The outdoor adventure equipment manufacturing industry in Europe is vibrant and dynamic, catering to a growing consumer base that values exploration and sustainability. Companies in this sector produce everything from hiking gear and climbing equipment to tents, bicycles, and outdoor apparel, blending innovation with functionality. With rising outdoor activity participation and increased environmental awareness, brands are leaning towards eco-friendly materials and designs. Recent trends indicate a burgeoning interest in digital marketing and e-commerce, aiming to reach adventure seekers. As lifestyles shift towards more outdoor engagement, this industry is positioned for robust growth and transformation.

The list features a mix of corporate and venture capital investors from various locations in Europe, including London and Paris. Ranging in size from small firms to large corporations, these investors have been actively involved in the outdoor adventure space, with 2024 deal counts highlighting their engagement. Founded between 1979 and 2015, these firms have shown a commitment to nurturing outdoor equipment manufacturers, with diverse investment strategies focused on sustainable growth and innovation across the sector.

Top 18 Outdoor Adventure Equipment Manufacturing 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 within the outdoor adventure equipment sector, including Alpkit, a specialist retailer of outdoor clothing and equipment, which raised £2.25m to expand its operations. Other relevant transactions include Tentsile, which focuses on innovative outdoor camping solutions, and FieldCandy, known for its unique tent designs. These investments highlight Crowdcube's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion while supporting the growth of outdoor adventure equipment manufacturers.

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 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 various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Among its notable transactions, Bpifrance invested in Snowleader, which raised $2,642,379 in a venture round in 2015, directly linking it to the outdoor adventure equipment sector. Additionally, Bpifrance participated in funding rounds for i-Run, a retailer of sports shoes and apparel, and Satisfy, a company focused on running apparel, further showcasing its commitment to the outdoor and sports industries.

3. 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. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Almi has been involved in various investment transactions, including notable companies such as Elevenate, a fashion manufacturer, and No More Boots, which appears to have a connection to outdoor footwear. Other investments include Zoomability, Spektrumare, and Skigo AB, with the latter potentially relating to outdoor sports equipment. While Almi's primary focus is not exclusively on outdoor adventure equipment, its investments in companies that may operate in related sectors indicate a broader interest in supporting businesses that could align with outdoor activities.

4. 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. LDC has made significant investments in the outdoor adventure equipment sector, including a notable acquisition of a minority stake in Mountain Warehouse, a UK outdoor clothing retailer, aimed at supporting its growth plans. Additionally, LDC acquired ZyroFisher, a distributor of cycling and outdoor products, further emphasizing their commitment to the outdoor adventure market. Other transactions, such as their involvement with LeMieux and American Golf, showcase their diverse investment portfolio, but their focus on outdoor-related businesses positions them well within this niche.

5. 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 wide range of products such as clothing, footwear, and sporting goods. Notably, Frasers Group has made significant acquisitions in the outdoor adventure equipment sector, including Karrimor in 2004, Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) in 2017, Field & Trek.Com Ltd in 2007, and Gelert Ltd in 2013. These brands are well-known for their outdoor and adventure gear, indicating Frasers Group's strategic interest in this market. Additionally, the company is expanding its reach with plans to acquire the Holdsport Group, further solidifying its position in the retail landscape of outdoor adventure equipment.

6. Crédit Mutuel Equity

• Website: creditmutuel-equity.eu
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1988
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: cm-cic-investissement

Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm specializes in providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their investment strategies. They have been involved in several transactions, including notable investments such as Arcade Cycle, which aligns with outdoor activities, and General Transmissions, among others. While their portfolio includes diverse companies, the specific focus on outdoor adventure equipment manufacturing is not explicitly evident in their recent activities, suggesting a broader investment approach.

7. 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. Notably, 3i Group has made significant investments in the outdoor adventure equipment sector, including the acquisition of Rohan Designs in 1991, which specializes in outdoor clothing and equipment. Additionally, in 2011, they acquired a significant minority stake in GO Outdoors for £28 million, supporting the company's expansion plans in the outdoor retail space. Furthermore, their investment in Halti Oy, a company involved in outdoor apparel, further emphasizes their engagement in the outdoor adventure market.

8. 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 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 made several investments in the outdoor adventure equipment sector, including a £3 million investment in Ruroc, a UK-based action sports protection brand, which aims to enhance its product offerings and expand internationally. They also invested £5.7 million in Source BMX, a leading BMX retailer, to bolster its e-commerce capabilities and international growth. Additionally, BGF invested £2.8 million in Rutland Cycling, a family-owned business that caters to cycling enthusiasts. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in supporting companies that contribute to the outdoor adventure equipment manufacturing industry.

9. 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 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 Explora Project, a traveltech company that promotes positive-impact adventure tourism, raising €1.7 million in 2020. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' commitment to supporting businesses within the outdoor adventure space, making them a relevant player in this industry.

10. 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 corporate investor based in the United Kingdom, founded in 1981. The company specializes in sports and lifestyle apparel and footwear, catering to a diverse customer base seeking stylish and functional clothing and footwear. JD Sports has made notable acquisitions in the outdoor adventure equipment sector, enhancing its presence in this market. Key transactions include the acquisition of Go Outdoors for £112.3 million in 2016, which bolstered its outdoor clothing offerings. In 2013, JD Sports acquired a controlling stake in Tiso Group, an outdoor retailer known for its various outdoor brands, including Alpine Bikes and George Fisher. Additionally, JD Sports acquired Blacks Outdoor in 2012, further solidifying its footprint in the outdoor adventure space. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate JD Sports' commitment to expanding its portfolio in the outdoor adventure equipment market.

11. 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. Altor has been actively involved in the outdoor adventure equipment manufacturing industry, highlighted by their acquisition of Rossignol in July 2013, a prominent brand known for its ski and outdoor sports equipment. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Revolution Race, a company that specializes in outdoor clothing, and XXL Sport & Villmark, a retailer of outdoor and sporting goods. These transactions underscore Altor's commitment to investing in the outdoor adventure sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.

12. 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 aims to partner with management teams to provide capital and strategic support for long-term growth. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Sportsbikeshop Ltd., a leading online retailer of motorcycle gear, and POLO Motorrad, a prominent motorcycle clothing and accessories retailer in Germany. These investments reflect Equistone's engagement in the sports and outdoor gear market, although their overall focus spans multiple industries beyond just outdoor adventure equipment.

13. 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 has been involved in several notable transactions in the outdoor adventure equipment manufacturing context, including the acquisition of Silva, a company that provides niche outdoor sports equipment, and Maskinklippet.se, which aims to create a leading Nordic niche e-tailer in forestry, gardening, hunting, and outdoor products. These investments highlight Verdane's commitment to supporting companies that enhance outdoor adventure experiences, despite their broader focus on technology and digitalization trends.

14. 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. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the outdoor adventure equipment sector, including the acquisition of Lundhags skomakarna in December 2006, a company known for its outdoor footwear and equipment. In June 2010, EQT also acquired a majority stake in XXL Sport & Villmark, a leading sports retail chain in the Nordic region, which focuses on outdoor and sporting goods. These transactions highlight EQT's commitment to the outdoor adventure equipment market, alongside their broader investment strategy.

15. Ardian

• Website: ardian.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. Founded in 1996, Ardian has established a global presence and focuses on sustainable finance, aiming to create lasting value for its clients. Among its notable transactions, Ardian acquired a majority stake in YT Industries, a direct-to-consumer bike label, in August 2021, which highlights its engagement in the outdoor adventure equipment sector. Additionally, Ardian's investment in Berlin Brands Group, which has a diverse portfolio including brands that may intersect with outdoor and adventure products, further demonstrates its broad investment strategy. With a total of 21 investments in 2024, Ardian continues to seek high-quality private market investments, including those in the outdoor adventure space.

16. Montagu

• Website: montagu.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1968
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: montagu-private-equity-llp

Montagu Private Equity is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1968. The firm specializes in investment management and growth strategies, partnering with management teams across various sectors, including healthcare and financial services. Montagu focuses on mid-market companies and is committed to responsible investing. Notably, Montagu has made significant acquisitions in the outdoor adventure equipment manufacturing space, including Aqua Lung, a leading manufacturer of diving equipment, acquired in October 2016, and Hansen Protection, known for its protective gear for outdoor activities, acquired in December 2010. These transactions highlight Montagu's involvement in the outdoor adventure sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.

17. IK Partners

• Website: ikpartners.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1989
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn: ik-investment-partners

IK Partners is a private equity firm based in London, England, specializing in mid-market investments across Europe. Founded in 1989, the firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses in various sectors, including Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer, and Industrials. Notably, IK Partners has made significant investments in the outdoor adventure equipment manufacturing context, including the acquisition of Hansen Protection in 2013, a company known for its outdoor protective gear, and SportGroup Holding in 2006, which enhances outdoor sport and recreational surface systems in Europe. These transactions highlight IK Partners' commitment to enhancing growth and creating long-term value in the outdoor adventure equipment sector.

18. 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 strategic investments in the outdoor adventure equipment context, such as a significant minority stake in K-Way, a French outerwear brand, aimed at enhancing its brand presence and supporting international growth. Additionally, their investment in AllTrails, which raised $150 million to accelerate product development and international expansion, highlights their commitment to supporting businesses that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. These transactions demonstrate Permira's capability and interest in the outdoor adventure equipment manufacturing industry.

Outdoor Adventure Equipment Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Crowdcube	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
Almi	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
Ldc	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1981	15
Frasers Group	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1982	20
Crédit Mutuel Equity	Paris, Île-De-France, France	51-200	1988	2
3i Group plc	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3
Bgf	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
Kima Ventures	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
JD Sports	United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1981	1
Altor Equity Partners	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	51-200	2003	6
Equistone Partners Europe	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1979	1
Verdane	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	51-200	1985	7
EQT Group	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
Ardian	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1001-5000	1996	21
Montagu	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1968	2
IK Partners	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1989	14
Permira	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	501-1000	1985	8

Want to find more investors focusing on the outdoor adventure equipment manufacturing industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the outdoor adventure equipment manufacturingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

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!