Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The sports tourism industry in Benelux thrives on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ intersection of travel and sporting events, attracting millions of visitors each year. This vibrant sector includes companies ranging from event organizers to hospitality providers and travel agencies, all catering to sports enthusiasts and tourists eager to attend high-profile events such as football matches, cycling races, and marathons. As cities invest in infrastructure and host major sports competitions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ future points toward growth driven by technological advancements and increased customer engagement. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ surge in popularity of sports tourism destinations reflects a global trend as sports fans prioritize unique experiences.

The investors featured in this list are a mix of private equity firms and venture capitalists, primarily located in Luxembourg and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands. Founded between 1991 and 2017, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se firms range in size from small teams to large operations with hundreds of employees. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y collectively executed various deals, demonstrating a strategic focus on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism sector. Their diverse investments showcase a commitment to supporting companies that enhance sports travel experiences, underpinning unique opportunities in this growing market.

Top 15 Sports Tourism 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 firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately â‚�193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has a diverse portfolio, but its involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector is particularly noteworthy. They acquired Shearings Holidays Ltd, which is related to travel and tourism, and have made significant investments in sports organizations such as Dorna Sports, which oversees Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ MotoGP, and Six Nations Rugby, a major rugby tournament. Additionally, CVC's investment in Premiership Rugby furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports industry, which is integral to sports tourism. These transactions highlight CVC's strategy of delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments in sectors that intersect with tourism and sports.

2. HOWZAT Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

HOWZAT Partners is a venture capital investment fund based in Luxembourg, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in digital businesses and provides funding and strategic advisory services to early-stage companies. Their clientele primarily consists of entrepreneurs and startups seeking investment and guidance. Notably, HOWZAT Partners has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tourism sector, including investments in itravel, which raised significant funding in multiple rounds (Series A and B) aimed at enhancing travel services. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding of Travelcircus, a company that focuses on travel experiences, which aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ interests of sports tourism. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in GlampingHub, a platform that caters to unique travel experiences, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tourism industry.

3. Triton Partners

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Recently, Triton has expanded its portfolio to include significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tourism sector, notably through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Sunweb Group, a leading European online tour operator with a turnover exceeding EUR 600 million and serving approximately 1 million customers annually. Additionally, Triton is set to acquire Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tour operating activities of Corendon Holiday Group, which reported a turnover of EUR 515 million in 2018 and serves over 750,000 customers annually in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands and Belgium. These transactions highlight Triton's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tourism industry, which includes sports tourism as a vital component.

4. Mangrove Capital Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

Mangrove Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2000. They specialize in early-stage investments in innovative technology companies, providing financial support and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs. Their focus is primarily on sectors like digital health and education tech, but Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y also have notable investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel sector. For instance, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a $30M Series C funding round for Exoticca, a tour operator that aims to enhance travelers' experiences through technology and automation. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tourism industry, which can encompass sports tourism, especially as travel experiences often include sports-related activities.

5. 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. Notably, Waterland has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of GolfRange, a German golf court operator, aimed at enhancing its growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ German golf market. This transaction highlights Waterland's interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports industry, particularly in areas that can contribute to sports tourism. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness and health sector through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of LifeFit Group, which includes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ FIT/One Group, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in activities that can intersect with sports tourism.

6. Inkef

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Inkef is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage investments primarily in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ healthcare and technology sectors, focusing on mission-driven entrepreneurs. However, Inkef has also ventured into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel industry, making notable investments in companies like Withlocals, a global marketplace for personalized travel experiences, which raised $9 million in Series B funding in 2019 and $4.1 million in Series A funding in 2017. AnoÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r significant investment was in Polarsteps, a travel startup that raised â‚�3 million in Series A funding in 2019, aimed at product development and team expansion. These transactions highlight Inkef's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel sector, which is relevant to sports tourism.

7. 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 investment firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in high-growth consumer brands across various sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. Verlinvest provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate, with a strong emphasis on consumer needs and sustainable practices. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Verlinvest acquired a significant stake in The Climbing Hangar, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ leading UK bouldering gym operator, in October 2024, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports and fitness sector. This investment aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growing trend of sports tourism, as climbing gyms attract both local and visiting enthusiasts. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments include Sula Vineyards, NUMA Group, The Iconic, and Pedego Electric Bikes, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse portfolio but with a notable focus on consumer engagement and lifestyle brands.

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 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 made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector, including a recent funding of â‚�200 million for Juventus Football Club S.p.A., which is a key player in sports tourism, drawing fans from around Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ world to its matches. Additionally, Exor has invested in BizAway, a company that could potentially facilitate travel for sports events, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r linking its portfolio to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism industry. These transactions highlight Exor's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector, particularly in areas that intersect with tourism.

9. PPF Group

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

PPF Group is a diversified private equity firm based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 1991. The company operates across multiple sectors, including telecommunications, media, financial services, and biotechnology. Notably, PPF Group has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel and tourism sector, particularly through its involvement with Culture Trip, a London-based travel site that has raised substantial funding to monetize travel services and experiences. PPF Group led a Series B funding round for Culture Trip, contributing to a total of around $103 million raised by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company. Additionally, PPF Group has backed Flash Pack, a company specializing in boutique trips for solo travelers, indicating its engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel industry. These transactions highlight PPF Group's commitment to innovative solutions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel sector, which can intersect with sports tourism.

10. Accurafy4

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Accurafy4 is a venture capital fund based in Luxembourg, founded in 2018, that specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies across Europe. The fund emphasizes sustainable investments and provides tailored support to startups, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m grow and achieve Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir business objectives. Notably, Accurafy4 has invested in Sportihome, a startup that raised 2 million euros to expand its offerings of accommodations for sports tourism, aiming to increase its available listings significantly and enhance its reservation platform. This investment highlights Accurafy4's commitment to supporting innovative companies that cater to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism market. Additionally, Accurafy4 has participated in funding rounds for oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r startups, such as Fanprime and Santexpat.fr, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se are less directly related to sports tourism.

11. Airbridge Equity Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Airbridge Equity Partners is a venture capital investment firm based in Amsterdam, specializing in providing funding to scalable technology companies across Europe. Founded in 2017, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm aims to support entrepreneurs by offering not only financial investment but also active involvement to accelerate business growth. In 2019, Airbridge invested in Travelcircus, a platform that connects travelers with various travel experiences, which may include sports tourism activities. More recently, in December 2023, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y provided â‚�2M in growth funding to Campercontact, a Dutch-based motorhome information provider, to support its European expansion. This investment aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel sector, particularly appealing to sports tourists who often utilize motorhomes for accommodation during events. Overall, Airbridge's focus on technology and travel-related companies positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism investment landscape.

12. Peak

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Peak Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2008. They specialize in investing in early-stage companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ SaaS, marketplace, and platform sectors, providing funding and support to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses scale. In 2021, Peak Capital led a seed round for Heja, a youth sports management social platform, raising $4.2 million to support team growth and product development. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in various funding rounds for oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r companies, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se are not directly related to sports tourism. Their focus on innovative founders and early-stage companies positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a potential investor in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism industry.

13. Euro Media Group

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Charleroi, Wallonia, Belgium
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn:

Euro Media Group (EMG) is a corporate investor based in Charleroi, Wallonia, Belgium, founded in 1982. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, EMG specializes in media production, offering comprehensive solutions for live events, including outside broadcasting, post-production, and digital streaming. They cater to a diverse clientele, including sports federations and television channels, ensuring high-quality media production and innovative technology. Notably, EMG has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Netco Sports in September 2015, which specializes in sport second screen solutions, and EBD in May 2017, a key player in graphic enhancement and statistics for sports in Italy. These transactions highlight EMG's commitment to enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports viewing experience, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism industry.

14. LeanSquare

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Belgium
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

LeanSquare is a venture capital investment fund based in Belgium, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in supporting innovative projects across various sectors, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Cultural and Creative Industries, Enterprise Software, and Life Sciences. LeanSquare provides financial investment, expertise, and networking opportunities to startups that are at a mature stage and seeking growth. In 2023, LeanSquare participated in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector, including a seed funding round for CityLegends, which aims to broaden its marketing efforts in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports domain, and an investment in Raw Stadia, a sports tech company focused on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NFL market. These transactions highlight LeanSquare's commitment to fostering innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports industry, particularly in areas that could enhance sports tourism.

15. Endeit Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Endeit Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in growth capital investments for European tech scale-ups, focusing on sectors such as AI, fintech, and climate tech. Endeit Capital provides strategic support and portfolio management to entrepreneurs, helping innovative companies grow through expertise and resources. Notably, Endeit Capital has invested in TourRadar, which raised $50 million in a Series C round in June 2018 and $10 million in a Series B round in October 2017. TourRadar is a platform that allows users to book tours, including those related to sports events, making it relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism industry. Additionally, Endeit Capital has invested in Paylogic, a ticketing platform, which could also intersect with sports tourism by facilitating ticket sales for sports events.

Sports Tourism Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Luxembourg	1-10	2006	2
	Luxembourg	201-500	1997	6
	Luxembourg	11-50	2000	5
	Bussum, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	201-500	1999	7
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2010	4
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	11-50	1995	5
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2009	26
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	501-1000	1991	1
	Luxembourg	1-10	2018	0
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	1-10	2017	3
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2008	8
	Charleroi, Wallonia, Belgium	1001-5000	1982	0
	Belgium	1-10	2014	3
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2006	1

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