The hiking gear industry in Europe thrives on a passion for the outdoors, attracting fresh brands dedicated to outdoor exploration. Various companies, from established multinational manufacturers to innovative startups, offer a vast range of products, such as backpacks, tents, footwear, and high-performance apparel. As eco-conscious behaviors grow, brands are increasingly integrating sustainability into their offerings. The industry is witnessing a shift towards tech-driven solutions with smart gear that enhances the hiking experience. This inclination towards hybrid products and eco-friendly initiatives helps shape a promising future for outdoor enthusiasts who crave adventure and quality equipment.

The list features 18 prominent investors in the hiking gear sector, ranging from venture capital to private equity firms. Headquartered across key European cities like London, Paris, and Stockholm, these investors vary considerably in size and focus. Founded between 1945 and 2015, the firms have engaged with 2024 deals showcasing their commitment to the outdoor market. With many investors actively backing a mix of startup innovations and established outdoor brands, their interests reflect a strategic inclination towards growing sport and outdoor segments.

Top 18 Hiking Gear 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 crowdfunding platform based in London, England, founded in 2010. It enables businesses, particularly startups and SMEs, to raise capital through equity investments by connecting them with potential investors. The platform emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services. Notably, Crowdcube has facilitated significant funding for companies in the hiking gear sector, including Alpkit, which raised £2.25m to expand its outdoor clothing and equipment retail operations. Other relevant transactions include Hopaal, Tentsile, FieldCandy, and Planks Clothing, all of which focus on outdoor and hiking-related products, showcasing Crowdcube's active role in supporting the hiking gear industry.

2. 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 investor 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 and private equity investments. Notably, Bpifrance has participated in several transactions relevant to the hiking gear industry, such as Snowleader, which raised $2,642,379 in a venture round in 2015, and i-Run, a sports shoe and apparel retailer that has received significant funding to expand its offerings. Additionally, Bpifrance was involved in a funding round for Satisfy, a company that focuses on performance running gear. These investments highlight Bpifrance's commitment to fostering innovation and growth in sectors related to outdoor and sports activities, including hiking gear.

3. 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 corporate investor based in London, England, founded in 1982. The company operates various brands in the sports and fashion sectors, including Sports Direct and Jack Wills, and offers a diverse range of products such as clothing, footwear, and sporting goods. Notably, Frasers Group has made significant acquisitions in the hiking gear industry, including Karrimor in 2004, Field & Trek.Com Ltd in 2007, Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) in 2017, and Gelert Ltd in 2013. These acquisitions highlight Frasers Group's strategic focus on expanding its portfolio in the outdoor and hiking gear market, catering to consumers seeking quality outdoor equipment and apparel. Additionally, the company is expanding its reach with plans to acquire Holdsport, further solidifying its position in the retail sector.

4. 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 significantly, operating both online and through a vast network of physical stores. JD Sports has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the outdoor market. Notably, in 2012, JD Sports acquired Blacks Outdoor, a retailer focused on outdoor clothing and equipment. In 2016, they further expanded their outdoor offerings by acquiring GO Outdoors for £112.3 million, which specializes in outdoor gear and clothing. Additionally, in 2013, JD Sports acquired a controlling stake in Tiso Group, an outdoor retailer known for its hiking and skiing products. These acquisitions reflect JD Sports' commitment to diversifying its product range and catering to outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers.

5. 3i Group plc

• Website: 3i.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1945
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1945, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments. The firm focuses on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Among their notable transactions, 3i Group acquired a significant minority stake in GO Outdoors for £28 million in 2011, supporting the company's expansion plans in the outdoor retail sector. Additionally, they acquired Rohan Designs in 1991, a company known for its outdoor clothing, further solidifying their involvement in the hiking gear industry. These investments highlight 3i Group's active role in the outdoor and hiking gear market, showcasing their commitment to supporting companies that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

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 backing two startups per week, providing them with both financial support and mentorship to help them navigate their initial challenges. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in HARDLOOP, a French outdoor sports e-tailer that raised €3 million in 2022 to enhance its services and focus on environmentally responsible products. They also participated in the funding of Barooders, a marketplace for used sporting goods, which raised €2.2 million in 2022. Additionally, Kima Ventures invested in Explora Project, a traveltech company focused on positive-impact adventure tourism, further showcasing their interest in outdoor and adventure-related sectors. These transactions highlight Kima Ventures' commitment to supporting companies that align with the outdoor and hiking gear market.

7. 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 is focused on digitalization and decarbonization trends, with a diverse portfolio that includes various sectors. Notably, Verdane has made significant investments in the outdoor sports equipment market, including the acquisition of Silva, a company known for its niche outdoor sports products, and Maskinklippet.se, which aims to lead in the Nordic market for forestry, gardening, hunting, and outdoor products. These transactions highlight Verdane's engagement in the hiking gear industry, making them a relevant player in this space.

8. 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 enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth for its partners through tailored investment strategies and digital transformation solutions. Altor has a diverse portfolio, with notable transactions in the outdoor and sporting goods sector. They acquired Rossignol, a prominent brand in outdoor sports gear, in July 2013, which is directly relevant to hiking. In addition, they participated in funding rounds for Revolution Race, a company that offers outdoor apparel suitable for hiking, and XXL Sport & Villmark, a retailer specializing in outdoor equipment and clothing. These investments highlight Altor's commitment to the hiking gear industry and its broader focus on consumer products.

9. Naxicap Partners

• Website: naxicap.fr
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: naxicap-partners

Naxicap Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity and growth capital investments, focusing on mid-cap and small-cap companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and real estate. Naxicap Partners provides financial resources and strategic support to help businesses scale and enhance their market presence. Notably, they have been involved in several acquisitions, including Bering, Segura, and Bagster, all on May 29, 2015, and more recently, they acquired a majority stake in O2Feel on November 3, 2021. The acquisition of O2Feel is particularly relevant as it suggests an interest in the outdoor and possibly hiking gear market, aligning with the interests of hiking gear investors.

10. 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 fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success through investment and advisory services. Notably, LDC has made significant investments in the outdoor and hiking gear sector, including a substantial minority stake in Mountain Warehouse, which was valued at over £50 million. This investment aimed to support Mountain Warehouse's growth plans, targeting over 200 stores and an annual turnover of £100 million by 2014. Additionally, LDC's acquisition of ZyroFisher, a distributor of outdoor products, further emphasizes their commitment to the outdoor gear market. Other transactions, such as their involvement with American Golf and ZipWorld, showcase their diverse investment portfolio, but it is their focus on outdoor retailers that aligns them with the hiking gear industry.

11. Mobeus

• Website: mobeus.co.uk
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: mobeus-equity-partners

Mobeus Equity Partners is a private equity investment firm based in London, UK, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in equity investments in UK-based SMEs, partnering with management teams to provide funding for management buyouts and equity releases, facilitating growth and strategic development. Mobeus operates across various sectors, including business services and healthcare, but has also made significant investments in the outdoor gear industry. Notably, they acquired Equip Outdoor Technologies in 2011, a company that produces outdoor equipment, which is directly relevant to hiking gear. Additionally, they invested in Rohan Designs, a brand recognized for its outdoor clothing, and Wetsuit Outlet, which, while primarily focused on water sports, indicates Mobeus's broader interest in technical outdoor apparel. These transactions highlight Mobeus's capability and interest in the outdoor and hiking gear market.

12. 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 managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the outdoor and hiking gear sector, including the acquisition of Lundhags skomakarna in December 2006, a company recognized for its high-quality outdoor footwear and gear. Furthermore, EQT's acquisition of XXL Sport & Villmark in June 2010 highlights their commitment to the sports retail market, which encompasses a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking. These transactions demonstrate EQT's active role in the hiking gear industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.

13. 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 based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Ruroc, a UK-based action sports protection brand, which received £3m to support product development and expansion. Additionally, BGF invested in Rutland Cycling, a family-owned business with a focus on cycling, which aligns with outdoor activities. These transactions highlight BGF's engagement with companies that operate in sectors related to outdoor sports and gear, suggesting a potential interest in the hiking gear industry.

14. Amer Sports

• Website: amersports.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
• Founded year: 1950
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: amer-sports

Amer Sports, Inc. is a prominent sporting goods manufacturer and retailer based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 1950. The company operates through several well-known brands, including Salomon, which specializes in outdoor sports equipment and is particularly recognized for its hiking gear. Amer Sports has made significant acquisitions to enhance its portfolio, including the acquisition of Salomon from adidas in 2005, which has strengthened its presence in the outdoor sports market. In 2017, Amer Sports acquired Armada Skis, further expanding its winter sports equipment offerings. Additionally, the acquisition of Peak Performance in 2018 aimed to enhance its presence in the softgoods market, which complements its outdoor and hiking gear offerings. With a commitment to serving athletes and outdoor enthusiasts globally, Amer Sports provides high-quality gear designed to enhance performance and enjoyment in various sports, including hiking.

15. Equip Outdoor Technologies

• Website: equipuk.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Alfreton, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1993
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: equip-outdoor-technologies-ltd

Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd is an outdoor equipment manufacturer based in Alfreton, England, specializing in high-performance apparel and gear for outdoor activities. Founded in 1993, the company serves outdoor enthusiasts and athletes by providing durable products designed to inspire adventure. Equip has made notable acquisitions in the hiking gear sector, including Rab Carrington in 2003 and Lowe Alpine in 2011, which further solidified its position in the market. The acquisition of Lowe Alpine, in particular, involved a significant investment of £20 million and was supported by funding from Santander and Matrix Private Equity Partners. Equip operates globally with a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, making it a key player in the outdoor and hiking gear industry.

16. Equistone Partners Europe

• Website: equistonepe.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1979
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: equistone-partners-europe-limited

Equistone Partners Europe is a private equity investment firm based in London, specializing in management buyouts and growth capital for mid-market companies across Europe. Founded in 1979, the firm has a strong track record of partnering with management teams to provide capital and strategic support aimed at long-term growth and impressive returns for investors. Notably, Equistone has made significant investments in the outdoor and sports gear sector, including the acquisition of POLO Motorrad und Sportswear GmbH, a leading motorcycle clothing and accessories retailer in Germany, and Sportsbikeshop Ltd., a British online retailer specializing in motorcycle gear. These transactions highlight Equistone's engagement in the broader outdoor equipment market, which may encompass hiking gear as well.

17. Mercia Asset Management PLC

• Website: mercia.co.uk
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 41
• LinkedIn: mercia-asset-management

Mercia Asset Management PLC is an investment management firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia focuses on ambitious startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. Among their notable transactions, they provided debt financing to Alpkit, a company known for its outdoor gear, including hiking equipment, which highlights their engagement in the hiking gear industry. Additionally, they have supported other businesses like J’s Cycle Shack, indicating a broader interest in outdoor and recreational sectors. Mercia operates through various funds and investment vehicles, demonstrating a commitment to fostering growth across diverse industries in the UK.

18. Nordic Capital

• Website: nordiccapital.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1989
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 10
• LinkedIn: nordic-capital

Nordic Capital is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in investments across various sectors, including healthcare and technology, and is known for partnering with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements in portfolio companies. Nordic Capital has a strong focus on creating long-term value and sustainability in its investments. Notably, they acquired Thule Group AB in December 2008 for $64 million, a company recognized for its outdoor and sports equipment, which includes hiking gear. Additionally, Nordic Capital has been involved in other transactions such as reacquiring Ellos Group AB, a leading Nordic e-commerce group, and acquiring a majority shareholding in Unisport, a football equipment retailer. While their primary focus may not be exclusively on hiking gear, their investment in Thule Group highlights their engagement in the outdoor equipment sector.

Hiking Gear Insights: Key Investors in Europe

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