The ecommerce fashion industry in Europe is a dynamic space blending technology with retail. Companies range from established high-end fashion brands to innovative startups pushing the boundaries of online shopping. They offer everything from luxury apparel to sustainable fashion and pre-owned goods. With the growing popularity of online shopping, the industry is witnessing rapid shifts, such as increasing demand for personalized shopping experiences and eco-friendly products. Furthermore, mobile commerce continues to grow, reshaping how consumers engage with fashion brands. As the landscape evolves, the focus on technology and sustainability is expected to deepen, driving new consumer trends and investment opportunities.

This article highlights 17 prominent ecommerce fashion investors located across Europe. The selection includes venture capital and corporate investors from major financial hubs like London and Paris. Founded between 1936 and 2017, these investors range in size from small teams to large organizations with thousands of employees. Notably, they have engaged in a substantial number of deals in 2024, showcasing their commitment to growing fashion companies. Their focus on innovative startups reflects the ongoing transformation in the fashion industry, where technology and changing consumer habits dictate investment strategies.

Top 17 Ecommerce 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 has been involved in several notable transactions in the ecommerce fashion sector, including Threads Styling, which raised $1,838,836 in a convertible note in March 2022, and Brava Fabrics, which raised $493,795 in equity crowdfunding in July 2020. Additionally, they supported Love the Sales, which raised $1,229,958 in November 2021. Crowdcube focuses on promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients.

2. 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 contributions to the ecommerce fashion industry. Notably, Index Ventures was involved in multiple funding rounds for Nasty Gal, a Los Angeles-based fashion site, providing $40 million in Series B funding and participating in Series A and C rounds as well. They also invested $20 million in Farfetch, a global online marketplace for luxury fashion. These transactions highlight Index Ventures' active role in supporting the growth of ecommerce fashion brands, showcasing their expertise and commitment to this sector.

3. 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 a variety of 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 ecommerce fashion sector, including significant investments in Vestiaire Collective, a global platform for pre-owned fashion, where it participated in multiple funding rounds totaling over $200 million. Additionally, Bpifrance invested in WeDressFair, a FashionTech startup focused on sustainable fashion, further emphasizing its commitment to the ecommerce fashion industry.

4. 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 a diverse range of brands in the sports and fashion sectors, including well-known names like Sports Direct and Jack Wills. The company offers a wide array of products, including clothing, footwear, and sporting goods, catering to consumers seeking varied retail options and fitness solutions. In recent years, Frasers Group has made significant moves in the ecommerce fashion landscape, acquiring Missguided for approximately $24.97 million in June 2022, which highlights its commitment to expanding its online fashion retail presence. Furthermore, in December 2023, Frasers Group announced its acquisition of Matches Fashion Limited for around £80 million, further solidifying its position in the ecommerce fashion market. These strategic investments reflect Frasers Group's focus on enhancing its portfolio within the fashion ecommerce sector, making it a relevant player in this industry.

5. 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. In recent years, LVMH has made strategic investments in the ecommerce fashion space, including a significant investment in Lyst, which raised $85 million in a Series D funding round in May 2021. Additionally, LVMH acquired a minority stake in Stella McCartney in July 2019, focusing on sustainability and ethical luxury, and a 60% stake in Off-White, a luxury streetwear label, in July 2021. These transactions highlight LVMH's active role in the ecommerce fashion industry, as they seek to expand their influence and adapt to changing consumer preferences.

6. 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 Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in early-stage investments across various sectors. The firm is known for its rapid investment pace, backing two startups per week, which allows them to provide financial support and mentorship to emerging companies. Notably, Kima Ventures has invested in Dagne Dover, a New York-based handbag brand, which raised seed funding to support its growth initiatives. Additionally, they participated in the seed funding round for Futures Factory, a French marketplace focused on selling sneakers, further showcasing their engagement in the ecommerce fashion space. These transactions highlight Kima Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative fashion startups while maintaining a diverse investment portfolio.

7. 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, UK, founded in 2017. The fund primarily invests in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence. With a diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made significant investments across various sectors, including health tech and fintech. Notably, in the ecommerce fashion context, they have invested in Vestiaire Collective, which raised $208 million in a Series I funding round in September 2021, highlighting their commitment to the fashion ecommerce space. Additionally, their investments in Flipkart and Meesho, both major players in the ecommerce sector, further illustrate their active role in supporting growth-stage companies in this industry. Overall, SoftBank's strategic investments reflect their dedication to fostering technological advancement and scaling innovative companies across multiple sectors, including ecommerce fashion.

8. 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 provides capital and strategic guidance to startups from seed stage to exit. With over €2.8 billion under management, HV Capital has been instrumental in helping entrepreneurs navigate growth challenges and achieve market success. Notably, HV Capital has invested in several ecommerce fashion companies, including Dafiti, which raised significant funding in both Series A and subsequent rounds, and Namshi, which received seed funding. Additionally, their investment in Depop, a platform that caters to fashion resale, highlights their focus on the ecommerce fashion sector, making them a relevant player in this industry.

9. 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 specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF focuses on addressing the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in several ecommerce fashion companies, including a £4 million investment in Sophia Webster, a British accessories designer, aimed at accelerating its international growth and expanding its ecommerce business. Additionally, BGF participated in multiple funding rounds for Trouva, a platform for independent boutiques, which raised significant amounts to enhance its technology and delivery options, further solidifying its presence in the ecommerce fashion sector. Another investment includes £3.75 million in Oliver Sweeney, which is focused on marketing strategies and licensing, indicating BGF's active role in supporting fashion-related ventures.

10. 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, England, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses across consumer industries. Venrex provides not only funding but also strategic support to help these businesses thrive in competitive markets. Notably, Venrex has been heavily involved in the fashion ecommerce sector, particularly through its investments in Lyst, a leading online fashion marketplace. Venrex participated in several funding rounds for Lyst, including a Series D round of $85 million in May 2021, a Series C round of $40 million in April 2015, and multiple Series A rounds dating back to 2010. This consistent investment in Lyst highlights Venrex's focus on the ecommerce fashion industry and its commitment to fostering growth in this sector.

11. 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 fashion industry, acquiring brands such as Reformation in 2019, New Look in 2004, and Hugo Boss in 2007. Additionally, they entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Schustermann & Borenstein, a leading German omnichannel premium fashion retailer, in 2016. These transactions highlight Permira's strategic focus on the fashion sector, particularly in ecommerce, as they aim to transform these businesses into market leaders.

12. 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, providing both capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale. Verdane has been active in the ecommerce fashion industry, with notable investments in companies such as Boozt, a Swedish ecommerce platform, and Babyshop, a retailer specializing in children's fashion. In 2015, Verdane participated in a funding round for Boozt, which raised DKK200m to support its growth operations. Additionally, they have invested in Caliroots, a fashion retailer, and Babyshop, which raised significant amounts in venture funding in 2017 and 2019. These transactions highlight Verdane's commitment to supporting and scaling businesses within the ecommerce fashion sector, making them a relevant player in this investment category.

13. Rocket Internet SE

• Website: rocket-internet.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: rocket-internet-se

Rocket Internet SE is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2007, specializing in incubating and investing in internet and technology companies globally. The firm provides operational support and capital to entrepreneurs, helping them build market-leading companies across various sectors, including ecommerce, PropTech, and FinTech. Notably, Rocket Internet has made significant investments in the ecommerce fashion space, including a $50 million Series A investment in Dafiti, a prominent online fashion retailer in Latin America, and seed investments in Namshi and Lamoda, both key players in the Middle Eastern and Russian fashion ecommerce markets, respectively. Additionally, Rocket Internet has heavily invested in Global Fashion Group, which operates Jabong, securing funding rounds of EUR 300 million and $165 million to enhance operations in India and other markets. These transactions highlight Rocket Internet's strategic focus on the ecommerce fashion industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.

14. 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 leading retail company based in the United Kingdom, specializing in sports and lifestyle apparel and footwear. Founded in 1981, the company has grown to operate over 10,000 stores globally, offering a diverse range of products for men, women, and children. JD Sports has made significant strides in the ecommerce fashion space, particularly through its strategic acquisitions. Notably, in June 2021, JD Sports acquired a majority stake in Missy Empire, an online fashion retailer, to strengthen its position in the young fast fashion market. This acquisition allows Missy Empire to operate independently while facilitating the sale of JD Sports products online. Additionally, JD Sports has expanded its reach through other acquisitions, such as Pretty Green in 2019 and Finish Line in 2018, which enhance its overall market presence. These transactions highlight JD Sports' commitment to growing its ecommerce fashion footprint and adapting to changing consumer preferences.

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 founded in 1982, based in Paris, Île-De-France, France. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic support to startups across various sectors, with a strong focus on technology. Partech operates globally and has a diverse portfolio of companies. Among their notable transactions in the ecommerce fashion industry, Partech invested in Touch of Modern, which raised $14 million in a Series B round in 2014, and Milleporte, which secured funding in a Series A round in 2010. Additionally, they participated in the Series A financing of Material Exchange, a fashion technology company, which raised €25 million in 2022. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their interest in the ecommerce fashion sector, particularly in companies that integrate technology into the fashion industry.

16. Kinnevik

• Website: kinnevik.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1936
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 10
• LinkedIn: investment-ab-kinnevik

Kinnevik is an investment company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1936. They partner with innovative entrepreneurs across various sectors, including healthcare, software, marketplaces, and climate tech, providing both capital and operational support to help these companies scale and create long-term value. In the ecommerce fashion context, Kinnevik has made significant investments in companies such as Dafiti, Brazil's leading fashion online retailer, and Namshi, a prominent online fashion retailer in the Middle East. They also invested in Global Fashion Group, which operates Jabong, and The Iconic, an Australian fashion portal. These transactions highlight Kinnevik's strategic focus on redefining industries and addressing global challenges, particularly in the ecommerce fashion space.

17. Eurazeo

• Website: eurazeo.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1969
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 40
• LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is an investment management firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, the firm has established a significant presence in the investment management landscape, focusing on tailored investment strategies that promote growth and expansion across various sectors. Notably, Eurazeo has made substantial investments in the ecommerce fashion industry, including a $110 million investment in Farfetch in 2016, a leading global online luxury fashion retail platform. Additionally, Eurazeo has been involved in multiple funding rounds for Vestiaire Collective, a prominent platform for pre-owned fashion, including a $208 million investment in 2021 and participation in earlier funding rounds. These transactions underscore Eurazeo's commitment to supporting innovative fashion ecommerce businesses and enhancing their market presence.

Ecommerce Fashion Insights: Key Investors in Europe

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