The sports apparel industry in Europe is a dynamic sector that includes a wide array of companies focusing on athletic wear, leisure clothing, and accessories. Major players in this field range from iconic sports brands to emerging boutique labels, offering products designed for performance, style, and sustainability. Recent trends showcase a growing emphasis on eco-friendly materials, wellness, and technology integration in apparel. As demand for athleisure and fitness-related garments rises, the industry is poised for robust growth, driven by innovations in design and consumer preferences shifting towards healthier lifestyles.

The list includes various types of investors, from corporate giants to venture capital firms, all actively supporting the sports apparel sector. Headquartered across Europe, these investors range in size from large multinationals to smaller, specialized firms. Founded from 1945 to 2011, they've collectively engaged in numerous investment deals in 2024 alone, signaling a robust market interest. Investors like JD Sports and Crowdcube are key contributors, reflecting a mixed strategy of direct control and stakeholder partnerships in fueling the industry's advancements.

Top 18 Sports Apparel 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 been involved in several transactions within the sports apparel sector, including Manors Golf, which raised $750,560 in December 2023, and Bunker Mentality, which raised $398,561 in December 2021. Additionally, Crowdcube facilitated funding for Oneskee and Alpkit, the latter being a specialist retailer in outdoor clothing and equipment, which raised £2.25 million in October 2022. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting the growth of companies within the sports apparel industry.

2. 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 various brands in the sports and fashion sectors, including Sports Direct, Jack Wills, and Everlast Fitness Club. The company offers a diverse range of products, including clothing, footwear, and sporting goods, catering to consumers seeking retail options and fitness solutions. Notably, Frasers Group has made several key acquisitions in the sports apparel industry, such as Umbro in 2005, Everlast Worldwide in 2007, and JD Sports - Fashion brands in 2022. Additionally, the acquisition of DW Sports in 2020 further solidified its presence in the fitness and sports market. These strategic moves highlight Frasers Group's commitment to expanding its footprint in the sports apparel sector.

3. 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 retailing sports and lifestyle apparel and footwear, offering a diverse range of products for men, women, and children. JD Sports operates both online and through physical stores, providing a comprehensive shopping experience. Notably, JD Sports has made several strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the sports apparel market. In 2018, it acquired Finish Line, an American sportswear retailer, for $558 million, significantly enhancing its presence in the US market. In 2024, JD Sports announced its acquisition of Hibbett Sports for $1.1 billion, further increasing its North American sales share. Additionally, JD Sports has acquired stakes in other sports-related companies, such as Kukri Sports Ltd. and Canterbury, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to expanding its influence in the sports apparel sector.

4. 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 public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has participated in significant transactions within the sports apparel sector, including a funding round for Circle Sportswear, a Paris-based startup, and a substantial investment in i-Run, a sports shoe and apparel retailer. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active engagement in the sports apparel industry, reinforcing its role as a key investor in this space.

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 prominent luxury goods manufacturer and retailer based in Paris, France. Founded in 1987, LVMH offers a diverse range of high-quality products across various sectors, including fashion, leather goods, wines, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, and jewelry. Recently, LVMH has made significant moves in the sports apparel context, including the acquisition of Paris FC, a French football club, in collaboration with Red Bull, which aims to enhance the club's appeal and growth potential. Furthermore, LVMH acquired a 60% stake in Off-White, a luxury streetwear label founded by Virgil Abloh, which is known for its influence in the fashion and sportswear sectors. These strategic investments highlight LVMH's commitment to expanding its footprint in the sports apparel industry while maintaining its luxury brand identity.

6. 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. They focus on investing in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, while also showing interest in consumer brands. Notably, they invested in Tracksmith, which raised $1.6 million in a seed round in July 2014, highlighting their engagement in the sports apparel industry. This investment reflects their strategy of building long-term partnerships with founders and supporting businesses that align with their vision of innovation and growth. In addition to Tracksmith, they have participated in various funding rounds for other companies, showcasing their broad investment approach.

7. 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, specializing in early-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses within consumer industries. Founded in 2002, the firm provides funding and strategic support to help these businesses grow and succeed in competitive markets. Notably, Venrex has been involved in several transactions within the sports apparel sector, including a significant investment in TALA, an activewear label that raised $5.7 million to support its international expansion and product inventory. Additionally, Venrex led a $10 million Series A funding round for Vollebak, a direct-to-consumer clothing company, and has invested in Jöttnar, which focuses on outdoor performance apparel. These transactions highlight Venrex's active role in the sports apparel industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.

8. 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 prominent private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has a diverse portfolio, but it has made significant investments in the sports apparel sector. Notably, they acquired OXBOW, a brand known for its surf and lifestyle apparel, in 1996, and Pacific Brands, which includes several well-known apparel brands, in 2001. Additionally, CVC has invested in sports organizations such as Premiership Rugby and Six Nations Rugby, raising substantial funds to support these entities. This combination of investments highlights CVC's commitment to delivering sustainable value and growth in the sports apparel 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 venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in Colizey, which raised $2,699,711 in a seed round in May 2020, focusing on sports equipment. They also participated in funding HARDLOOP, a French outdoor sports e-tailer that raised €3 million in January 2022, and Barooders, a used-sporting-goods marketplace that secured €2.2 million in funding in September 2022. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' active role in the sports apparel and equipment market, showcasing their interest in supporting innovative companies within this sector.

10. 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 sports apparel industry, including the acquisition of Golden Goose for 1.28 billion euros, a brand known for its sneaker offerings, and a recent investment in K-Way, which focuses on outerwear. These transactions reflect Permira's commitment to enhancing brand presence and supporting growth in the sports apparel market.

11. 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 focuses on 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 several companies relevant to the sports apparel industry, including Ruroc, which specializes in action sports protection gear, and Source BMX, a prominent BMX retailer. BGF's investment in Spoke, a men's online fashion startup, further highlights their engagement in the apparel sector. In 2021, BGF invested £5.7 million in Source BMX to enhance its e-commerce capabilities and expand internationally, while their £3 million investment in Ruroc in 2018 was aimed at supporting product development and market expansion. These transactions illustrate BGF's active role in the sports apparel and related industries.

12. 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. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has participated in several transactions relevant to the sports apparel industry, including a $2M investment in Elevenate, a Swedish fashion manufacturer and retailer focused on e-commerce and seasonal collections. Additionally, Almi invested in Tini Garments, which raised $230,145 in a seed round. These investments highlight Almi's engagement in the sports apparel sector, despite their broader focus on various industries.

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, primarily targeting technology-enabled companies. Verdane provides capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale, with a focus on digitalization and decarbonization trends. Notably, Verdane has been involved in several transactions within the sports apparel context, including investments in MM Sports, a company that raised funds in 2014, and Outnorth, which raised funds in 2010. Additionally, Verdane's acquisition of Silva, a provider of niche outdoor sports equipment, further emphasizes their engagement in the sports sector. These transactions highlight Verdane's commitment to supporting companies that operate within the sports apparel and equipment industry.

14. Apax

• Website: apax.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: apax-partners

Apax Partners LLP is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including technology, internet/consumer, healthcare, and services. Apax collaborates with management teams of high-potential companies to drive growth and innovation, serving institutional investors seeking to enhance their capital through strategic investments in private equity funds. Notably, Apax has made significant acquisitions in the sports apparel sector, including Spyder Active Sports in 2004, Tommy Hilfiger in 2005 for $1.6 billion, and Cole Haan LLC from NIKE, Inc. in 2012 for $570 million. These transactions highlight Apax's active role in the sports apparel industry, alongside its broader investment strategy.

15. 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 has made significant investments in the sports apparel sector, including a substantial minority stake in GO Outdoors for £28 million, aimed at supporting the company's growth plans in outdoor clothing and equipment. Additionally, their investment in Halti Oy, a brand recognized for its outdoor apparel, further highlights their commitment to the sports apparel industry. Their acquisition of Rohan Designs, known for outdoor clothing, also reflects their engagement in this market.

16. 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 been involved in several notable transactions in the sports apparel context, including the acquisition of Mountain Warehouse, a significant player in the outdoor clothing market, and the investment in LeMieux, which specializes in equestrian apparel. These transactions highlight LDC's commitment to supporting growth in the sports apparel industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.

17. 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 made significant investments in the sports apparel industry, including the acquisition of CCM Hockey, a leading manufacturer of hockey equipment with a substantial market share, and Rossignol, a well-known brand in winter sports apparel and equipment. Additionally, Altor's involvement with XXL Sport & Villmark, a prominent sports retail chain, further highlights their commitment to the sports sector. Their investment strategy emphasizes tailored solutions and digital transformation, positioning them as a key player in the sports apparel market.

18. Acton Capital

• Website: actoncapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: acton-capital-partners

Acton Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in investing in startups at the Series A stage and beyond. They focus on providing financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Notably, Acton Capital has participated in significant transactions within the sports apparel industry, such as their involvement in Knix Wear, a company that raised multiple funding rounds to expand its activewear offerings. They also invested in Koio, a luxury sneaker brand, which aligns with the sports apparel market. Acton Capital's diverse portfolio and strategic approach to growth make them a valuable partner for companies in the sports apparel sector.

Sports Apparel Insights: Key Investors in Europe

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