The activewear brands industry in Europe thrives on the dual desires for fitness and fashion. It consists of companies that design and market athletic clothing, footwear, and accessories, ranging from high-performance gear to lifestyle apparel. With more consumers prioritizing health and outdoor activities, brands are focusing on sustainability and innovation, integrating technology into their products for improved performance. Additionally, the rise of athleisure - clothing suitable for both workouts and everyday wear - is reshaping market dynamics. This evolving trend highlights an exciting future with increased investment towards eco-friendly materials and advanced functional designs.

This list features a range of 19 prominent investors in Europe's activewear scene, showcasing corporate giants, venture capitalists, and private equity firms. They hail from key locations such as London, Stockholm, and Paris, and vary in size from small, nimble firms to massive corporate entities with thousands of employees. Established between 1950 and 2017, these investors have collectively participated in 2024 with impressive deal counts, underscoring their commitment to fostering growth in the activewear industry—valuable partnerships that reflect the market's vibrant energy and potential.

Top 19 Activewear Brands 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 promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the activewear sector, including Alpkit, a specialist outdoor clothing retailer that raised £2.25 million, and Planks Clothing, which raised over $1.2 million. These investments highlight Crowdcube's role in supporting the growth of activewear brands and its commitment to facilitating funding for businesses in this industry.

2. 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 prominent retail company based in the United Kingdom, founded in 1981, specializing in sports and lifestyle apparel and footwear. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, JD Sports offers a diverse range of products for men, women, and children, catering to customers seeking stylish and functional clothing and footwear. The company operates both online and through physical stores, providing a comprehensive shopping experience. JD Sports has been actively expanding its influence in the activewear market through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Hibbett Sports for $1.1 billion in 2024, which is expected to significantly increase its North American sales share. Additionally, JD Sports acquired Finish Line, a major American sportswear retailer, for $558 million in 2018, further solidifying its presence in the U.S. market. These acquisitions demonstrate JD Sports' commitment to enhancing its portfolio in the activewear sector.

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 retail company based in London, England, founded in 1982. It operates a variety of 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. The company has made several significant acquisitions in the activewear space, including the purchase of Umbro in 2005, Everlast Worldwide in 2007, and Sportland International Group AS in 2013. Most recently, in 2024, Frasers Group announced the acquisition of Wiggle, a cycling retailer, and a 41.98% stake in Hudson Holdings Limited, which is known for its Urban Jungle sportswear chain and holds exclusive distribution rights for NIKE in over 29 countries. These transactions highlight Frasers Group's strategic focus on expanding its presence in the activewear market and providing diverse retail options and fitness solutions to consumers.

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 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, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions within the activewear sector, including a significant investment in i-Run, a sports shoe and apparel retailer, which raised 100 million euros to expand its network and product lines. Additionally, Bpifrance participated in funding rounds for Circle Sportswear and Satisfy, further emphasizing its active role in supporting the growth of activewear brands.

5. 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 involved in several notable transactions in the activewear and sports sectors, such as their investment in Oceansapart, a clothing brand, and Revolution Race, which specializes in outdoor apparel. Additionally, their acquisition of CCM Hockey, a leading manufacturer of hockey equipment, highlights their commitment to investing in brands related to sports and activewear. Through tailored investment strategies and a focus on digital transformation, Altor aims to drive growth and innovation in the companies they partner with.

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 specialize in investing in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Index Ventures is known for providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of growing their businesses. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Tracksmith, which raised $1.6 million in a seed round in 2014, focusing on running apparel. This investment highlights their engagement in the activewear market. Additionally, they have invested in other companies like Curtsy, a clothing resale app, which, while not exclusively activewear, indicates their broader interest in the apparel sector. Their approach emphasizes building long-term partnerships with founders to drive success, making them a supportive investor for brands in the activewear space.

7. SoftBank Investment Advisers

• Website: visionfund.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn: softbank-investment-advisers

SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund based in London, UK, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. Their diverse portfolio spans various sectors, including health tech and fintech, reflecting a commitment to fostering technological advancement. Notably, SoftBank has made significant investments in the activewear space, including a $400 million investment in Vuori, a Southern California-inspired activewear brand, which highlights their interest in the apparel industry. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for WHOOP, a company that focuses on fitness tracking and performance, further solidifying their presence in the activewear market. These transactions illustrate SoftBank's strategy of supporting growth-stage companies that align with emerging consumer trends, including activewear and fitness.

8. Enterprise Ireland

• Website: enterprise-ireland.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 48
• LinkedIn: enterprise-ireland

Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has been involved in several transactions relevant to the activewear sector, such as the seed funding for Peachy Lean, which raised $263,188 in December 2022, and their participation in the funding rounds for Output Sports, an Irish sports tech start-up that raised €1.3 million in March 2020 and $4.8 million in January 2025. These investments highlight their engagement in the activewear and sports technology markets, reinforcing their role as a relevant investor in this space.

9. 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, England, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses across consumer industries. Venrex provides funding and strategic support to help these businesses thrive in competitive markets. Notably, Venrex has invested in TALA, an activewear label founded by Grace Beverley, which raised $5.7 million in a funding round led by Venrex and Active Partners. This funding is aimed at international expansion and product inventory investment, showcasing Venrex's active role in the activewear sector. In 2024, Venrex continued its investment activity with TALA, raising an additional $6.48 million, further solidifying its commitment to the activewear industry.

10. The Syndicate Superclub

• Website: thesyndicate.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Bristol, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: the-syndicate-superclub

The Syndicate Superclub is an angel investing group based in Bristol, England, led by Jason Calacanis. It connects accredited investors with startups seeking funding, facilitating a streamlined investment process through deal memos and webinars. In recent years, The Syndicate has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the activewear industry. They participated in funding rounds for Fitbod, a fitness app that raised funds in both Seed and Series B rounds, indicating a focus on fitness technology. Additionally, they were involved in the funding of Ruby Love, a company that produces period apparel and active gear, showcasing their interest in brands that intersect with activewear. Furthermore, they supported Uplift Labs, which provides AI-powered technology for movement tracking, further emphasizing their engagement in the fitness and activewear space.

11. 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 founded in 1996, headquartered in Paris, Île-De-France, France. Specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. The firm has a global presence and emphasizes sustainable finance, aiming to create lasting value for its clients. Notably, Ardian has made investments in companies relevant to the activewear sector, such as Fitnessboutique, which focuses on fitness products, and Nutripure, specializing in organic dietary supplements. These transactions highlight Ardian's engagement with the health and fitness market, aligning with the interests of activewear brands.

12. Active Partners

• Website: active.partners
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 10
• LinkedIn: activepartners

Active Partners is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2004, specializing in partnering with visionary founders to build iconic consumer brands. They provide investment management and business support services to help these brands grow and redefine their categories. Active Partners focuses on mission-driven companies that inspire and delight consumers, primarily in the consumer goods sector. Notably, they have invested in TALA, an activewear label founded by Grace Beverley, which raised $5.7 million in 2022 for international expansion and product inventory. Additionally, they invested in Coopah Running, which raised $1.9 million in 2024, further solidifying their involvement in the activewear space. Their portfolio also includes investments in other sectors, but their active participation in the activewear industry makes them a relevant investor in this category.

13. Lion Resource Advisors Limited

• Website: lioncapital.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: lion-resource-advisors-limited

Lion Resource Advisors Limited, known as Lion Capital, is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in consumer brands and provides investment management services aimed at unlocking growth potential through strategic guidance and financial support. With a focus on innovation and market expansion, Lion Capital manages a diverse portfolio of over 175 brands across Europe and North America. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Grenade, a sports nutrition company, which aligns with the activewear market, and their involvement with American Apparel, a well-known apparel brand. Their investment in Verishop, an online fashion marketplace, further demonstrates their engagement in the fashion and activewear sectors, making them a significant player in the consumer brand landscape.

14. 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 relevant to the activewear and sports sectors. For instance, they acquired Silva, a provider of niche outdoor sports equipment, indicating their interest in the activewear market. Additionally, their investment in Urban Sports Club, a company that promotes fitness and active lifestyles, further highlights their engagement in the activewear space. These transactions demonstrate Verdane's commitment to supporting companies that align with active and healthy living.

15. Redrice Ventures

• Website: redriceventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: redrice-ventures

Redrice Ventures is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2018, specializing in supporting founders in creating premium consumer brands and related B2B tech solutions. The firm provides strategic and operational support to early-stage companies, helping them grow and connect with a community of entrepreneurs. Notably, Redrice Ventures has been involved in several transactions within the activewear sector, including investments in luxury sportswear brand Castore and athletic footwear startup Hylo Athletics. These investments highlight their commitment to fostering brand development in the activewear industry. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for other companies, such as Coopah Running and GoJoe, which further demonstrates their active engagement in the broader activewear and sports-related markets.

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. Notably, LDC has made significant investments in the activewear context, including a minority stake in Mountain Warehouse, a UK outdoor clothing retailer, which was valued at over £50 million. This investment aimed to support the retailer's growth plans, targeting over 200 stores and an annual turnover of £100 million. Additionally, LDC backed LeMieux, a brand known for its equestrian apparel, further demonstrating their engagement in the activewear market. Other transactions include acquisitions in diverse sectors, but their involvement in activewear brands highlights their relevance in this industry.

17. 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 specializes in a diverse range of products, including sporting equipment, footwear, and apparel, catering to athletes and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Amer Sports has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the activewear market, including the acquisition of Salomon, a leading action and outdoor sports brand, from adidas in 2005. In 2018, they acquired the Swedish sportswear brand Peak Performance for 255 million euros, aiming to strengthen their position in the softgoods market. Additionally, Amer Sports acquired Armada Skis in 2017 and Louisville Slugger in 2015, further diversifying their portfolio within the sporting goods industry. These transactions highlight Amer Sports' active role in the activewear sector, making them a relevant investor in this category.

18. RTP Global

• Website: rtp.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 22
• LinkedIn: rtp-global-vc

RTP Global is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in technology-driven startups, providing both capital and advisory services to help ambitious founders scale their businesses in competitive markets. RTP Global has a global presence and focuses on long-term support for innovative ventures. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Urban Sports Club, which raised over €80 million to enhance health and fitness awareness, and VAHA, a company producing smart digital mirrors for fitness, indicating their engagement in the activewear and fitness industry. Additionally, they have been involved in funding rounds for other ventures like FREECULTR and I Love Supersport, further showcasing their interest in the activewear space.

19. Felix Capital

• Website: felixcap.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: felix-capital

Felix Capital is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2015, specializing in investments in digital lifestyle brands and enabling technologies. The firm provides venture capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs, helping them build strong brands. Notably, Felix Capital has invested in several prominent activewear brands, including Castore, which raised £145 million to enhance its supply chain capabilities, and Peloton, which has raised substantial funding to expand its fitness technology offerings. Additionally, they have invested in Athos, a company focused on smart fitness apparel. These transactions highlight Felix Capital's commitment to supporting innovation in the activewear industry, making them a relevant player in this market.

Activewear Brands Insights: Key Investors in Europe

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