The high street fashion industry in Benelux is a vibrant mix of retailers, brands, and designers offering trendy clothing, footwear, and accessories. This dynamic sector features a blend of established names like H&M and emerging independent labels, catering to diverse consumer preferences and styles. Benelux's fashion scene is characterized by a growing emphasis on sustainability and responsible production practices, prompting brands to innovate and adapt. With a shift towards e-commerce and digital platforms, the industry is increasingly reaching consumers beyond traditional storefronts, fostering global connections and expanding market opportunities for local brands.

This article highlights 18 significant investors in the Benelux high street fashion sector, including private equity, venture capital, and corporate types. Predominantly located in Brussels and Amsterdam, these firms vary in size, ranging from small startups to larger corporations. Many were founded relatively recently, with most making multiple investments in 2024, underscoring their active involvement in fostering growth within this industry. Investors like Vendis Capital and Sofina not only provide capital but also strategic support to emerging and established fashion brands, ensuring a robust ecosystem for fashion enterprises in the Benelux region.

Top 18 High Street Fashion Investors in Benelux

1. 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 leading investment firm specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. Founded in 2005 and based in Luxembourg, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Among its notable transactions in the high street fashion sector, CVC acquired Debenhams, a well-known department store chain, in December 2003, and Grupo Cortefiel, a significant player in the fashion retail market, in June 2005. Additionally, CVC has invested in Matahari Department Store, Indonesia's largest department store, further showcasing its commitment to the fashion retail industry.

2. Fashion for Good

• Website: fashionforgood.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: fashionforgood

Fashion for Good is a not-for-profit organization based in Amsterdam, founded in 2017, that focuses on driving sustainable innovation in the fashion industry. They connect innovators with brands, retailers, and manufacturers to foster collaboration and promote a regenerative industry. The organization provides support, mentorship, and resources to empower its network in adopting sustainable practices. Notably, Fashion for Good has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Reflaunt, which raised $2.7 million in a Seed Follow On investment, and The Renewal Workshop, which secured $6 million in Series A funding. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting businesses that align with sustainable fashion, making them a relevant player in the high street fashion context.

3. Prosus Group

• Website: prosus.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn: prosus-group

Prosus Group is a global technology investor and operator based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2019. The firm focuses on enhancing everyday life through technology across various sectors, including online classifieds, food delivery, payments, and education technology. With over 21 investments in 2024 alone, Prosus partners with local entrepreneurs to create valuable products and services. Notably, Prosus has invested in Virgio, an Indian fashion tech startup that raised $37 million in Series A funding, indicating its interest in the fashion industry. Additionally, Prosus has participated in funding rounds for Meesho, a social commerce platform that connects sellers with customers, which, while not strictly high street fashion, demonstrates its engagement in the broader retail and e-commerce landscape.

4. Sofina

• Website: sofinagroup.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1898
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: sofina

Sofina is a venture capital investment company based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1898. It specializes in providing patient capital to growing businesses across various sectors, including telecommunications, consumer goods, and energy. Sofina partners with entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses, offering strategic advice and long-term investment solutions to foster sustainable growth. Notably, Sofina led a €25 million Series C funding round for Spartoo, a European online footwear and bag retailer, which has seen significant growth in its market. Additionally, Sofina's investment in Privalia, a private sales club, further highlights its engagement in the consumer goods sector, which encompasses fashion. These transactions illustrate Sofina's active role in the high street fashion industry, despite its broader investment focus.

5. Vendis Capital

• Website: vendiscapital.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Machelen, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: vendis-capital

Vendis Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Machelen, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in consumer scale-ups, providing capital and strategic support to help businesses grow internationally and implement effective digitalization strategies. Vendis Capital has a notable track record in the high street fashion sector, having acquired several brands including Petrol Industries, a Dutch fashion brand, and Noppies, which specializes in maternity and children's clothing. These acquisitions are part of their strategy to partner with entrepreneurs and enhance market presence, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable growth in the fashion industry. Other relevant transactions include their investment in eyes+more, a retail chain, and their early investment in ZEB, showcasing their diverse portfolio within the consumer space.

6. Exor N.V.

• Website: exor.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 26
• LinkedIn: exor_2

Exor N.V. is a holding company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. It operates across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, and media, but has also made significant strides in the fashion industry. Exor manages a diverse portfolio of companies, including luxury brands such as Ferrari and Stellantis. Notably, Exor has invested in high street fashion through its acquisition of a 24% stake in the French luxury brand Christian Louboutin for approximately $643 million, aimed at enhancing the brand's presence in markets like China. Additionally, Exor acquired a majority stake in Shang Xia, a luxury brand owned by Hermès, for around €80 million. The firm has also participated in seed funding for fashion startups like Apparis and CARIUMA, indicating a strategic interest in the fashion sector and a commitment to supporting innovative brands within this space.

7. Verlinvest

• Website: verlinvest.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: verlinvest

Verlinvest is a Brussels-based venture capital firm founded in 1995, focusing on high-growth consumer brands across multiple sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. The firm provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notably, Verlinvest has made significant investments in the fashion industry, including a €32 million funding round for Global Fashion Group, which operates in the online fashion retail space, and a $26 million investment in The Iconic, an Australian fashion portal aimed at enhancing its platform and expanding its brand offerings. These transactions highlight Verlinvest's commitment to supporting innovative fashion brands, making them a relevant player in the high street fashion investment landscape.

8. Mangrove Capital Partners

• Website: mangrove.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: mangrove-capital-partners

Mangrove Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2000, that specializes in early-stage investments in innovative technology companies. They provide financial support and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs, particularly in sectors like digital health and education tech. However, they have also made notable investments in the fashion industry, such as KupiVIP, Russia's leading online shopping club that hosts flash sales of heavily-discounted fashion and accessories from over 1200 high-street and luxury brands. Mangrove participated in multiple funding rounds for KupiVIP, including Series A, B, and C, showcasing their ongoing interest in the fashion sector. Additionally, they invested in Outfittery, a curated shopping startup, further highlighting their engagement in the fashion market. Their operations are primarily focused on Europe and Israel, where they actively seek to empower startups and foster growth in both the tech and fashion ecosystems.

9. Quadrivio Group

• Website: quadriviogroup.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: quadrivio-sgr

Quadrivio Group is a private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2000, specializing in investment management. The firm focuses on transforming small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into small multinationals through specialized funds in various sectors, including Lifestyle, Industry 4.0, and Silver Economy. In the high street fashion context, Quadrivio Group has made significant investments, including the acquisition of Dondup in March 2021, which highlights their interest in fashion brands. In April 2024, they acquired a majority stake in Ferrante Brands, owner of the Filippo De Laurentiis label, aiming to enhance its wholesale channel and expand into international markets. Additionally, in September 2024, they acquired approximately 70% of the French women's ready-to-wear brand Sessùn, which is projected to achieve substantial sales growth. These transactions reflect Quadrivio Group's active role in the high street fashion industry, making them a notable investor in this sector.

10. Sgh

• Website: sghcapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: sghcapital

SGH Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Luxembourg, that specializes in investing in early and mid-stage disruptive companies across various sectors, including fintech and blockchain. They provide capital and strategic support to innovative businesses primarily in the US and western Europe. Notably, SGH Capital has participated in several transactions relevant to the fashion industry, such as their investment in Scentbird, a startup that offers a subscription service for fragrances, which raised a total of $3.8 million across multiple funding rounds. Additionally, they were involved in Finesse, a fashion trend prediction startup, which highlights their engagement with fashion-related ventures. These investments demonstrate SGH Capital's interest in the fashion sector, making them a relevant player in the high street fashion investment landscape.

11. Forward Venture Capital

• Website: forwardvc.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: forwardventurecapital

Forward Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs by providing both investment and guidance to help accelerate their growth. With a focus on various sectors, including digital commerce and SaaS, Forward Venture Capital collaborates closely with founders to understand their unique needs and drive success. Notably, they have invested in Roccamore, a fashion brand known for its stylish footwear, and Halfdays, which focuses on sustainable outdoor apparel. These investments highlight their engagement in the high street fashion industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.

12. FNG Group

• Website: fng.eu
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Mechelen, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn: fng-group

FNG Group, founded in 2003 and based in Mechelen, Flanders, Belgium, is a corporate investor specializing in the fashion retail sector. The company operates under its own label 'Fred & Ginger' and has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Claudia-Strater in 2012, which enhanced their offerings in women's fashion, and the significant acquisition of Ellos Group AB in 2019 for approximately $258 million. This acquisition not only allowed FNG to enter the Scandinavian market but also expanded their reach into the growing online home decoration sector, while still maintaining a strong focus on fashion. FNG Group's operations primarily target parents and women seeking stylish clothing options, reinforcing their commitment to the high street fashion industry.

13. Borski Fund

• Website: borskifund.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: borskifund

Borski Fund is a venture capital fund based in Amsterdam, founded in 2019, with a mission to invest in companies led by women or that cater to women. The fund aims to reduce the gender gap in venture capital by providing financial support and business advisory services to female entrepreneurs. Borski Fund has been involved in several notable transactions in the fashion industry, including an investment in The Next Closet, an Amsterdam-based online peer-to-peer marketplace for second-hand designer clothes, which raised €3M in growth capital. Additionally, they invested in Soft Revolt, a sustainable lingerie brand that secured over €1M in funding, with Borski Fund contributing nearly €800K. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting innovative fashion businesses that empower women and promote sustainability.

14. Karmijn Kapitaal

• Website: karmijnkapitaal.nl
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: karmijn-kapitaal

Karmijn Kapitaal is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in providing growth capital, acquisition financing, and management buy-out support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Netherlands. Karmijn Kapitaal emphasizes diversity in management teams and actively collaborates with its portfolio companies to enhance operations and drive sustainable growth. Notably, Karmijn Kapitaal has made significant investments in the high street fashion sector, including the acquisition of King Louie, a brand known for its stylish and vintage-inspired clothing, on September 14, 2017. Additionally, they acquired Fred de la Bretonière, a well-known Dutch shoe and bag brand, on December 17, 2014. These transactions highlight Karmijn Kapitaal's commitment to investing in the fashion industry, particularly in brands that resonate with high street consumers.

15. Gimv

• Website: gimv.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 1980
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: gimv

Gimv is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across various sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably. Notably, Gimv has made significant investments in the high street fashion context, including a majority stake acquisition in Wolf Lingerie, a French underwear brand, and a venture round investment in Melijoe, an online retailer specializing in children's fashion. These transactions highlight Gimv's engagement in the fashion industry, alongside their broader investment strategy aimed at entrepreneurial companies seeking capital and expertise to navigate market challenges.

16. 4impact capital

• Website: 4impact.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: 4impactvc

4impact capital is a venture capital firm based in The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in investing in tech4good startups across Europe, focusing on businesses that aim to create a positive impact on society and the environment. In the context of high street fashion, 4impact has made notable investments, including a €3M funding round for The Next Closet, an Amsterdam-based online marketplace for second-hand designer clothes and accessories. This investment aims to strengthen the company's position in the sustainable fashion market. Additionally, 4impact participated in a funding round for The Fabricant, a software startup that creates digital fashion, indicating their interest in innovative fashion solutions. Their investment in Green Story, which empowers consumers to make environmentally friendly choices, also aligns with the growing trend of sustainability in the fashion industry. By combining financial returns with social responsibility, 4impact capital empowers entrepreneurs to scale their innovative solutions to pressing global challenges, including those in the fashion sector.

17. 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. Among their notable transactions, they invested in ALEXANDALEXA, a children's fashion retailer, raising over $2.3 million in Series A funding in December 2010. Additionally, they participated in a funding round for Paper & Tea, a Berlin-based lifestyle brand that intersects with the fashion industry, indicating their engagement with fashion-related ventures. Other investments include Bownty, a deal aggregator, and Appear Here, a platform for short-term retail space, showcasing their broader interest in digital and retail sectors.

18. Pdenh

• Website: pdenh.nl
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Haarlem, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: participatiefonds-duurzame-economie-noord-holland

Participatiefonds Duurzame Economie Noord-Holland (PDENH) is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Haarlem, North Holland, founded in 2014. It focuses on promoting sustainable economic development by investing in innovative projects and providing financing and advisory services to companies that contribute to a sustainable and circular economy. PDENH collaborates with various partners to stimulate sustainable business activities in the region. Notably, PDENH has invested in The Next Closet, an Amsterdam-based online peer-to-peer marketplace for second-hand designer clothes, which raised €3M in growth capital to enhance its operations. Additionally, PDENH invested in Mud Jeans, a brand dedicated to creating jeans from 100% recycled materials, which received €1 million to expand its sustainable practices and market reach. These transactions highlight PDENH's active role in supporting sustainable initiatives within the fashion industry.

High Street Fashion Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

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

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!