Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The plush toy industry in Europe is vibrant and innovative, catering to children and collectors alike. It encompasses large manufacturers, boutique creators, and companies that focus on sustainable materials. Players range from well-established brands like Steiff to up-and-coming designers specializing in unique, handmade designs. Recently, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨re’s been a growing emphasis on eco-friendly materials and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨med collections featuring popular culture characters. This shift reflects consumer demand for safe, ethical toys that spark imagination. Also, digital platforms are emerging as key sales channels, enabling brands to reach broader audiences. This dynamic industry is likely one to watch, with endless creative possibilities ahead.

The investors listed specialize in various sectors related to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy market. Primarily based in key European cities like London and Paris, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y range from venture capital firms to private equity players. Founded from 1945 onward, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment spans many years, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir long-standing presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market. In 2024 alone, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors made ambitious moves, recording a total of 247 investments. This demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to funding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of plush toy companies and bolstering a sector poised for future expansion.

Top 18 Plush Toy Investors in Europe

1. Crowdcube

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding process. Crowdcube promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy industry, including multiple rounds of funding for PLAYinCHOC, which raised significant amounts in equity crowdfunding. This demonstrates Crowdcube's active engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy market, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting innovative companies in this sector.

2. Bgf

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 53
• LinkedIn:

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK and Ireland. BGF addresses Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding gap in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market by making minority investments and offering extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in several companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ toy industry, including Wow! Stuff, where Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y committed £4.8 million to support toy development, and RMS International UK Ltd, which is involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ toy sector. Additionally, BGF's investment in Character.com, an online retailer of children’s licensed clothing and accessories, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement with businesses that cater to children, which often includes plush toys. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy market and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to fostering innovation and growth in this sector.

3. 3i Group plc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1945
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1945, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments. The firm focuses on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, 3i Group acquired Early Learning Centre in 2001, a company known for its range of toys aimed at young children, which aligns closely with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy market. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Konges Sløjd in 2022, a premium lifestyle brand offering apparel and products for babies and children, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ children's products sector. These transactions highlight 3i Group's commitment to investing in companies that cater to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ needs of children, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy industry.

4. Ardian

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn:

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1996, based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France. Specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. With a global presence and a commitment to sustainable finance, Ardian aims to create lasting value for its clients. Notably, Ardian acquired Schleich, a leading manufacturer of figurines and toys, including plush toys, in May 2014 for approximately $301.6 million. This acquisition highlights Ardian's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ toy industry, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy segment, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse portfolio that includes investments in e-commerce and logistics.

5. Cathay Capital

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 10
• LinkedIn:

Cathay Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in private equity, venture capital, and healthcare investments, supporting companies in scaling Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations globally and sustainably. Their clientele includes entrepreneurs and management teams across various industries seeking growth and transformation. Notably, Cathay Capital acquired K’NEX, a prominent player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ toy industry, on May 24, 2016, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ consumer products sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in funding rounds for companies like Kidsland and WITHWHEAT, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment activity in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader toy and children's products market.

6. Ldc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn:

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. The firm focuses on helping management teams achieve Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has invested in Paladone, a giftware company, to facilitate its expansion into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ US and oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r international markets, which may include plush toys among its offerings. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r transactions include investments in companies like Card Factory Plc and LeMieux, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se are less directly related to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy industry. Overall, LDC's diverse investment strategy and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ giftware sector position Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a potential player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy market.

7. Index Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 67
• LinkedIn:

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. They focus on building long-term partnerships with founders to drive success. Notably, Index Ventures has participated in funding rounds for Superplastic, a designer toy brand that raised $20 million in Series A funding in 2021 and $10 million in a previous Series A round in 2019. This involvement highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy and designer toy market. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Wool and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Gang, a company that aims to unite design-driven aesÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨tics with community production, which may also relate to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader context of plush toys and handmade goods. Their investment in Etsy, a platform for handmade and unique products, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement with creative and artisanal markets.

8. EQT Group

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn:

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across various sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ toy and consumer goods sectors, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of a 75% stake in Top-Toy, a company known for its toy offerings, including plush toys, in November 2015. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Flying Tiger Copenhagen in January 2013, a retailer that features a variety of toys and playful products. These transactions highlight EQT's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy market, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant investor in this category.

9. Equistone Partners Europe

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1979
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Equistone Partners Europe is a private equity investment firm based in London, specializing in management buyouts and growth capital for mid-market companies across Europe. Founded in 1979, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm has a strong track record of partnering with management teams to provide capital and strategic support aimed at long-term growth and impressive returns for investors. Notably, Equistone has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ children's product sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Vertbaudet, a brand expected to generate substantial revenue from its digital platform. This acquisition highlights Equistone's commitment to investing in companies that cater to children, which may include plush toys. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r transactions, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of The Original Factory Shop and Antler Ltd, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse investment portfolio, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se are less directly related to plush toys.

10. Verdane

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

Verdane is a private equity investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in growth equity investments, particularly in technology-enabled companies, and provides capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale. Verdane has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy industry, notably with Babyshop, a retailer that has raised significant funding in multiple rounds (over $46 million from 2016 to 2019) to enhance its market position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ children's product sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Stor & Liten, which also operates in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ children's market. These transactions highlight Verdane's engagement with companies that cater to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy and broader children's product market.

11. 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 made significant investments across various sectors, including retail and consumer goods. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Hamleys, a historic toy retailer, in 1989, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ toy industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired La Foir'Fouille, a retail chain, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir focus on consumer-facing businesses. Their strategic investments aim to deliver sustainable value and growth, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a potential player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy market.

12. Eurazeo

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1969
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 40
• LinkedIn:

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm has established a significant presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment management landscape across Europe. Eurazeo provides tailored investment strategies aimed at fostering growth and expansion in various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Eurazeo acquired Asmodee in January 2014 for approximately $132.76 million, a company that is well-known in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ toy and gaming industry. This acquisition highlights Eurazeo's interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ toy sector, which may encompass plush toys among oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r products. Additionally, Eurazeo has been involved in various funding rounds, including investments in companies like CMP Paris and Weishardt, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se are less directly related to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy market. Overall, Eurazeo's diverse investment portfolio and strategic acquisitions position it as a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader toy industry.

13. Partners Group

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

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, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ 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 acquired a majority equity stake in Schleich, a leading manufacturer of figurines and toys, including plush toys, from Ardian in July 2019. This acquisition aims to support Schleich's international growth and enhance its online capabilities, showcasing Partners Group's strategic interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ toy industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r sectors, such as hygiene products, but Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Schleich highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir relevance to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy market.

14. Mercia Asset Management PLC

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 41
• LinkedIn:

Mercia Asset Management PLC is an investment management firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia focuses on ambitious startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. In 2023, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y provided a £400,000 loan to Toyland Toyshop, a UK toy shop chain, through NPIF â€� Mercia Debt Finance, which is part of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NorÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rn Powerhouse Investment Fund. This funding aims to enhance Toyland's purchasing power and expand its stock levels, indicating Mercia's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ toy industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in various oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r transactions, such as funding for companies like Afternoonify and Warehow, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse investment portfolio while maintaining a notable presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ toy sector.

15. MMC Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 18
• LinkedIn:

MMC Ventures is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage tech companies across Europe, focusing on sectors such as enterprise AI, fintech, and data-driven health. In addition to providing capital, MMC Ventures offers strategic support to help startups grow. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy industry, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Whirli, a toy sharing subscription service that raised £4 million in a Seed funding round. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ toy sector. They also participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding of Wool and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Gang, a company that aims to unite design-driven aesÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨tics with community production, which could indirectly relate to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy market by promoting creative and handmade products.

16. Privet Capital LLP

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Privet Capital LLP is a private equity investment firm based in London, England, founded in 2008. The firm specializes in identifying and enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ value of companies in challenging situations, providing operational improvements and financial support to help businesses achieve sustainable growth. Notably, Privet Capital made a significant acquisition in March 2017 when Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Vivid Imaginations Limited, a leading independent branded toys and games company with reported revenues exceeding £80 million. This acquisition aimed to accelerate Vivid's growth and expand its product portfolio, which likely includes plush toys. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r sectors such as aerospace and event management, but Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Vivid Toy Group highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir relevance in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy industry.

17. Cabiedes & Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Madrid, Madrid, Spain
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

Cabiedes & Partners is a venture capital firm based in Madrid, Spain, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investment management and financial advisory services, catering to clients seeking assistance with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment strategies. Notably, Cabiedes & Partners has participated in several seed rounds, including an investment in We Are Knitters, which raised $150,000 in May 2013. This company, while primarily focused on knitting kits, operates within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ crafting industry, which can relate to plush toys. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Regalador.com and Zacatrus, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se companies do not have a direct connection to plush toys. Overall, Cabiedes & Partners demonstrates a diverse investment portfolio with a potential interest in sectors that could include plush toys.

18. Venrex

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn:

Venrex is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses within consumer industries. With a team size of 11-50, Venrex provides funding and strategic support to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses grow and succeed in competitive markets. Notably, Venrex has been involved in several relevant transactions, including investments in LoveCrafts, which raised funds in both Series A and Series C rounds, focusing on crafting and DIY, potentially including plush toy projects. They also invested in Stitched, which raised funds in seed rounds, indicating a focus on consumer goods that may relate to textiles and crafting, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r connecting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy market.

Plush Toy Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1001-5000	1996	21
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	51-200	2006	10
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1981	15
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1979	1
	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	51-200	1985	7
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	201-500	1969	40
	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	1001-5000	1996	19
	Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1982	41
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2000	18
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1-10	2008	0
	Madrid, Madrid, Spain	11-50	2009	0
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2002	11

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ plush toy industry?

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With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sizes.
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• ...and much more!