The outdoor footwear industry in Benelux is vibrant, marked by brands that cater to adventurers and leisure enthusiasts alike. Companies in this sector range from established footwear giants to innovative startups, each focusing on performance and sustainability. With a rise in eco-conscious consumerism, many producers are adopting environmentally-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices. As outdoor activities gain popularity, especially among younger generations, the industry is likely to expand further. Expect to see technological advancements like improved grip soles and breathable materials, aligning newly-developed products with consumer demands for both style and functionality.

The investment scene surrounding outdoor footwear in Benelux features corporate giants like Samsonite, alongside agile venture capital firms such as Verlinvest and Convent Capital. These investors collectively offer various funding strategies, from corporate equity to seed rounds that help emerging brands flourish. Spread across notable cities like Amsterdam and Brussels, their diverse portfolios reflect the dynamic nature of theindustry. In 2024, these investors completed a total of 38 deals, showcasing their commitment to growth within this niche market as they actively support different stages of company development.

Top 8 Outdoor Footwear Investors in Benelux

1. Samsonite

• Website: samsonite.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Oudenaarde, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 1910
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: samsonite

Samsonite International S.A. is a luggage manufacturer and retailer based in Oudenaarde, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in high-quality travel bags and accessories. Founded in 1910, the company has a diverse product range designed for both leisure and business travelers. In recent years, Samsonite has strategically expanded its brand portfolio to include outdoor-related products through significant acquisitions. Notably, in 2014, Samsonite acquired Gregory Mountain Products for $85 million, enhancing its presence in the outdoor market. Additionally, the acquisition of High Sierra Sport Company for $110 million in 2012 marked a significant step in strengthening its foothold in the casual bag market, which often intersects with outdoor activities. These transactions reflect Samsonite's commitment to diversifying its offerings beyond traditional luggage, positioning itself within the outdoor gear sector.

2. Exor N.V.

• Website: exor.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 26
• LinkedIn: exor_2

Exor N.V. is a holding company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. It operates across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, and media, and manages a diverse portfolio of companies such as Ferrari, Stellantis, and Philips. Exor focuses on enhancing value through strategic investments and operational support. Notably, Exor has invested in CARIUMA, a brand that emphasizes sustainable footwear, which aligns with the outdoor footwear market. Additionally, they have participated in seed funding rounds for other fashion-related companies like Apparis and have shown interest in luxury brands such as Christian Louboutin. These transactions suggest that while Exor is not exclusively focused on outdoor footwear, they do engage in investments that touch upon the footwear industry, particularly in sustainable and fashion-forward segments.

3. Verlinvest

• Website: verlinvest.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: verlinvest

Verlinvest is a Brussels-based venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in high-growth consumer brands across various sectors such as food, beverage, health, and technology. The firm provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notably, Verlinvest has made significant investments in companies like The Climbing Hangar, a leading UK bouldering gym operator, which highlights their interest in the outdoor and active lifestyle market. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to consumer needs and sustainable practices, making them a potential investor in outdoor footwear brands that align with these values.

4. Sofina

• Website: sofinagroup.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1898
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: sofina

Sofina is a venture capital investment company based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1898. The firm specializes in providing patient capital to growing businesses across various sectors, including telecommunications, consumer goods, and energy. Sofina partners with entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses, offering strategic advice and long-term investment solutions to foster sustainable growth. Notably, Sofina led a €25 million Series C funding round for Spartoo, a European online footwear and bag retailer, which highlights their engagement in the footwear industry. This investment supports Spartoo's aggressive expansion across the European market, indicating Sofina's interest in the footwear sector. Other transactions include investments in companies like Lyskraft and Privalia, but these are not directly related to outdoor footwear.

5. NPM Capital

• Website: npm-capital.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 1948
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: npm-capital

NPM Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1948. The firm focuses on supporting medium-sized and large companies, particularly family-owned enterprises in the Benelux region. NPM Capital provides capital and strategic advisory services to help these businesses achieve growth and sustainability. The firm operates across various sectors, including technology and education, but has also made significant investments in the outdoor industry. Notably, NPM Capital acquired Outdoor Life Group on January 1, 2006, which is involved in the outdoor sector, indicating their interest in outdoor footwear and related products. This acquisition highlights NPM Capital's commitment to long-term partnerships with its portfolio companies, including those in the outdoor footwear space.

6. Karmijn Kapitaal

• Website: karmijnkapitaal.nl
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: karmijn-kapitaal

Karmijn Kapitaal is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, specializing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Netherlands. Founded in 2010, the firm focuses on providing growth capital, acquisition financing, and management buy-out support, with a strong emphasis on diversity in management teams. Karmijn Kapitaal actively collaborates with its portfolio companies to enhance operations and drive sustainable growth. Notably, they have acquired Fred de la Bretonière, a prominent shoe and bag brand, and King Louie, further establishing their footprint in the footwear industry. These transactions highlight their commitment to investing in brands that contribute to the footwear market, making them a relevant player in the outdoor footwear sector.

7. Parcom Capital

• Website: parcomcapital.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Schiphol, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: parcom-capital

Parcom Capital is a corporate investment firm based in Schiphol, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1982. Specializing in private equity, Parcom focuses on unlocking the potential of businesses by providing investment management and strategic support to entrepreneurs and management teams. They partner with various companies across multiple sectors to facilitate sustainable growth and transformation. Recently, Parcom Capital made headlines with their acquisition of Just Brands on April 18, 2024, which is relevant in the context of outdoor footwear as it suggests their engagement in this market. This transaction highlights Parcom's strategy of investing in companies that can benefit from their expertise and support, potentially including those in the outdoor footwear space.

8. Convent Capital

• Website: conventcapital.nl
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: convent-capital

Convent Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in sustainable investments and growth capital provision, primarily targeting small to medium-sized enterprises in the Benelux region. Convent Capital has a notable focus on innovative companies, particularly in the AgriFood sector, but they have also made significant investments in the footwear industry. One of their key transactions includes participation in a Series B funding round for SafeSize, a Greek startup that offers a 3D foot analysis and shoe recommendation solution. This investment, which was part of a €14 million funding round announced in March 2023, highlights Convent Capital's interest in companies that enhance the footwear shopping experience, making them relevant to the outdoor footwear market. Their commitment to supporting businesses in achieving sustainability further aligns with the values of many outdoor footwear brands.

Outdoor Footwear Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

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