The gymnastics apparel industry in the US focuses on high-quality clothing designed for performance, comfort, and safety in gymnastics. Companies range from established brands to boutique labels, offering a variety of products including leotards, warm-ups, and accessories. The industry is increasingly turning toward sustainable practices, with many brands exploring eco-friendly fabrics and production methods. Recent trends suggest a growing market for inclusive sizing and gender-neutral designs as demand increases from a broader audience. Athletes and consumers alike are seeking apparel that not only performs well but reflects personal style and values.


Investors in the gymnastics apparel space include private equity and venture capital firms founded between 1976 and 2023. Their deal counts for 2024 range from one to over eight hundred, reflecting their varying strategies. These investors are headquartered in major cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco, demonstrating the prominence of financial hubs in supporting this market. Firms of various sizes, from small teams to larger organizations, are joining the gymnastics apparel investment sector, showing a collective belief in its growth potential.


Top 18 Gymnastics Apparel Investors in the US


1. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, Y Combinator invested in Honeylove, which raised $3 million in a Seed Round in 2018, and Vastrm, an ecommerce company that raised $1 million in seed funding in 2013. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the apparel sector, suggesting a potential interest in gymnastics apparel as part of its broader investment strategy.


2. L Catterton

  • Website: lcatterton.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: l-catterton

L Catterton is a private equity firm founded in 1989, specializing in investment management with a focus on consumer brands across various sectors. The firm partners with middle market companies and high-growth enterprises, providing capital and strategic guidance to enhance brand equity and market presence. Notably, L Catterton has invested in several activewear brands, including Sweaty Betty, a premium activewear brand, and Rhone Apparel, a men’s activewear and lifestyle brand. These investments demonstrate their commitment to the activewear market, which is relevant to gymnastics apparel. With a strong emphasis on consumer insights, L Catterton aims to drive growth and innovation within its portfolio companies, making them a valuable partner for brands in the gymnastics apparel space.


3. Iconix International Inc

  • Website: iconixbrand.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Palm Beach, Florida, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: iconix-brand-group

Iconix International Inc, founded in 2005 and based in Palm Beach, Florida, is a corporate brand management company that specializes in licensing and marketing a diverse portfolio of consumer brands across fashion, sports, and home products. The company partners with retailers and manufacturers to enhance brand performance and market presence, focusing on apparel and accessories. Notably, Iconix has made significant acquisitions in the apparel sector, including the purchase of the Danskin brand, which is known for its activewear, including gymnastics apparel. Additionally, Iconix acquired the sports apparel brand Umbro from Nike, further diversifying its portfolio in the sportswear market. Other acquisitions include Salt Life, Zoo York, and Starter Clothing, showcasing their strategy to enhance brand performance across various segments of the apparel industry.


4. Advent


Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm founded in 1984, based in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in buyouts and investments across various sectors, providing capital and strategic guidance to help companies achieve growth. Advent operates globally, focusing on long-term value creation for its portfolio companies. Notably, Advent has invested in Lululemon, a leading athletic apparel brand, acquiring an equity stake in 2005 and participating in a post-IPO equity round in 2014. These transactions highlight Advent's commitment to the athletic apparel market, which includes products relevant to gymnastics. Additionally, Advent's diverse portfolio includes investments in consumer goods, indicating a broader interest in sectors that may encompass gymnastics apparel.


5. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. The firm provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has participated in significant transactions within the apparel sector, including Rhone Apparel, which raised nearly $1.43 million in a Series C round, and Knix Wear, which has raised substantial funding in Series A and B rounds. These investments highlight the fund's engagement in the apparel industry, which, while not exclusively gymnastics-focused, aligns with the broader athletic apparel market.


6. General Atlantic

  • Website: generalatlantic.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: general-atlantic

General Atlantic is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in growth equity. Founded in 1980, the firm provides capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and growth companies across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, General Atlantic has made significant investments in the fitness and activewear industry, including a 21% stake in Gymshark, a leading fitness apparel brand, which they valued at over £1 billion. This investment highlights their focus on enhancing the growth trajectories of companies in the activewear space. Additionally, their recent investment in Vuori, which raised $825 million, further solidifies their involvement in the activewear market. By leveraging their global network and expertise, General Atlantic aims to support the growth of companies that align with current consumer trends in fitness and wellness.


7. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. They provide venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed across various sectors, including health and climate technology. Notably, Sosv has invested in companies like VITALI Wear and Styched, which are involved in the apparel industry. VITALI Wear raised funds through a Seed Round and a Convertible Note in 2016, while Styched secured funding in a Seed Round in 2023. These transactions highlight Sosv's engagement in the apparel sector, which is relevant to gymnastics apparel.


8. Forerunner


Forerunner Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in consumer technology and innovative businesses, providing capital and strategic guidance to startups. Notably, Forerunner has invested in Outdoor Voices, an activewear company that has raised significant funding through multiple rounds, including a $34 million Series C and a $7 million Series A. These transactions highlight Forerunner's commitment to the activewear market, which is relevant to gymnastics apparel. Additionally, their investment in Stadium Goods, a company focused on sneaker and streetwear culture, further demonstrates their engagement in the broader apparel industry.


9. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments such as private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a diverse portfolio and focuses on creating lasting value for its investors. Notably, Blackstone has made significant investments in the sports and apparel sectors, including a majority stake acquisition in Spanx for $1.2 billion, which is known for its activewear. Additionally, they invested in Outerstuff, Ltd., which is expanding its presence in the sports apparel industry, indicating Blackstone's interest in companies that may cater to gymnastics apparel. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their strategy of supporting growth in the apparel market, making them a relevant player in the gymnastics apparel investment landscape.


10. Highland Capital Partners

  • Website: hcp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: highland-capital-partners

Highland Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 1987. The firm focuses on investing in and supporting entrepreneurs and startups, boasting a strong track record with numerous exits, IPOs, and unicorns. Their investment strategy includes a diverse range of sectors, with notable transactions in the athletic apparel space, such as their investment in Lululemon, a leading athletic apparel brand. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Indochino, which, while primarily focused on menswear, showcases their interest in the apparel market. Their involvement with Spartoo, a European online footwear and bag retailer, further highlights their engagement in the broader fashion and retail sectors. Overall, Highland Capital Partners is positioned as a supportive investor for businesses in need of capital and strategic guidance, particularly in the apparel industry.


11. TZP Group

  • Website: tzpgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: tzp-group

TZP Group is a private equity firm based in New York, specializing in investments in lower-middle market companies across various sectors, including Technology & Business Services and Consumer Products & Services. Founded in 2007, TZP Group provides capital and operational support to help businesses grow while allowing owners to retain significant ownership. Their expertise in portfolio management and investment advisory services positions them as a partner of choice for management teams seeking to unlock value. Notable transactions include a strategic investment in Saxx Underwear, which highlights their interest in the apparel market, and a Series B funding round for Knix Wear, a women's activewear brand. Additionally, their acquisition of Kindred Bravely, a maternity apparel brand, further demonstrates their engagement in the consumer apparel space, suggesting potential interest in gymnastics apparel as part of their broader investment strategy.


12. Platinum Equity

  • Website: platinumequity.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: platinum-equity

Platinum Equity is a private equity firm based in Beverly Hills, California, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and operations management. Founded in 1995, the firm manages over $48 billion in assets and has a portfolio of approximately 50 companies across various industries. Recently, Platinum Equity has made significant investments in the sports apparel sector, acquiring Augusta Sportswear and Founder Sport Group in January 2024. These acquisitions highlight their commitment to enhancing growth and profitability in the apparel market, which includes gymnastics apparel. Their previous investments, such as in Mad Engine, further demonstrate their active role in the apparel industry, making them a relevant player in the gymnastics apparel space.


13. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses across various sectors, including agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. They focus on supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities, offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, Advantage Capital has been involved in several transactions within the apparel industry, including a significant investment in Apparel Unlimited, which raised $744,382 in debt financing in 2012. Additionally, they have provided financing to Wes and Willy, a company that operates in the apparel space, indicating their engagement with businesses related to clothing and fashion. These transactions highlight their capability and willingness to invest in the apparel sector, which could encompass gymnastics apparel.


14. The Riverside Company


The Riverside Company is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in providing flexible capital solutions and strategic guidance to smaller middle-market businesses. Founded in 1988, Riverside manages a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies globally. Among its notable transactions, Riverside acquired The Marena Group in December 2015, a manufacturer of compression garments, which are relevant in the context of athletic and performance apparel. This acquisition aligns with Riverside's focus on expanding market reach and product offerings in the athletic apparel sector. Additionally, Riverside has made investments in companies like Arena Italia and Reima, which, while not directly related to gymnastics, demonstrate the firm's engagement in the broader sports and activewear industries.


15. General Catalyst


General Catalyst is a venture capital firm founded in 2000, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth investments, providing capital and strategic guidance to startups across various industries. Notably, General Catalyst has been involved in multiple funding rounds for Outdoor Voices, an apparel company focused on activewear. Their investments include a $34 million Series C funding round in March 2018, a $9 million convertible note in August 2017, and earlier rounds totaling $8 million in Series A and Seed funding. These transactions highlight General Catalyst's engagement in the activewear market, which is relevant to gymnastics apparel, showcasing their capability and interest in this sector.


16. STORY3 Capital Partners

  • Website: story3capital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: story3

STORY3 Capital Partners, LLC is an investment management firm based in Los Angeles, California, specializing in alternative asset management within the consumer value chain. Founded in 2017, the firm provides financial advisory services and private equity investments to businesses in the consumer sector, leveraging decades of industry experience to support growth and operational success. Notably, STORY3 has been involved in significant transactions within the apparel industry, including investments in Lululemon, a leading athletic apparel brand, and FIGS, which specializes in medical scrubs but operates in the broader apparel market. Their investment in Oakley Sunglasses also indicates a focus on lifestyle and performance-oriented consumer products. These transactions highlight STORY3's capability and interest in the apparel sector, making them a relevant player in the gymnastics apparel investment landscape.


17. Amazon

  • Website: amazon.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States (USA)
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 37
  • LinkedIn: amazon

Amazon.com, Inc. is a multinational technology company based in Seattle, Washington, primarily known for its e-commerce platform that offers a wide range of products and services. Founded in 1994, Amazon has expanded its operations to include cloud computing, online advertising, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence services. In recent years, Amazon has actively invested in the apparel sector, including a notable investment in Hopscotch, an online kids’ apparel retailer, which raised $20 million in a funding round led by Amazon. This investment reflects Amazon's interest in the children's clothing market, which may include gymnastics apparel. Additionally, Amazon's acquisition of Shopbop.com, a fashion retailer, further solidifies its presence in the apparel industry, allowing it to cater to diverse customer needs in clothing and accessories.


18. Norwest

  • Website: nvp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1961
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: norwest-venture-partners

Norwest Venture Partners is a venture capital and growth equity investment firm founded in 1961, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic support to early to late-stage companies across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Norwest has made significant investments in the activewear industry, including a $45 million growth equity investment in Vuori, a performance apparel brand, and an undisclosed growth equity investment in Jolyn Clothing, a women's performance swimwear and activewear brand. These transactions highlight Norwest's commitment to supporting brands that align with the active lifestyle, which includes gymnastics apparel. Their extensive network and expertise in the industry position them as a valuable partner for companies looking to grow in the activewear market.



Gymnastics Apparel Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
L CattertonUnited States (USA)201-500198923
Iconix International IncPalm Beach, Florida, United States (USA)51-20020051
AdventBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)501-1000198417
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
General AtlanticNew York, New York, United States (USA)501-1000198032
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
ForerunnerSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201212
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
Highland Capital PartnersCambridge, Massachusetts, United States (USA)11-5019873
TZP GroupNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020071
Platinum EquityBeverly Hills, California, United States (USA)201-500199520
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
General CatalystSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002000144
STORY3 Capital PartnersLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)1-1020171
AmazonSeattle, Washington, United States (USA)10001+37
NorwestMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200196141


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