The hunting apparel industry in the US is a vibrant sector focused on providing specialized clothing and gear for hunters. It includes brands that cater to various hunting needs, from camouflage clothing and weatherproof outerwear to accessories like gloves and boots. Companies in this space offer innovative materials designed for performance, durability, and comfort in rugged outdoor conditions. The industry is growing, driven by increasing participation in outdoor activities and a trend towards sustainability. New players are entering the market with eco-friendly practices, while established brands adapt through technology and customization, ensuring they thrive amid changing consumer preferences.


The list of investors features a mix of private equity and venture capital firms, many of which are headquartered in key metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, and Minneapolis. Founded between 1961 and 2015, these firms vary in size, with both large, established companies and smaller, nimble players. In 2024, these investors engaged in numerous deals—ranging from one to over seventy—which reflects their strategic focus on growing their footprints in the hunting apparel market.


Top 19 Hunting Apparel Investors in the US


1. L Catterton

  • Website: lcatterton.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: l-catterton

L Catterton is a private equity firm founded in 1989, specializing in investment management with a focus on consumer brands across various sectors. The firm partners with middle market companies and high-growth enterprises, providing capital and strategic guidance to enhance brand equity and market presence. With a strong emphasis on consumer insights, L Catterton aims to drive growth and innovation within its portfolio companies. Notable transactions include the acquisition of TAXA Outdoors, a manufacturer of lightweight mobile habitats for outdoor adventures, which aligns with the outdoor lifestyle market. Additionally, their investment in Rhone Apparel, a men’s activewear brand, showcases their commitment to the active lifestyle sector. These investments reflect L Catterton's strategy of enhancing brands that cater to outdoor and active consumers, which could encompass hunting apparel in the future.


2. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses across various sectors, including agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. Notably, Advantage Capital has made significant investments in companies relevant to the hunting and outdoor apparel industry, such as Drake Waterfowl Systems, which raised $4 million in debt financing in 2020, and Excel Boats, which has received multiple rounds of debt financing since 2014. These transactions highlight Advantage Capital's commitment to supporting businesses that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, thereby reinforcing their role as a potential investor in the hunting apparel market.


3. Forerunner


Forerunner Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in consumer technology and innovative businesses, providing capital and strategic guidance to startups. Forerunner has been involved in several relevant transactions in the outdoor apparel space, including investments in Cotopaxi, an outdoor gear and apparel company, and Outdoor Voices, an apparel company focused on active lifestyles. These investments indicate Forerunner's interest in the outdoor and active apparel market, which can include hunting apparel as part of its broader focus on consumer demands and technology advancements.


4. Platinum Equity

  • Website: platinumequity.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: platinum-equity

Platinum Equity is a private equity firm based in Beverly Hills, California, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and operations management. Founded in 1995, the firm manages over $48 billion in assets and has a diverse portfolio of approximately 50 companies across various industries. In 2024, Platinum Equity made significant moves in the outdoor and apparel sectors, including the acquisition of GSM Outdoors, the parent company of several fishing brands, which positions them within the outdoor recreation market. They also acquired Founder Sport Group and Augusta Sportswear, both of which are involved in the apparel industry. These transactions highlight Platinum Equity's strategy of investing in established companies and enhancing their growth, particularly in sectors that may include hunting apparel.


5. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a leading investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for creating value through strategic investments. Notably, Blackstone acquired Jack Wolfskin, a German outdoor retailer known for its high-quality outdoor apparel, for approximately 700 million euros (around $1 billion) in 2011. This acquisition highlights Blackstone's engagement in the outdoor apparel market, which includes products relevant to hunting enthusiasts. Additionally, Blackstone has been involved in other transactions such as Billabong International and Leica, showcasing its diverse investment portfolio, but the Jack Wolfskin acquisition is particularly significant in the context of hunting apparel.


6. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored investment solutions to institutional and individual clients. Among its notable transactions, KKR acquired Mills Fleet Farm, a regional retailer known for its outdoor and hunting products, in 2016 for over $1.2 billion. This acquisition highlights KKR's commitment to supporting businesses that align with outdoor and hunting activities. Additionally, KKR's acquisition of Academy Sports Outdoors in 2011 further emphasizes its interest in the sporting goods sector, which includes hunting apparel. KKR's strategy focuses on leveraging its extensive expertise to foster growth in its portfolio companies, making it a significant player in the hunting apparel investment landscape.


7. Vista Outdoor Inc.


Vista Outdoor Inc. is a corporate investor based in Anoka, Minnesota, founded in 1916. The company designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of sporting and outdoor products, catering to outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality and innovative offerings. Notably, Vista Outdoor has made significant acquisitions in the hunting and outdoor gear market, including the acquisition of Stone Glacier, a recognized brand in ultralight backcountry and hunting gear, which enhances their portfolio in the hunting apparel sector. Other acquisitions, such as QuietKat and Fox Racing, further demonstrate their commitment to outdoor activities, although these brands focus on different aspects of outdoor recreation. Vista Outdoor's strategic acquisitions reflect a long-term growth strategy aimed at diversifying their offerings while maintaining a strong presence in the outdoor sports and recreation market.


8. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)

  • Website: nea.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a venture capital firm founded in 1977, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. NEA partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, emphasizing long-term relationships with founders. Notably, NEA participated in the Series A funding round for Cotopaxi, an outdoor gear and apparel company, which raised $6.5 million in 2015. This investment reflects NEA's interest in the outdoor apparel market, which can intersect with hunting apparel. However, NEA's portfolio is predominantly focused on technology and healthcare, with limited exposure to the hunting apparel industry specifically.


9. Summit Partners

  • Website: summitpartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1984
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: summit-partners

Summit Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1984. The firm specializes in growth equity, focusing on providing capital and resources to category-leading companies primarily in technology, healthcare, and life sciences. Notably, Summit Partners has invested in onX Maps, which raised significant funding to enhance its mapping solutions for outdoor enthusiasts, including hunters. This investment reflects their commitment to supporting companies that cater to outdoor activities, which aligns with the hunting apparel industry. Additionally, they have a history of investing in various sectors, showcasing their versatility and ability to identify growth opportunities across different markets.


10. BRS & Co.


BRS & Co. is a private equity firm based in New York, specializing in managing assets for lower middle market consumer companies. Founded in 1995, the firm provides strategic advice and operational support to management teams, focusing on driving sustainable growth through investments and acquisitions. BRS & Co. has a notable history of investments in the outdoor sector, including significant transactions such as the acquisition of Remington Arms Company, a prominent name in the firearms industry, and Daisy Outdoor Products, a leading manufacturer of youth airguns. They also acquired Gamo Outdoor, which specializes in air rifles and hunting accessories, and Magpul Industries, known for its firearm accessories. These transactions highlight BRS & Co.'s commitment to the outdoor and hunting-related markets, making them a relevant player in the hunting apparel industry.


11. Goode Partners

  • Website: goodepartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1

Goode Partners LLC is a private equity firm based in New York, founded in 2005, that specializes in investing in high-growth potential consumer-oriented companies. The firm provides both financial and operational resources to help these businesses scale effectively. Notably, Goode Partners has been involved in several transactions within the hunting apparel context, including investments in Nomad Outdoor and Huk Gear, both of which are recognized brands in the outdoor and hunting apparel market. Additionally, they invested $37.5 million in Marolina Outdoors, the owner of Huk fishing gear, which further emphasizes their commitment to the outdoor apparel industry. Their diverse portfolio also includes investments in other retail sectors, but their active participation in the hunting apparel market highlights their relevance in this niche.


12. Northwood Ventures


Northwood Ventures is a private equity firm based in Hobe Sound, Florida, founded in 1983. The firm specializes in providing growth equity, management buyouts, and venture capital to companies across various industries. They focus on collaborating with management teams to help businesses achieve their growth objectives through strategic support and patient capital. Notably, Northwood Ventures has been involved in transactions with companies relevant to the outdoor and sporting goods sectors, including Dick's Sporting Goods, a major retailer in the sporting goods industry, and Ibex Outdoor Clothing, which specializes in outdoor apparel. These investments indicate their engagement with companies that may intersect with the hunting apparel market, showcasing their potential interest in this area.


13. Norwest Equity Partners (NEP)

  • Website: nep.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1961
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: norwest-equity-partners

Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) is a private equity investment firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, founded in 1961. The firm specializes in providing capital and strategic guidance to businesses across various sectors, focusing on building industry leaders through long-term partnerships and sustainable growth. NEP has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the outdoor and sporting goods market, including investments in Bowtech, a company known for its archery products, and the acquisition of United Sports Brands, the parent company of Shock Doctor, which produces sports protection gear. These transactions highlight NEP's engagement in sectors that align with outdoor activities, including hunting, making them a potential player in the hunting apparel industry.


14. Greycroft

  • Website: greycroft.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: greycroft-partners

Greycroft is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in technology investments across various sectors, including software, sustainability, and consumer brands. Founded in 2006, Greycroft has a strong track record of providing capital and expertise to startups and emerging companies, helping them grow and scale their operations. Notably, Greycroft has invested in Cotopaxi, a Benefit Corporation outdoor gear and apparel company, participating in both Series A and Series B funding rounds. These investments highlight Greycroft's engagement in the outdoor apparel market, which is relevant to hunting apparel. Additionally, Greycroft's investment in Guidesly, a company focused on outdoor recreation, further emphasizes its interest in the outdoor sector, making it a potential player in the hunting apparel industry.


15. Tcg

  • Website: tcg.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: the-chernin-group

The Chernin Group (Tcg) is a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2010. Tcg focuses on building consumer businesses across various industries, including digital media and health and wellness. They provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and management teams, helping them scale their operations and realize their visions. Notably, Tcg has made significant investments in MeatEater, a leading brand in the hunting community, which raised $50 million in a venture round in 2019 and was acquired by Tcg in 2018. This acquisition and subsequent funding rounds highlight Tcg's commitment to the hunting apparel and lifestyle market, showcasing their interest in supporting brands that resonate with outdoor enthusiasts.


16. Precursor Ventures

  • Website: precursorvc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: precursor-ventures

Precursor Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. They specialize in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in the pre-seed and seed stages. The firm is known for building long-term relationships with founders and providing both financial support and strategic guidance to help startups grow. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of innovative companies across various sectors. Notably, Precursor Ventures has invested in Halfdays, which raised $1.5 million in a seed round in September 2021 and $850,000 in a pre-seed round in September 2020. Halfdays focuses on outdoor apparel, which may encompass hunting apparel. Additionally, they have invested in Kinfield, another company in the outdoor space, although specific details on hunting apparel are not provided. These transactions indicate Precursor Ventures' interest in the outdoor apparel market, which aligns with hunting apparel.


17. Authentic Brands Group

  • Website: authenticbrands.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: abg_nyc

Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is a brand management and entertainment production company based in New York, founded in 2010. The firm operates a diverse portfolio of iconic brands across various sectors, including fashion, sports, and media. ABG specializes in brand licensing, marketing strategies, and digital innovation services, enhancing brand visibility and market presence. Notably, ABG has made strategic acquisitions that align with outdoor and lifestyle markets, such as the acquisition of Eddie Bauer in May 2021, which aims to enhance their presence in the outdoor lifestyle category. This acquisition indicates ABG's interest in outdoor apparel, which may encompass hunting apparel as part of a broader outdoor lifestyle strategy. Other acquisitions, such as Sperry and Prince Global Sports, further demonstrate ABG's diverse investment approach, although they are not directly related to hunting apparel.


18. Polaris Inc.

  • Website: polaris.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Medina, Minnesota, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1954
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: polarisinc

Polaris Inc. is a corporate investor based in Medina, Minnesota, founded in 1954. The company is a leading manufacturer of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles, catering to consumers and outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality recreational vehicles. Polaris has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its product offerings, including the acquisition of KLIM Technical Riding Gear in December 2012, which specializes in technical apparel for outdoor activities. This acquisition aligns with Polaris's goal to serve outdoor enthusiasts, including hunters, by providing high-quality gear. Additionally, Polaris has acquired other companies like Timbersled Products, which focuses on snow bikes, and Pro Armor, which specializes in accessories for performance vehicles. These transactions reflect Polaris's commitment to expanding its portfolio in the outdoor and recreational sectors, further solidifying its relevance in the hunting apparel context.


19. Altamont Capital Partners


Altamont Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in Palo Alto, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in long-term investments in middle market businesses, partnering with management teams to provide capital and strategic support aimed at operational improvements and growth. Their investment strategy spans various sectors, including business services and financial services. Notably, Altamont has made significant investments in brands relevant to the outdoor and action sports industries, such as the acquisition of Dakine in 2013 and Fox Racing in 2014. These brands cater to outdoor enthusiasts, which may include hunting apparel as part of their offerings. Their involvement in these sectors demonstrates a potential interest in the hunting apparel market, even if it is not their sole focus.



Hunting Apparel Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
L CattertonUnited States (USA)201-500198923
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
ForerunnerSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201212
Platinum EquityBeverly Hills, California, United States (USA)201-500199520
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Vista Outdoor Inc.Anoka, Minnesota, United States (USA)1-1019160
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
Summit PartnersBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)51-200198413
BRS & Co.New York, New York, United States (USA)11-5019950
Goode PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020051
Northwood VenturesHobe Sound, Florida, United States (USA)1-1019830
Norwest Equity Partners (NEP)Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)11-5019611
GreycroftNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200200620
TcgLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)51-20020105
Precursor VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201530
Authentic Brands GroupNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-20020101
Polaris Inc.Medina, Minnesota, United States (USA)10001+19540
Altamont Capital PartnersPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)11-5020101


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