The fitness equipment industry in the DACH region thrives on innovation and wellness trends. Companies range from established brands producing traditional gym equipment to startups offering cutting-edge tech solutions for home fitness, including smart wearables and digital interfaces. With a growing focus on personal health and virtual training platforms, the market is expanding rapidly. The rise of remote and hybrid exercise options shows a demand for multifunctional and home-based fitness solutions. Additionally, sustainability is becoming a key concern, prompting companies to adopt eco-friendly practices, which further reflects in consumers’ preferences and choices.


The list features a mix of venture capital firms and corporate investors, predominantly based in key cities such as Berlin, Zurich, and Vienna. These investors vary in size, generally employing between 1 and 500 professionals, and were founded at different times ranging from 1995 to 2020. In 2024, their deal counts demonstrate an active engagement in the startup ecosystem, with HV Capital leading with 28 investments, while others like Sictic showcased 77 deals. This highlights a robust interest in the fitness equipment sector, indicating a strong potential for growth and innovation.


Top 19 Fitness Equipment Investors in DACH


1. Calm/Storm

  • Website: calmstorm.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: calm-storm

Calm/Storm Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in health tech startups, focusing on purpose-driven founders. They provide capital, support, and networking opportunities to help these companies succeed in the competitive health tech landscape. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Train Fitness, which raised $600,000 in a Pre-Seed round in March 2022, indicating their involvement in the fitness equipment sector. Other investments include heyvie and Second Nature, which, while not directly related to fitness equipment, reflect their commitment to health and wellness innovations.


2. HV Capital

  • Website: hvcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: hvventures

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. With over €2.8 billion under management, HV Capital specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit. They provide capital and strategic guidance to startups across Europe, helping them navigate growth challenges and achieve market success. Notably, HV Capital has invested in VAHA, a manufacturer of smart digital mirrors, during both seed and series B funding rounds, highlighting their engagement in the fitness equipment sector. Additionally, they participated in a funding round for Urban Sports Club, a company that promotes fitness and wellness through a flexible sports membership model. These transactions demonstrate HV Capital's active role in the fitness equipment and wellness industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.


3. Sictic

  • Website: sictic.ch
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 77
  • LinkedIn: sictic

Sictic is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2014. It connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups, providing investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate growth. Among their notable transactions, Sictic has invested in BEAT Fitness, which focuses on fitness solutions, and Alip Training, which is also related to fitness. Additionally, they have supported Muuvr Labs and Lucky Punch, which may have indirect ties to fitness through technology and health. With a total of 77 investments in 2024 alone, Sictic demonstrates a robust engagement in the startup ecosystem, including the fitness equipment sector.


4. Nestlé

  • Website: nestle.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1866
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nestle-s-a-

Nestlé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. With over 10,000 employees, Nestlé offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, while emphasizing sustainability. Notably, Nestlé has made significant acquisitions in the health and wellness sector, including PowerBar in 2000, a brand synonymous with energy bars for athletes, and Nuun Hydration in 2021, which focuses on functional hydration for active individuals. Additionally, Nestlé acquired Garden of Life, known for its organic health products, and is set to acquire GO Healthy, a leading health brand in New Zealand. These transactions highlight Nestlé's commitment to enhancing its portfolio in active lifestyle nutrition, making it a relevant player in the fitness equipment context.


5. IBB Ventures


IBB Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in early-stage financing and has invested in over 270 startups, providing not only funding but also expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive. Among their notable transactions, IBB Ventures has invested in SkillYoga, which focuses on yoga and fitness training, and machtfit, a company that offers corporate fitness solutions. These investments highlight IBB Ventures' engagement in the fitness sector, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative startups in this industry.


6. Speedinvest

  • Website: speedinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 45
  • LinkedIn: speedinvest

Speedinvest is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in funding early-stage tech startups across Europe, providing both capital and hands-on support to help these startups scale their operations. Speedinvest's investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, they have invested in companies like myClubs, which raised funds in both Series A and Series B rounds, indicating a strong interest in the fitness sector. Additionally, they invested in Maxfun, which is likely related to fitness or wellness, further showcasing their engagement in the health and fitness industry. Their extensive network of industry experts also positions them well to support fitness-related startups in navigating growth challenges.


7. Verve Ventures

  • Website: verve.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: investiere-venture-capital

Verve Ventures is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in deep tech investments across Europe. The firm provides funding and strategic support to science and technology startups, focusing on sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in several transactions relevant to the fitness and wellness space, including a Series A funding round for Nanoleq, a wearable technology company, and a Series B investment in Humanoo, a digital wellness solution. Additionally, their involvement in the sports startup GotCourts, which aims to enhance its market position in Switzerland and expand into Europe, further highlights their engagement in the fitness sector. These transactions demonstrate Verve Ventures' interest in innovative solutions that could impact the fitness equipment industry.


8. Possible Ventures

  • Website: possible.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: possible-vc

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team and has made 9 investments in 2024. Notably, Possible Ventures has invested in BEAT81, a Berlin-based fitness technology company that raised €6.4 million in Series A funding to enhance its technology and expand internationally. Additionally, they have invested in Exakt Health, a health-tech startup that provides digital physiotherapy solutions, securing pre-seed funding to facilitate market entry and expansion. These transactions highlight Possible Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the fitness and health sectors.


9. Rocket Internet SE


Rocket Internet SE is a venture builder based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in incubating and investing in internet and technology companies globally, providing operational support and capital to entrepreneurs. While their primary focus spans various sectors including eCommerce, PropTech, and FinTech, they have also made significant investments in the fitness industry. Notably, Rocket Internet participated in the funding round for Urban Sports Club, which raised over €80 million to enhance awareness and expand its network across Europe. Additionally, they have invested in Humanoo, a company that focuses on health and fitness solutions. These transactions highlight Rocket Internet's capability and willingness to engage in the fitness equipment and health sector, despite their broader investment strategy.


10. b2venture

  • Website: b2venture.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: btovpartners

b2venture is a venture capital firm based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. They collaborate with a community of angel investors, enhancing their investment strategy and positioning them as a key player in the European venture capital landscape. Notably, b2venture has invested in Urban Sports Club, a Berlin-based provider of sports flat rate memberships, which has raised significant funding to expand its services. Additionally, they have been involved with Foodspring, an active nutrition startup, indicating their engagement in the fitness and wellness industry. These transactions highlight b2venture's commitment to supporting businesses that promote fitness and healthy lifestyles.


11. Atlantic Labs

  • Website: atlanticlabs.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: atlantic-labs

Atlantic Labs is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2013. The firm supports exceptional, mission-driven founders throughout their entrepreneurial journey, focusing on various sectors including climate tech, AI, and digital health. Notably, Atlantic Labs has invested in BEAT81, a Berlin-based fitness technology company that raised €6.4 million in Series A funding to enhance its technology and expand internationally. They also participated in the seed funding rounds for BEAT81 in 2017. Furthermore, their investment in '150 Minuten', a health platform aimed at reducing health complaints in the workplace, showcases their commitment to health and fitness initiatives. These transactions highlight Atlantic Labs' active role in the fitness technology space, making them a relevant investor in the fitness equipment sector.


12. APX Talent Pool

  • Website: apx.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: apx-talent-pool

APX Talent Pool is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, founded in 2018, that specializes in earliest-stage investments in startups with digital business models. Backed by prominent entities such as Axel Springer and Porsche, APX provides funding and growth assistance to ambitious pre-seed startups, helping them navigate the challenges of launching and scaling their businesses. Among their notable transactions, APX participated in the funding rounds for Flow Lab, a Berlin-based mental fitness startup, which raised €1 million in a financing round and previously $30,677 in a pre-seed round. This involvement highlights APX's interest in the fitness and wellness sector, particularly in mental fitness, which is increasingly relevant in the context of overall health and fitness. Additionally, APX has invested in other startups like heyvie and GetEase, which, while not directly related to fitness equipment, showcase their commitment to supporting innovative digital solutions.


13. SIGNA Group of Companies


SIGNA Group of Companies, founded in 1999 and based in Vienna, Austria, operates primarily in the real estate and retail sectors. The company has expanded its portfolio through various acquisitions, notably in the sporting goods market. In 2020, SIGNA Retail acquired SportScheck, a specialist in sporting goods, enhancing its presence in the sports market in Germany with 19 additional shops and an online platform. Additionally, in 2019, SIGNA acquired TennisPro, a leading online sports retailer in France and Southern Europe, to bolster its multichannel sports distribution strategy, particularly in tennis and other sports. Furthermore, the acquisition of Internetstores Holding GmbH in 2016 reflects SIGNA's commitment to growing its online sports retail presence. These transactions highlight SIGNA's active role in the fitness equipment and sporting goods sectors, despite its broader focus on real estate and retail.


14. Porsche Ventures

  • Website: porsche.ventures
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: porsche-ventures

Porsche Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across various sectors, including mobility, industrial technology, and sustainability. They provide startups with capital, strategic guidance, and access to a vast network of industry connections to help them scale and navigate complex business challenges. Notably, Porsche Ventures has participated in significant transactions within the fitness equipment context, such as their investment in VAHA, a company that produces smart digital mirrors for fitness, during a Series B financing round. This investment highlights their engagement in the growing demand for innovative fitness solutions. Additionally, they have invested in Playbook, a platform that may intersect with fitness and wellness, further demonstrating their interest in this sector.


15. adidas

  • Website: adidas-group.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1949
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: adidas

adidas is a leading sportswear manufacturer and retailer based in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1949. The company specializes in a wide range of athletic footwear and apparel, catering to athletes, sports teams, and consumers. adidas is known for its focus on innovation and sustainability, operating through direct sales and community initiatives. Notably, adidas has made significant acquisitions in the fitness equipment sector, including the acquisition of Reebok International for $3.8 billion in 2005, which expanded its presence in the athletic footwear and apparel market. Additionally, adidas acquired TaylorMade Golf in 2005, further diversifying its portfolio in the sports equipment industry. In 2012, adidas also acquired Adams Golf for approximately $70 million, enhancing its presence in the golf category. These transactions highlight adidas's strategic investments in fitness-related equipment and brands, reinforcing its role as a key player in the fitness equipment industry.


16. GoBeyond


GoBeyond is a venture capital investment platform based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2008. The firm specializes in connecting investors with early-stage startups, offering services such as individual portfolio investing, access to curated deal flow, and investment training. Among their notable transactions, GoBeyond invested in BEAT Fitness during a seed round in July 2016, which highlights their involvement in the fitness equipment sector. Additionally, they have invested in 24fab in multiple rounds and ActLight, which, while not directly related to fitness equipment, showcases their active engagement in innovative startups. This diverse investment strategy positions GoBeyond as a versatile player in the venture capital landscape.


17. Infront Sports & Media AG


Infront Sports & Media AG is a corporate investor based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2003. The company specializes in sports marketing, managing media and marketing rights for international sports events. They provide a range of services including sponsorship, media rights distribution, and sports broadcast production, catering to sports federations, brands, and media companies to enhance audience engagement. Notably, Infront has made significant investments in the fitness sector, acquiring majority ownership of Hyrox, a company focused on mass participation and professional racing, and XLETIX GmbH, a prominent European obstacle course event organizer. These acquisitions enhance Infront's portfolio in the personal and corporate fitness sector, demonstrating their commitment to promoting fitness-related activities and events.


18. Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund

  • Website: auxxo.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: auxxo-beteiligungen-gmbh

The Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2019. It focuses on investing in female-founded startups across Europe, aiming to address gender inequality in the startup ecosystem by exclusively backing female entrepreneurs. The fund has been involved in several transactions, including investments in Exakt Health, a health-tech startup that provides digital physiotherapy solutions, and XbyX – Women in Balance, a marketplace focused on menopause health. These investments highlight Auxxo's commitment to supporting health and wellness initiatives, particularly those that empower women, which aligns with the fitness and rehabilitation sectors.


19. Bayern Kapital

  • Website: bayernkapital.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Landshut, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: bayern-kapital-gmbh

Bayern Kapital is a venture capital firm based in Landshut, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in providing investment and growth capital to innovative high-tech startups and scale-ups in Bavaria. It supports its clients with financial resources and access to a network of industry experts, helping them navigate the challenges of growth and development in various sectors, including life sciences and software. Notably, Bayern Kapital has been involved in multiple funding rounds for EGYM, a prominent player in the fitness equipment industry. EGYM raised significant capital through several rounds, including $15 million in Series B (2014), $45 million in Series C (2016), and $34 million in a venture round (2021), culminating in a $225 million growth capital round in 2023. These transactions highlight Bayern Kapital's active role in the fitness equipment sector, making it a relevant investor in this space.



Fitness Equipment Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Calm/StormVienna, Vienna, Austria1-10202013
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
Rocket Internet SEBerlin, Berlin, Germany201-50020070
b2ventureSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland11-50200015
Atlantic LabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201313
APX Talent PoolBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020187
SIGNA Group of CompaniesVienna, Vienna, Austria10001+19990
Porsche VenturesStuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany11-5020189
adidasHerzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany10001+19491
GoBeyondZurich, Zurich, Switzerland1-1020080
Infront Sports & Media AGZug, Zug, Switzerland501-100020030
Auxxo Female Catalyst FundBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020195
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527


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