The high street fashion industry in Europe encompasses a vibrant mix of retailers, from budget-friendly stores to upscale brands. Companies in this sector often offer trendy apparel, accessories, and footwear that cater to a wide audience looking for style without the couture price tag. Recent trends show a shift towards online shopping and sustainable fashion, as consumers increasingly demand eco-conscious options. This digital transformation is prompting brands to reevaluate their marketing strategies and supply chains to adapt to changing consumer preferences. With the potential for continual innovation, high street fashion remains a dynamic force in European retail.

This list features 16 investors shaping the high street fashion sector across Europe. Predominantly based in major cities like London and Paris, these firms include venture capitalists, private equity groups, and corporate investors of all sizes, with team counts ranging from small teams to thousands. Established between 1945 and 2017, many of these investors actively engaged in significant deals throughout 2024, such as Index Ventures with 67 investments and BGF with 53. Their funding decisions highlight the strategic importance of adjusting to contemporary fashion trends, driving innovation, and ensuring brand sustainability.

Top 16 High Street Fashion 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 promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions within the high street fashion context, including Threads Styling, which raised $1,838,836 in a convertible note, and The Fold, a luxury women's workwear brand that raised £1.7 million through crowdfunding. These investments highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting fashion-related businesses, making it a significant player in the high street fashion investment landscape.

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 retail company based in London, England, founded in 1982. It operates a diverse portfolio of brands in the sports and fashion sectors, including well-known names like Sports Direct and Jack Wills. The company offers a wide range of products, including clothing, footwear, and sporting goods, as well as fitness services through its Everlast Fitness Club chain. In recent years, Frasers Group has made strategic investments in the high street fashion industry, acquiring brands such as Missguided for approximately $24.97 million in June 2022 and Matches Fashion for around £80 million in December 2023. These acquisitions highlight their focus on expanding their presence in the fashion market. Additionally, their involvement in funding rounds for ASOS and Hugo Boss indicates their active participation in the broader fashion sector, further emphasizing their role as a key investor in high street fashion.

3. Index Ventures

• Website: indexventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 67
• LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, but has also made significant investments in the fashion industry. Notably, Index Ventures has invested in Nasty Gal, a prominent LA-based fashion site, providing $40 million in Series B funding in 2012, followed by additional investments in subsequent rounds totaling $25 million. They also invested in END., a fashion retailer, and Farfetch, which raised $20 million in Series C funding in 2013. These transactions highlight Index Ventures' strategic support for fashion startups, helping them expand their operations and reach global markets.

4. Lvmh

• Website: lvmh.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: lvmh

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE is a leading luxury goods manufacturer and retailer based in Paris, France. Founded in 1987, LVMH operates across various sectors, including fashion, leather goods, wines, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, and jewelry. The company is known for its exclusive brands that embody craftsmanship and heritage, catering to affluent consumers. Notably, LVMH has made significant investments in high street fashion through acquisitions such as a 60% stake in Off-White, a luxury streetwear label founded by Virgil Abloh, and a minority stake in Stella McCartney, which emphasizes sustainability in fashion. Additionally, LVMH has acquired control of established fashion houses like Fendi, Céline, and Kenzo, further solidifying its presence in the high street fashion market. These strategic investments highlight LVMH's commitment to diversifying its portfolio while maintaining a strong foothold in the fashion industry.

5. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website: bpifrance.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn: bpifrance-french-tech-acc%c3%a9l%c3%a9ration

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 been involved in several key transactions in the high street fashion sector, including significant investments in Vestiaire Collective, a global platform for pre-owned fashion, where they participated in multiple funding rounds totaling over $200 million. Additionally, Bpifrance was part of a consortium that acquired Eric Bompard, a French cashmere label, further solidifying its presence in the fashion industry.

6. 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 specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in several high street fashion-related companies, including a £3.75M investment in Oliver Sweeney, aimed at enhancing their marketing strategy, and a £4M investment in Sophia Webster, which is focused on accelerating international growth and expanding retail partnerships. Additionally, BGF participated in funding rounds for Trouva, a platform that connects independent boutiques with customers, further demonstrating their involvement in the fashion retail space. These transactions highlight BGF's commitment to supporting the growth of businesses within the high street fashion industry.

7. Venrex

• Website: venrex.partners
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: venrex

Venrex is a venture capital firm based in London, founded in 2002, specializing in early-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses within consumer industries. The firm has been actively involved in supporting innovative companies, providing both funding and strategic guidance to help them thrive in competitive markets. Notably, Venrex has made significant investments in Lyst, a prominent fashion e-commerce platform, participating in multiple funding rounds including Series A, Series C, and Series D, with total investments amounting to over $128 million. This consistent backing of Lyst highlights Venrex's commitment to the fashion sector, particularly in the high street fashion context, showcasing their capability to identify and nurture promising fashion-related ventures.

8. JD Sports

• Website: jdsports.co.uk
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: jdsports

JD Sports is a prominent retail company based in the United Kingdom, founded in 1981, specializing in sports and lifestyle apparel and footwear. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, JD Sports operates both online and through physical stores, providing a comprehensive shopping experience for customers seeking stylish and functional clothing and footwear. The company has made significant strides in the high street fashion sector through various acquisitions. Notably, JD Sports acquired Pretty Green, a brand known for its stylish menswear, in April 2019. In June 2021, JD Sports took a majority stake in Missy Empire, an online fashion retailer, as part of its strategy to enhance its presence in the young fast fashion market. Additionally, JD Sports has expanded its portfolio by acquiring Oi Polloi, a Manchester-based menswear independent, in May 2021, and Shoe Palace, a retailer with a strong presence in the US market, in December 2020. These transactions highlight JD Sports' active role in the high street fashion industry, as it seeks to broaden its offerings and appeal to a diverse customer base.

9. Permira

• Website: permira.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: permira

Permira is a London-based private equity investment firm founded in 1985, specializing in private equity and credit solutions. The firm partners with management teams and entrepreneurs to drive growth and create long-term value across various sectors, including technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. Notably, Permira has made significant investments in the high street fashion industry, acquiring brands such as New Look in 2004, Hugo Boss in 2007, and Reformation in 2019. Additionally, they acquired Schustermann & Borenstein, a leading German omnichannel premium fashion retailer, in 2016. These transactions highlight Permira's commitment to transforming businesses into market leaders within the fashion sector, showcasing their expertise and strategic focus in high street fashion.

10. 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, particularly in technology-enabled companies, and provides capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale. Verdane has been involved in several notable transactions in the high street fashion context, including the acquisition of WoolOvers, a consumer brand, as part of a portfolio aimed at driving online and international growth. Additionally, Verdane has invested in Caliroots, a fashion retailer, and Centra, a SaaS e-commerce platform that focuses on fashion and lifestyle businesses, highlighting their commitment to supporting the growth of companies within the fashion industry.

11. 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. The firm 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 strong track record in the high street fashion sector, having made significant acquisitions such as Debenhams, a well-known British department store chain, and Grupo Cortefiel, a major fashion retailer in Spain. Additionally, their acquisition of Matahari Department Stores, Indonesia's largest department store chain, highlights their strategic focus on the fashion retail market. Through these investments, CVC aims to deliver sustainable value and growth, particularly in the high street fashion industry.

12. SoftBank Investment Advisers

• Website: visionfund.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn: softbank-investment-advisers

SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as the SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund based in London, England, founded in 2017. The fund primarily invests in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and other tech sectors. However, its portfolio is diverse, including significant investments in the fashion industry. Notably, SoftBank invested $400 million in Vuori, a Southern California-inspired activewear brand, which is one of the largest investments in a private apparel company. Additionally, they invested in Vestiaire Collective, raising over $208 million for this platform that specializes in pre-owned luxury fashion. These transactions highlight SoftBank's engagement in the high street fashion market, alongside their broader focus on technology and growth-stage companies.

13. Boohoo Group

• Website: boohooplc.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Manchester, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn:

Boohoo Group plc is a Manchester-based fashion retailer specializing in e-commerce, offering a diverse range of clothing, shoes, accessories, and beauty products primarily aimed at consumers aged 16-40. Founded in 2006, Boohoo has rapidly grown into a significant player in the online fashion market. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its multi-brand platform, including the purchase of high street fashion brands such as Dorothy Perkins, Nasty Gal, PrettyLittleThing, Oasis Fashion, and Karen Millen. These acquisitions not only expand Boohoo's brand portfolio but also strengthen its position in the competitive fashion e-commerce landscape, making it a relevant investor in the high street fashion industry.

14. 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 has invested in Dagne Dover, a New York-based handbag brand, which raised seed funding to support growth initiatives. Additionally, they participated in the seed funding round for Futures Factory, a French marketplace focused on selling sneakers. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in the fashion industry, particularly in high street fashion, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative brands in this space.

15. HV Capital

• Website: hvcapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 28
• LinkedIn: hvventures

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. With over €2.8 billion under management, HV Capital specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit. The firm has been involved in several notable transactions in the fashion sector, including investments in Namshi, an online fashion retailer, and Dafiti, a leading fashion e-commerce platform in Latin America. Additionally, HV Capital has invested in Depop, a social shopping platform that focuses on fashion resale, further highlighting their engagement in the fashion industry. Through these investments, HV Capital provides capital and strategic guidance to startups, helping them navigate growth challenges and achieve market success in the competitive fashion landscape.

16. Apax

• Website: apax.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: apax-partners

Apax Partners LLP is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including technology, internet/consumer, healthcare, and services. Notably, Apax has made significant strides in the high street fashion industry, having acquired prominent brands such as Tommy Hilfiger for $1.6 billion in 2005 and Rue21 for approximately $1.1 billion in 2013. Furthermore, in 2023, Apax facilitated substantial funding for Matches Fashion, raising nearly $75 million through debt financing and private equity rounds. These transactions highlight Apax's strategic focus on high-potential fashion companies, collaborating with management teams to drive growth and innovation in the sector.

High Street Fashion Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Crowdcube	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
Frasers Group	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1982	20
Index Ventures	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
Lvmh	Paris, Île-De-France, France	10001+	1987	11
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
Bgf	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
Venrex	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2002	11
JD Sports	United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1981	1
Permira	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	501-1000	1985	8
Verdane	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	51-200	1985	7
Cvc	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
SoftBank Investment Advisers	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	2017	14
Boohoo Group	Manchester, England, United Kingdom (UK)	5001-10000	2006	0
Kima Ventures	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
HV Capital	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	11-50	2000	28
Apax	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1981	8

Want to find more investors focusing on the high street fashion industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the high street fashionindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
• Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
• Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
• ...and much more!