The sports apparel industry in DACH focuses on creating and selling clothing, footwear, and accessories designed for sports and fitness use. Companies range from established brands like Adidas to innovative startups specializing in sustainable activewear. As consumer preferences shift towards health and wellness, there’s a growing emphasis on performance-enhancing materials, eco-friendliness, and technology integration in products. The industry wages into a future where personalization and direct-to-consumer sales models redefine customer engagement. Evidence points to rising demand across fitness-first audiences, with projections highlighting growth in categories as sports and activities continue to gain popularity in lifestyle choices.


The investors on this list represent a blend of venture capital, private equity, and corporate firms concentrated primarily in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Headquartered in vibrant cities like Munich and Berlin, these firms vary in size, ranging from small teams to large corporations with thousands of employees. Most were established in the late 1990s to early 2000s and made substantial investments in 2024 across the sports apparel sector. The wide-ranging deal counts indicate robust interest and strategic support for emerging companies looking to carve their niche in this dynamic industry.


Top 19 Sports Apparel Investors in DACH


1. Acton Capital


Acton Capital is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investing in startups at the Series A stage and beyond, providing financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Acton Capital has a notable focus on helping companies develop tailored growth strategies for long-term success. Among their relevant transactions, they have invested in Koio, a luxury sneaker brand, during its Series A funding rounds in 2018 and 2019, which raised a total of $9 million. Additionally, they participated in the Series B funding round for Knix Wear, a company known for its activewear, which raised C$53 million in 2021. These investments highlight Acton Capital's engagement in the sports apparel market.


2. 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. Notable transactions include investments in ZALORA, a prominent online fashion retailer in Southeast Asia, where Rocket Internet participated in significant funding rounds to support its growth. They also invested in Urban Sports Club, a fitness platform that promotes health and wellness, indicating their interest in sectors related to sports and fitness. Overall, Rocket Internet SE's portfolio reflects a strong focus on eCommerce, with some relevant connections to the sports apparel industry through their investments.


3. 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 capital but also expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive. Among their notable transactions, IBB Ventures has invested in Outfittery, which raised significant funding in both Series B and Series C rounds, focusing on personalized fashion solutions that include sports apparel. Additionally, their investment in sporTrade GmbH indicates a potential interest in the sports sector, further aligning them with the sports apparel industry. Their diverse portfolio showcases their commitment to supporting innovative startups across various sectors, including sports apparel.


4. 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 organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, that connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups. Founded in 2014, SICTIC provides investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate the growth of startups and the investment community. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Wearonize, which raised $1,818,560 in equity crowdfunding in January 2022, indicating a focus on wearable technology that intersects with sports apparel. Additionally, they have engaged with other startups like Lucky Punch and Muuvr Labs, which, while not exclusively in sports apparel, contribute to the broader technology landscape that can include sports-related innovations.


5. 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, including notable transactions in the sports apparel industry. In 2020, SIGNA Retail acquired SportScheck, a specialist in sporting goods, which added 19 shops and an online platform to their offerings, strengthening their position in the German sports market. Additionally, in 2019, they acquired TennisPro, a leading online sports retailer in France and Southern Europe, to bolster their multichannel sports distribution strategy, particularly in tennis and other sports. These strategic moves highlight SIGNA's commitment to enhancing its presence in the sports apparel market, alongside its broader retail operations.


6. Burda Principal Investments


Burda Principal Investments is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in growth stage investments in digital technology and media companies. The firm provides long-term growth equity to entrepreneurs, helping them overcome financial barriers to expansion. Their portfolio includes successful internet-centric businesses across Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Notably, Burda has invested in Rockets of Awesome, a clothing subscription service for kids, which raised significant funding rounds in 2017 and 2019, indicating their interest in the children's apparel market. Additionally, they led a $16 million Series C funding round for M.Gemi, a direct-to-consumer luxury footwear brand, further showcasing their engagement in the apparel sector. These transactions highlight Burda's strategic investments in companies that operate within the broader apparel industry, including sports-related segments.


7. 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, founded in 1949 and headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany, is a prominent corporate investor in the sportswear industry. As a manufacturer and retailer of athletic footwear and apparel, Adidas serves athletes, sports teams, and consumers with a focus on performance enhancement and sustainability. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the sports apparel market, including the acquisition of Reebok International for $3.8 billion in 2005, which expanded its brand portfolio significantly. Additionally, Adidas acquired TaylorMade Golf in 2005, further diversifying its offerings in the sports sector. In 2012, Adidas announced the acquisition of Adams Golf for approximately $70 million, aiming to strengthen its position in the golf category. Beyond acquisitions, Adidas has also invested in innovative platforms like OneFootball and PlayVS, indicating its interest in the intersection of sports and technology. These transactions highlight Adidas's active engagement in the sports apparel industry and its commitment to innovation and market expansion.


8. Deutsche Bank

  • Website: db.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a prominent investment bank and financial services provider. With over 10,000 employees, it offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. Deutsche Bank serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. Notably, Deutsche Bank has been involved in significant transactions within the sports apparel context, including a debt financing deal with Adidas, which raised an undisclosed amount on April 15, 2020. This involvement with Adidas highlights Deutsche Bank's engagement in the sports apparel industry, alongside other investments in various sectors.


9. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Among its notable transactions, Partners Group invested in Varsity Brands, a company that operates in the sports apparel sector, raising an undisclosed amount in a private equity round in June 2018. This investment highlights their engagement in the sports apparel industry, alongside other acquisitions such as SureWerx, which, while focused on industrial safety, showcases their diverse investment strategy. Overall, Partners Group offers a range of investment solutions to institutional investors, private banks, and individual investors, helping them navigate the complexities of private markets.


10. Capvis AG

  • Website: capvis.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: capvis

Capvis AG is a private equity firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1990. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including healthcare and industrial technology, while also focusing on enhancing the market position of its portfolio companies through effective management and consulting. Notably, Capvis has made significant investments in the sports apparel sector, particularly through its acquisitions of Arena and Arena Italia, which are well-known brands in swimwear. These transactions highlight Capvis's strategic interest in the sports apparel market, showcasing its ability to provide long-term capital and growth opportunities in this industry.


11. 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. One of their notable investments includes 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 invested in Exakt Health, a health-tech startup focused on digital physiotherapy, which indicates their interest in health and fitness solutions. Although their primary focus appears to be on fintech through their description of OwnHome, their involvement in fitness-related companies suggests a potential interest in the sports sector, including sports apparel.


12. 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 Armedangels, a brand focused on sustainable fashion, which aligns with the sports apparel sector. They also participated in funding rounds for Urban Sports Club, a company that offers sports memberships, further demonstrating their interest in the sports industry. With 15 investments in 2024 alone, b2venture is actively seeking opportunities that may intersect with sports apparel and related markets.


13. Richemont

  • Website: richemont.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bellevue, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1988
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: richemont

Compagnie Financière Richemont S.A. is a luxury goods company based in Bellevue, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1988. It specializes in the production and sale of high-end jewellery, watches, leather goods, and fashion accessories, catering to affluent consumers who seek exclusive products emphasizing craftsmanship and heritage. Notably, Richemont has made strategic acquisitions that include Peter Millar, a lifestyle brand known for its premium sports apparel, acquired in 2012. This acquisition highlights Richemont's interest in the sports apparel market. Additionally, Richemont has invested in other luxury brands such as Gianvito Rossi and Serapian, further diversifying its portfolio while maintaining a focus on high-end products. These transactions illustrate Richemont's strategy of enhancing its brand offerings and market presence, including in the sports apparel sector.


14. 3TS Capital Partners


3TS Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in technology-focused private equity and venture capital, providing expansion capital and buyout funding to small and medium-sized enterprises in growth sectors. Notably, 3TS has made investments in companies relevant to the sports apparel industry, such as eyerim, which raised funds to accelerate regional expansion and launch a private label product line. Additionally, their investment in SafeSize, a company that offers 3D foot analysis and shoe recommendations, further highlights their engagement in the sports apparel sector. Overall, 3TS Capital Partners combines a strong technology focus with strategic investments in companies that intersect with sports apparel.


15. 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 also focusing on health and wellness. Notably, Nestlé has made significant acquisitions in the active lifestyle nutrition space, such as PowerBar in 2000, which specializes in energy bars for athletes, and Nuun Hydration in 2021, a leader in functional hydration products. These acquisitions enhance Nestlé's portfolio in the health and wellness sector, aligning with the needs of active consumers and athletes. Additionally, the acquisition of Garden of Life in 2017 further emphasizes Nestlé's commitment to organic and non-GMO products, appealing to health-conscious individuals, including those in the sports community.


16. Hannover Finanz

  • Website: hannoverfinanz.de
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: hannoverfinanz

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. Notably, Hannover Finanz has been involved in several transactions relevant to the sports apparel industry, including the acquisition of Franz Ziener GmbH & Co. KG, a company known for its production of sports gloves and accessories. Additionally, they acquired Ludwig Reiter Schuhmanufaktur GmbH, which, while primarily a shoe manufacturer, may also intersect with the sports apparel market. Their investment in MILES, although not directly related to sports apparel, showcases their broader investment strategy in the consumer goods sector. Overall, Hannover Finanz's experience and focus on growth make them a significant player in the investment landscape for sports apparel.


17. Mountain Partners


Mountain Partners is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investment management and focuses on providing funding and operational support to startups and technology companies across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. They manage a diversified portfolio of VC funds aimed at empowering innovative businesses and facilitating their growth. Notably, Mountain Partners has been involved in several transactions relevant to the sports apparel context, including Clovia, which raised funds in 2013, and Shirtinator, which raised funds in 2007. These investments highlight their engagement in the apparel sector, showcasing their interest in companies that operate within this industry.


18. bmp Ventures

  • Website: bmp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: bmpventures

bmp Ventures AG is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth startups across various innovative sectors, providing not only financial resources but also strategic advisory services to help startups navigate their growth journey. In 2022, bmp Ventures led a €4M Series A funding round for Wingfield, a Hanover-based sportstech startup that aims to improve the overall product experience for tennis players and facilities. This investment highlights bmp Ventures' engagement in the sports sector, particularly in technology that can enhance sports apparel and related experiences. Their portfolio also includes other startups, but the focus on Wingfield demonstrates their potential interest in the sports apparel industry.


19. Reimann Investors


Reimann Investors is a family office and investment firm based in Julbach, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2006. The firm focuses on managing assets and investments for its clients, with a strong emphasis on supporting visionary startups in technology sectors, particularly in B2B software, fintech, and ecomtech. Notably, Reimann Investors has made strategic investments in the sports apparel industry, including a €10 million capital investment in Keller Sports, a Munich-based online retailer specializing in sports apparel. This investment, along with their previous funding rounds in Keller Sports, highlights their engagement in the sports apparel market. Additionally, they have invested in Highsnobiety, a platform that intersects fashion and lifestyle, further showcasing their interest in sectors related to apparel.



Sports Apparel Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
Rocket Internet SEBerlin, Berlin, Germany201-50020070
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
SIGNA Group of CompaniesVienna, Vienna, Austria10001+19990
Burda Principal InvestmentsMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020165
adidasHerzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany10001+19491
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Capvis AGBaar, Zug, Switzerland11-5019900
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
b2ventureSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland11-50200015
RichemontBellevue, Geneva, Switzerland10001+19881
3TS Capital PartnersVienna, Vienna, Austria11-5019990
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
Hannover FinanzHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany11-5019792
Mountain PartnersZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020051
bmp VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5019973
Reimann InvestorsJulbach, Bavaria, Germany11-5020061


Want to find more investors focusing on the sports apparel industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the sports apparelindustry, 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!