The sports tourism industry in Europe is a rapidly growing segment that combines travel and sporting events. It includes various companies that offer services ranging from organizing sports events and providing travel arrangements to accommodations that cater specifically to sports enthusiasts. This sector thrives in regions that host popular events such as marathons, football matches, and skiing competitions. With an increase in health awareness and active lifestyles, more travelers are seeking sports-related experiences during their holidays. Insightfully, the industry is shifting towards adventure tourism, incorporating activities like cycling and water sports, appealing to a broader audience.


This list features a blend of investors in sports tourism, with types ranging from venture capital and private equity to corporate investors. They hail from major European hubs like Paris and London, showcasing a favorable investment climate. Founded between 1976 and 2015, their sizes vary significantly, with some managing smaller teams and others overseeing thousands. Notably, many experienced considerable deal activity in 2024, demonstrating robust engagement within the sector, a strong indicator of market confidence and growth, as evidenced by firms like Index Ventures and CVC Capital Partners contributing to the dynamic investment landscape.


Top 16 Sports Tourism Investors in Europe


1. 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 relevant to the sports tourism sector, including an investment in Sportihome, a startup focused on expanding accommodations for travelers, which includes sports enthusiasts. This investment highlights Bpifrance's commitment to supporting companies that cater to the growing demand for sports tourism. Additionally, Bpifrance has been involved in funding travel tech startups like Evaneos, which, while not exclusively focused on sports tourism, contributes to the broader travel industry that encompasses sports-related travel experiences.


2. 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. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the sports tourism sector, including SkiYodl, which raised significant funds in 2021 and 2023, focusing on ski tourism experiences. Other relevant transactions include Homefans, which connects travelers with local hosts for sports events, and Urbs Travel, which offers travel experiences centered around urban sports. These investments highlight Crowdcube's engagement with businesses that cater to sports tourism, making them a notable player in this niche.


3. 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, providing financial support and mentorship to help them navigate initial challenges and achieve success. Kima Ventures backs two startups per week, demonstrating a robust investment strategy. Among their notable transactions is the investment in the Explora Project, a French traveltech company that raised €1.7 million to expand its positive-impact adventure tourism initiatives. This investment highlights Kima Ventures' engagement in the tourism sector, particularly in areas that align with sports and adventure, showcasing their potential relevance in the sports tourism industry.


4. 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 (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 significant investments in the sports tourism sector, including the acquisition of Silverstone Circuit in 2013, a premier motorsport venue that hosts major events, thereby attracting sports tourists. Additionally, their acquisition of Neilson Holidays in 2018, which offers active holiday experiences, further emphasizes their engagement in the sports tourism industry. Other investments, such as ATPI Limited, which provides travel and event management services, also align with the broader scope of sports tourism.


5. 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 diverse investment portfolio, with notable transactions in the sports sector, including the acquisition of Dorna Sports in 1998, which oversees the MotoGP, and their investment in Six Nations Rugby, which raised over $508 million in 2021. Additionally, CVC has invested in Premiership Rugby, further solidifying their commitment to the sports industry. These strategic investments not only highlight CVC's focus on delivering sustainable value and growth but also their active role in sectors that contribute to sports tourism.


6. 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, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions relevant to the sports tourism sector, including investments in Säfsen Resort and Branäsgruppen, both of which are significant players in the tourism and outdoor sports industry. Additionally, Almi led a funding round for World's Marathons, a company that develops a global marketplace for marathon events, further demonstrating their engagement in the sports tourism space. These transactions highlight Almi's commitment to supporting ventures that contribute to the growth of sports tourism in Sweden.


7. Portugal Ventures


Portugal Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Porto, Portugal, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in investing in startups with global ambitions, primarily located in Portugal, and provides both capital and strategic support to help these startups grow and scale their operations. Portugal Ventures focuses on innovative projects across various sectors, including technology and health. Notably, they have made several investments in the tourism sector, such as 'Algrave Sun Boat Trips', which offers boat trips in the Algarve region, and 'Live Electric Tours', which provides electric vehicle tours. These transactions highlight their engagement in the tourism industry, which is closely linked to sports tourism, as they cater to travelers seeking unique experiences. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in Portugal, while also tapping into the growing tourism market.


8. 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, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. They focus on building long-term partnerships with founders to drive success. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Secret Escapes, a British travel deals website, which raised significant funding rounds (including $60 million in Series C and $111 million in Series D) aimed at international expansion. This investment highlights their involvement in the travel sector, which can overlap with sports tourism, particularly in luxury travel experiences related to sporting events. Additionally, they have invested in Let’s Do This, a platform that facilitates participation in sports events, further indicating their interest in the sports domain.


9. 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 prominent retail company based in London, England, founded in 1982. It operates various brands in the sports and fashion sectors, including Sports Direct and Jack Wills, offering a wide range of products such as clothing, footwear, and sporting goods. The company has been actively expanding its footprint in the sports industry through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in December 2022, Frasers Group acquired the stadium of Coventry City, a significant move that directly ties them to a sports entity and its associated tourism potential. In January 2025, they acquired a 41.98% stake in Hudson Holdings Limited, which is known for its Urban Jungle sportswear chain and exclusive distribution rights for NIKE in over 29 countries, further solidifying their presence in the sports market. Additionally, their plans to acquire Holdsport, a Southern Africa-based retail company, indicate their ambition to expand into new markets while focusing on sports retail. These transactions highlight Frasers Group's commitment to the sports sector and its potential influence on sports tourism.


10. HOWZAT Partners

  • Website: howzatpartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: howzat-media

HOWZAT Partners is a venture capital investment fund based in Luxembourg, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in digital businesses and provides funding and strategic advisory services to early-stage companies. Their clientele primarily consists of entrepreneurs and startups seeking investment and guidance. Notably, HOWZAT Partners has been involved in several transactions relevant to the travel and tourism sector, including investments in itravel, which raised significant funding in multiple rounds (Series A and B) from 2016 to 2018, and Travelcircus, which raised funds in a Seed Round in 2016. These investments highlight HOWZAT Partners' engagement in the travel industry, which is closely linked to sports tourism.


11. 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. The firm specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit, managing over €2.8 billion in assets. HV Capital has been actively involved in the travel sector, particularly through its investments in Tourlane, a Berlin-based travel startup. Tourlane has raised substantial funding across multiple rounds, including $26.3 million in Series D in November 2024, and previous rounds totaling over $100 million. This focus on travel positions HV Capital as a relevant player in the sports tourism industry, as Tourlane's offerings can encompass sports-related travel experiences.


12. 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 strategic investments in companies that intersect with the sports tourism industry. For instance, their acquisition of Vacanceselect in 2015 highlights their interest in the travel and tourism sector, while their investment in PrivateSportShop in 2018 underscores their engagement with the sports market. These transactions reflect Permira's commitment to transforming businesses into market leaders, particularly in areas that can enhance the sports tourism experience.


13. Vitruvian Partners


Vitruvian Partners is a private equity investment firm based in London, UK, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in private equity and growth capital investments, supporting ambitious entrepreneurs and management teams in achieving their growth objectives through financial investment and operational expertise. Vitruvian operates across various sectors, focusing on companies with high growth potential. Notably, they have made significant investments in the travel and tourism industry, including a substantial investment in Civitatis, a Spanish OTA that raised over $109 million, which caters to travelers in Spain and Latin America. Additionally, they acquired Great Rail Journeys for approximately $265 million, a company that offers unique rail travel experiences, further emphasizing their involvement in the tourism sector. These transactions highlight Vitruvian's engagement in areas that intersect with sports tourism, making them a relevant player in this space.


14. ECI Partners

  • Website: ecipartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: eci-partners-llp

ECI Partners is a private equity firm based in London, specializing in mid-market investments. Founded in 1976, the firm focuses on partnering with growth businesses to provide capital and strategic support, particularly in sectors like Cloud & Digital and HealthTech. Notably, ECI Partners has made significant investments in the travel sector, including the acquisition of Amber Travel, a leading rail tour business in the UK, which reported a turnover of £67 million and anticipates growth. They also acquired TAG, a travel management company serving the entertainment and corporate markets, indicating their active role in the travel industry. These transactions highlight ECI Partners' commitment to supporting businesses that operate within the tourism sector, which can include sports tourism activities.


15. Partech

  • Website: partechpartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: partech

Partech Partners is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1982. The firm specializes in providing funding and support to startups across various sectors, particularly in technology. Partech focuses on helping founders navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses through investment and strategic advisory services. They operate globally and have a diverse portfolio of companies. Notably, Partech has invested in Evaneos, a Parisian travel tech startup that raised €20 million and €70 million in funding rounds, indicating their active role in the travel industry. Additionally, they have been involved with EuroPass and MyRealTrip, both of which are travel-related companies. These transactions highlight Partech's engagement in the travel sector, which is closely related to sports tourism, as travel tech can enhance the experience of sports tourists.


16. Ekkio Capital

  • Website: ekkio.fr
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: ekkio-capital

Ekkio Capital is a private equity firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in investment management for high-potential growth companies across Europe, particularly focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in sectors such as Tourism & Leisure and Healthcare & Beauty. Ekkio Capital emphasizes long-term partnerships with management teams to create strategic value and facilitate transformation and growth. Notable transactions in the tourism sector include the acquisition of Belambra Clubs in 2006, a company that operates holiday clubs and resorts, and PARISCityVISION in 2015, which offers sightseeing tours and experiences in Paris. Additionally, their investment in campings.com, a platform for booking camping accommodations, further highlights their engagement in the leisure and tourism industry, which can include sports tourism activities.



Sports Tourism Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Portugal VenturesPorto, Porto, Portugal11-5020126
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
Frasers GroupLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+198220
HOWZAT PartnersLuxembourg1-1020062
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
PermiraLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100019858
Vitruvian PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020065
ECI PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5019766
PartechParis, Île-De-France, France51-200198224
Ekkio CapitalParis, Île-De-France, France1-1020010


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