Founded in 1990, the firm focuses on providing capital for buyouts and expansion across various sectors, including consumer products, healthcare, and IT. Notably, they have made significant investments in the sporting goods sector, including a 32.4% stake in Tahe Outdoors, an Estonian producer of watersports equipment, which aligns with the fishing tackle industry. They also acquired Intersport ISI, a sporting goods retailer in the Balkans, further demonstrating their engagement in the broader sporting goods market. Additionally, their acquisition of Snap Outdoor in 2021 indicates a continued interest in outdoor and recreational products, which may encompass fishing tackle. Overall, Enterprise Investors has a diverse portfolio with relevant transactions that connect them to the fishing tackle industry.


16. Accent Equity


Accent Equity is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in investments in private Nordic companies, focusing on enhancing the value of its portfolio through strategic management and investment. Accent Equity aims to create sustainable growth and superior returns for its clientele across various sectors. Notably, they have been involved in several acquisitions, including HOOKS HASTSPORT, a company in the fishing tackle industry, which highlights their engagement in this market. Other transactions include the acquisitions of Brimer and Unisport, showcasing their diverse investment strategy while still maintaining a foothold in niche markets like fishing tackle.



Fishing Tackle Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Frasers GroupLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+198220
VerdaneOslo, Oslo, Norway51-20019857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Altor Equity PartnersStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden51-20020036
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
MontaguLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20019682
MobeusLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020120
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
FSN Capital PartnersOslo, Oslo, Norway51-20019990
Enterprise InvestorsWarsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland51-20019901
Accent EquityStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019944


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