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The activewear brands industry in Benelux has grown substantially, catering to a modern audience that values health and wellness. Companies range from established global brands to innovative startups, offering products like athleisure wear, performance gear, and fitness accessories. A rising trend in eco-friendly materials and sustainable production practices is transforming product offerings. As consumer preferences shift toward active lifestyles, many brands are integrating technology into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir products for enhanced performance tracking. The industry is expected to see continued growth, driven by increased health consciousness and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ blending of fashion with functionality.

The investors in this list include a mix of private equity and venture capital firms. Predominantly headquartered in countries like Luxembourg, Belgium, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors vary in size and experience, ranging from smaller outfits to large, well-established firms. Founded between Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ late 19th century to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ early 21st century, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have collectively participated in numerous deals, with a noteworthy presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ activewear sector, marking a trend towards investing in health-conscious businesses. In 2024 alone, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se firms made several strategic investments, reflecting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir confidence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ activewear market.

Top 12 Activewear Brands Investors in Benelux

1. Cvc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, managing approximately â‚�193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure investments. Notably, CVC has a history of acquiring brands in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ activewear sector, such as OXBOW, which Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired in 1996, and Nazareno Gabrielli in 1989. Their strategic investment in Virgin Active in 2011, a gym chain owned by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir focus on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness and active lifestyle market, aligning with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir goal of delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments.

2. Equinox

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Equinox is a private equity firm founded in 2001, based in Luxembourg, specializing in investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Italian mid-market. The firm focuses on building partnerships with entrepreneurs and managers to unlock value for investors and portfolio companies. Equinox provides investment management and advisory services, catering primarily to businesses seeking growth opportunities. Notably, Equinox has been involved in transactions such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment in Rhone Apparel, a men’s activewear and lifestyle brand known for its innovative fabrics and performance characteristics. This involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ activewear sector highlights Equinox's potential interest in this industry, despite Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus on mid-market investments.

3. BNP Paribas Fortis

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

BNP Paribas Fortis is a banking and financial services provider based in Brussels, Belgium, offering a wide range of services including personal banking, corporate banking, investment management, and financial advisory. Founded in 2008, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm serves individuals, businesses, and organizations, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m manage Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir finances and investments effectively. Notably, in September 2022, BNP Paribas Fortis participated in a funding round for Castore, a British sportswear brand, contributing to a £50 million debt facility alongside HSBC and Silicon Valley Bank. This investment valued Castore at £750 million and is aimed at supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ brand's expansion efforts in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ competitive activewear market, highlighting BNP Paribas Fortis's involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ activewear sector.

4. Waterland Private Equity

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Bussum, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

Waterland Private Equity Investments B.V. is a private equity firm based in Bussum, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in growth equity investments and partners with ambitious entrepreneurs and management teams to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth strategies through strategic planning and operational assistance. Waterland operates across Europe and focuses on various sectors, including healthcare and sustainability. Recently, Waterland made a significant move in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ activewear and fitness industry by acquiring a majority stake in LifeFit Group, a German health and fitness platform. This acquisition is part of a broader strategy to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness sector. Following this, LifeFit Group also acquired Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ FIT/One Group, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness market and expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operational footprint. These transactions highlight Waterland's active engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness and activewear space, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant investor in this category.

5. Prosus Group

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn:

Prosus Group is a global technology investor and operator based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2019. The firm focuses on enhancing everyday life through technology across various sectors, including online classifieds, food delivery, payments, and education technology. With over 21 investments in 2024 alone, Prosus has a significant presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ venture capital landscape. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Fashinza, a B2B marketplace and supply chain platform for fashion brands, which raised $100 million in Series B funding led by Prosus Ventures. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion industry, which encompasses activewear brands. Prosus aims to create valuable products and services while fostering community growth and sustainable business practices, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a potentially valuable partner for activewear brands.

6. Sofina

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

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 has invested in HealthKart, which raised $25 million to expand its omnichannel nutrition platform, indicating a focus on health and wellness. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in The Whole Truth, which raised over $15 million in Series C funding, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in consumer goods that align with health-conscious lifestyles. These transactions suggest that Sofina is actively engaged in sectors that are relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ activewear market.

7. SanomaVentures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Hoofddorp, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

SanomaVentures is a venture capital firm based in Hoofddorp, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in supporting innovative startups primarily in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital information, entertainment, and education sectors. They provide funding, strategic guidance, and access to a broad network to help entrepreneurs grow Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir businesses. Their portfolio includes investments in various sectors, including e-commerce platforms, mobile applications, and digital marketing solutions. Notably, SanomaVentures has invested in Virtuagym, which raised $900,000 in a venture round in 2013, and Yogaia, which raised $3,000,000 in a seed round in 2015. Yogaia, in particular, is relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ activewear industry as it focuses on online yoga classes, catering to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness and wellness market.

8. Exor N.V.

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 26
• LinkedIn:

Exor N.V. is a venture capital holding company based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, 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 Fiit, which raised $8,737,024 in a Series A round in March 2019, indicating its interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness and activewear sector. Additionally, Exor participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding round for Motatos, a sustainable e-commerce business, showcasing its commitment to innovative and sustainable business models. These transactions highlight Exor's potential relevance in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ activewear brands industry.

9. Samsonite

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

Samsonite International S.A., founded in 1910 and based in Oudenaarde, Flanders, Belgium, is a prominent luggage manufacturer and retailer known for its high-quality travel bags and accessories. The company caters to both leisure and business travelers, offering a diverse range of products that emphasize functionality and style. In a strategic move to diversify its brand portfolio, Samsonite acquired Gregory Mountain Products from Black Diamond, Inc. for US$85 million in cash in June 2014. This acquisition reflects Samsonite's intent to enhance its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor market, which overlaps with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ activewear industry, as Gregory Mountain Products specializes in outdoor gear that appeals to active consumers. This transaction highlights Samsonite's commitment to expanding its influence beyond traditional luggage into sectors that support active lifestyles.

10. dsm-firmenich

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Maastricht, Limburg, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

dsm-firmenich is a for-profit company based in Maastricht, Limburg, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, operating primarily in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ nutrition, health, and beauty sectors. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company provides a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. They serve various industries by offering innovative solutions aimed at enhancing product offerings and addressing sustainability challenges. Notably, dsm-firmenich's venture capital arm, DSM Venturing, has been involved in significant transactions, including a Series A investment in Momentous, a human performance company that raised $6.5 million to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ launch of new products and technology developments. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ health and performance sector, which is closely related to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ activewear industry.

11. Graduate Entrepreneur Fund

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

The Graduate Entrepreneur Fund is a venture capital firm based in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2021. It specializes in providing funding and support to early-stage startups founded by alumni of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ universities of Delft and Rotterdam. The firm typically invests between â‚�75K to â‚�2M in ambitious founders, offering tailored support, coaching, and networking opportunities to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ challenges of entrepreneurship. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fund has invested in companies like Gymstory, which focuses on fitness-related solutions, and GetEase, which also aligns with active lifestyle Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨mes. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fund's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ activewear sector, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative startups in this industry.

12. Verlinvest

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

Verlinvest is a venture capital firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in high-growth consumer brands across diverse sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. Verlinvest provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notably, in October 2024, Verlinvest acquired a significant stake in The Climbing Hangar, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ leading UK bouldering gym operator, to accelerate its growth and expand its operations. This transaction highlights Verlinvest's commitment to investing in companies that promote active lifestyles, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ activewear brands space.

Activewear Brands Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Luxembourg	11-50	2001	1
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	10001+	2008	2
	Bussum, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	201-500	1999	7
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+	2019	21
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	51-200	1898	4
	Hoofddorp, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	1-10	2011	0
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2009	26
	Oudenaarde, Flanders, Belgium	1001-5000	1910	0
	Maastricht, Limburg, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+		3
	NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2021	9
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	11-50	1995	5

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