The textile manufacturing industry in the Nordics is known for combining tradition with innovation. Companies range from sustainable fabric producers to advanced technology firms specializing in textile recycling and prints. Nordic brands focus on environmentally friendly practices, driven by increasing consumer awareness and demand for transparency in sourcing. With growing investments in tech-driven solutions like 3D knitting and sustainable dyeing processes, the industry is positioned for transformation. This commitment to innovation, coupled with an emphasis on eco-conscious practices, keeps the Nordic textile sector at the forefront, as it seeks to redefine fashion for a greener future.


In our exploration of the prominent textile manufacturing investors in the Nordics, we highlight various investor types including venture capital, private equity, and corporate investors. Headquartered mainly in Stockholm, Helsinki, and Oslo, these investors range from small firms of about ten employees to larger ones with over 5,000. Most were founded in the late 20th century, and together, they contributed to more than 100 deals in 2024. This diverse array highlights a robust investment environment geared toward nurturing innovation in the textile sector.


Top 16 Textile Manufacturing Investors in the Nordics


1. 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. They specialize 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. In the textile manufacturing context, Almi has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in re:newcell, a company focused on recycling textiles, Tini Garments, which specializes in sustainable garment production, HealthTextiles, and Vividye AB, a startup innovating in textile printing technology. These investments highlight Almi's commitment to supporting the textile industry and its advancements.


2. 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 providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions, EQT acquired Eton Group AB, a leading brand in premium men's shirts, highlighting their commitment to the textile manufacturing industry. Additionally, they have made significant investments in various sectors, including the acquisition of BTX Group and Zeus Industrial Products, showcasing their broad investment strategy while maintaining a foothold in textiles through Eton.


3. Novo Holdings

  • Website: novoholdings.dk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hellerup, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 45
  • LinkedIn: novo-a-s

Novo Holdings A/S is a not-for-profit investment firm based in Hellerup, Denmark, founded in 1999. It manages the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and primarily invests in life science companies at various stages of development, providing capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. However, Novo Holdings has also ventured into the textile manufacturing sector by investing in innovative companies like AMSilk, a German producer of silk biopolymers, which raised €25 million in a Series C round with participation from Novo Holdings. This funding is aimed at ramping up the industrial production and distribution of bio-fabricated silk protein materials. Additionally, Novo Holdings has invested in MycoWorks, which raised $45 million in a Series B round for its mycelium-based materials, showcasing their interest in sustainable textile alternatives. These transactions highlight Novo Holdings' commitment to supporting advancements in textile manufacturing, particularly in sustainable and innovative materials.


4. Business Finland

  • Website: businessfinland.fi
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: business-finland

Business Finland is a public entity established in 2018 that supports Finnish companies in their growth and internationalization efforts. It offers funding, consulting services, and market opportunities to help businesses innovate and succeed in global markets. Notably, Business Finland has been involved in several transactions within the textile manufacturing context, including significant funding for Spinnova, which raised over $13 million in post-IPO debt and received multiple grants totaling over $2 million. Additionally, they supported Infinited Fiber Company with a grant of approximately $1.7 million. These transactions highlight Business Finland's active role in promoting innovation and sustainability in the textile industry, making it a key player in this sector.


5. Chalmers Ventures


Chalmers Ventures is a venture builder and tech investor based in Sweden, founded in 2015. They focus on deep tech innovations and support researchers and entrepreneurs in commercializing their technology through various programs. Chalmers Ventures emphasizes active ownership and investment in startups, helping them scale and succeed in the market. Notably, they have been involved in multiple funding rounds for Vividye AB, a textile tech startup that has developed a unique printing technology allowing for the removal and reapplication of colors on fabrics. Their investments in Vividye, including a seed round of 4.1MSEK ($439K) in 2022, highlight their commitment to advancing technology within the textile manufacturing industry.


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. Notably, Altor has been involved in several transactions relevant to the textile manufacturing industry, such as their investment in Oceansapart, a company known for its soulful clothing line, and Revolution Race, which operates in the outdoor apparel sector. These investments reflect Altor's commitment to supporting companies that contribute to the textile market, showcasing their versatility and strategic approach to investment.


7. Metsä Spring

  • Website: metsaspring.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: metsaspring

Metsä Spring is a corporate investor based in Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2018. It is part of Metsä Group, a forest industry company that specializes in producing renewable wood products, including pulp, paperboard, and tissue papers. Metsä Group emphasizes sustainability and efficient resource use in its operations, serving various sectors including packaging, construction, and hygiene products. In recent transactions, Metsä Spring has invested in FineCellOX AB, a company developing cellulose technology for textile applications, and Fiberwood, which focuses on cellulose-based materials. These investments highlight Metsä Spring's interest in innovative solutions that can enhance the textile manufacturing industry, particularly in sustainable materials.


8. 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's investment strategy focuses on digitalization and decarbonization trends, primarily targeting technology companies. Notably, Verdane has made significant investments in the textile sector, including the acquisition of WoolOvers, a consumer brand with a portfolio of textile products, and equity funding for Bemz, a designer of sofa covers for IKEA sofas. These transactions highlight Verdane's engagement in the textile manufacturing industry, alongside their broader investment focus.


9. 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 multiple sectors. Notably, they acquired Textilia, a company in the textile manufacturing industry, on October 15, 2014. This acquisition highlights their involvement in the textile sector, alongside other investments such as East.dk ApS and Steen-Hansen, which showcase their diverse investment strategy. Their expertise in investment management allows them to support various businesses, including those in the textile manufacturing space.


10. Hilding Anders International AB


Hilding Anders International AB is a corporate investor based in Sweden, founded in 1939. The company specializes in manufacturing sleep products, including beds, mattresses, and sleep accessories, catering to both consumers and businesses. With a strong presence in over 40 countries, Hilding Anders leverages its extensive experience and product testing to meet diverse customer needs. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its market position in the textile manufacturing context, including:1. **Dunlopillo** - Acquired on March 18, 2010, this acquisition expanded Hilding Anders' portfolio in the bedding sector.2. **Carpe Diem Beds of Sweden** - Acquired from Herkules Capital on August 22, 2013, this luxury mattress brand reported net sales of $20.58 million in 2012, further solidifying Hilding Anders' presence in the high-end market.3. **Askona** - Acquired on July 15, 2010, this acquisition added another layer to their bedding offerings.4. **Myer’s** - Acquired on August 6, 2007, this leading UK bedding company strengthened Hilding Anders' position in the European market.5. **Eastborn** - Acquired on July 4, 2007, this acquisition made Hilding Anders the market leader in the Netherlands, showcasing their commitment to expanding their footprint in the textile manufacturing industry.


11. Litorina

  • Website: litorina.se
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: litorina

Litorina is a private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in private equity investments in Nordic niche market-leading companies, partnering with management teams and entrepreneurs to provide capital, strategic guidance, and operational support aimed at driving growth and value creation. Litorina has a notable track record in the textile manufacturing sector, having acquired several companies such as Textilia in 2008, which is involved in textile services, and Eton in 2012, known for high-quality shirts. Additionally, they acquired ECO-Boråstapeter in 2010, a company with significant sales in the textile and wallpaper industry. These transactions highlight Litorina's active role in the textile manufacturing space, making them a relevant investor in this category.


12. Bestseller


Bestseller is a prominent fashion retailer based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1975. The company operates a diverse range of brands that offer fashionable garments and accessories at competitive prices, serving consumers through both physical retail stores and online platforms across multiple countries. In addition to its retail operations, Bestseller has made strategic investments in the textile manufacturing sector, including participation in funding rounds for innovative companies like Evrnu, which focuses on fiber regeneration technology, and Infinited Fiber Company, which is developing sustainable fiber production methods. These investments reflect Bestseller's commitment to advancing sustainability in the textile industry and enhancing its supply chain capabilities.


13. New Wave Group

  • Website: nwg.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: new-wave-group

New Wave Group AB, founded in 1990 and based in Gothenburg, Sweden, is a corporate investor and clothing manufacturer that specializes in creating, acquiring, and developing brands and products across various sectors, including corporate, sports, gifts, and home. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its market presence in the textile manufacturing industry. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Dahetra A/S in 2005, which expanded their reach in the low-price textile segment, and the purchase of Cutter & Buck Inc. in 2007, a designer of upscale golf and sportswear. In 2023, New Wave Group acquired Tenson AB, an outdoor brand, further solidifying their position in the outdoor apparel market. Additionally, they acquired Craft North America in 2013, which focuses on performance sportswear. These transactions highlight New Wave Group's commitment to the textile manufacturing sector and their strategy to diversify and strengthen their brand portfolio.


14. Herkules Capital


Herkules Capital is a private equity firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in managing investments in established companies with strong growth potential across various sectors, including energy, consumer goods, healthcare, services, and industrial technology. Notably, Herkules Capital has made significant investments in the textile manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of ODLO Sports Group, a company known for its sportswear, which was announced on November 2, 2017. Additionally, they participated in a venture round for Didriksons, a company that specializes in outdoor clothing, further demonstrating their engagement in the textile industry. These transactions highlight Herkules Capital's capability and interest in supporting growth within the textile manufacturing space, alongside their broader investment strategy.


15. Valve Ventures

  • Website: valveventures.fi
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: valve-ventures

Valve Ventures is a corporate investor based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in supporting innovations in technology and collaborates with businesses to facilitate change and solve problems through clear solutions. In recent years, Valve Ventures has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the textile manufacturing industry. They participated in funding rounds for Infinited Fiber Company, which focuses on creating sustainable fibers from textile waste, highlighting their commitment to innovative textile solutions. Additionally, they supported AISTI, a company developing wood fiber-based acoustic tiles, which reflects an interest in sustainable materials that could have applications in textiles. Their investment strategy indicates a focus on professional services in technology while also engaging with companies that contribute to sustainable practices in textile manufacturing.


16. eEquity

  • Website: eequity.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: eequity

eEquity is a Stockholm-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in growth equity investments. The firm focuses on digitally enabled business models primarily in the Nordics, partnering with entrepreneurs in the technology and retail sectors. Notable transactions include a $6.6 million investment in Aim'n, a company likely involved in textile products, and a SEK 50 million ($5.8 million) investment in PS of Sweden, a retail business with a turnover of SEK 75 million ($9M). These investments highlight eEquity's commitment to supporting growth in sectors that intersect with textile manufacturing, particularly in retail contexts.



Textile Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
Business FinlandHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland501-1000201826
Chalmers VenturesSweden11-50201526
Altor Equity PartnersStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden51-20020036
Metsä SpringEspoo, Uusimaa, Finland11-5020181
VerdaneOslo, Oslo, Norway51-20019857
Accent EquityStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019944
Hilding Anders International ABSweden5001-1000019390
LitorinaStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019980
BestsellerOslo, Oslo, Norway10001+19750
New Wave GroupGothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden1001-500019900
Herkules CapitalOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020020
Valve VenturesHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland1-1020071
eEquityStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5020100


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