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The athletic shoe industry in Benelux is a vibrant sector where innovation meets demand for performance and style. Companies range from well-established brands like ASICS to emerging startups focused on sustainability and fit technology. The market caters to a variety of consumers, including athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike. Notably, eco-friendly products are gaining traction, reflecting growing consumer interest in sustainable practices. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, as e-commerce ramps up, brands are leveraging digital platforms to connect directly with customers, reshaping how athletic shoes are marketed and sold. This industry is poised for continued growth, influenced by ever-evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements.

The investors in this list reflect a rich tapestry of venture capital and private equity funding in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Benelux athletic shoe space. Predominantly situated in Amsterdam and Brussels, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se firms range in size from small teams to large institutions, such as BNP Paribas Fortis. Founded as early as 1898, each investor brings a unique approach, with varying levels of deal activity in 2024, from two to over twenty investments. Their interests span traditional footwear and emergent technologies, reinforcing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry's dynamic nature, driven by creative entrepreneurs and innovation.

Top 11 Athletic Shoe Investors in Benelux

1. 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 investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe context, including a seed round investment in CARIUMA, a brand known for its sustainable sneakers. Additionally, Exor has invested in luxury brands like Christian Louboutin, which, while not directly athletic shoe-focused, indicates a broader interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion and footwear sectors. This diverse investment strategy positions Exor as a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market, with potential implications for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe industry.

2. Forward Venture Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: The Hague, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Forward Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in The Hague, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2016. The firm supports early-stage entrepreneurs by providing investment and guidance to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m accelerate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth. While Forward Venture Capital focuses on various sectors, including digital commerce and SaaS, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have also made notable investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe context. For instance, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Roccamore, a shoe brand, and Volumental, which specializes in foot scanning technology that can enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fit and comfort of athletic shoes. Their involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se transactions indicates a commitment to supporting innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear industry, particularly in areas that intersect with athletic performance and consumer needs.

3. 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 led a â‚�25 million Series C funding round for Spartoo, a European online footwear and bag retailer, which has raised a total of â‚�45 million to date. This investment highlights Sofina's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear market, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of online retail, which is relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe industry. Additionally, Sofina has participated in various oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r funding rounds across different sectors, showcasing its diverse investment portfolio.

4. 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 Cultural and Creative Industries, Enterprise Software, and Life Sciences. LeanSquare aims to provide financial investment, expertise, and networking opportunities to startups that are at a mature stage and seeking growth. In recent transactions, LeanSquare has invested in Raw Stadia, a sports tech company that raised $1.63M to expand into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ US market, particularly focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NFL. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a seed funding round for CityLegends, which received close to â‚�1 million to enhance its marketing efforts and user base in Western Europe and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ US. These investments highlight LeanSquare's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector, aligning Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe industry.

5. Noshaq

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Belgium
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn:

Noshaq is a venture capital investment fund based in Belgium, founded in 1985. It provides financial solutions and strategic support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ province of Liege, focusing on funding, project structuring, and business development. While Noshaq primarily targets sectors such as biotech and sustainable development, it has also made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports technology space. Notably, Noshaq participated in funding rounds for MYOCENE, a Belgian-based sportstech company, which raised funds to prepare for its 'Go to Market product' launch, indicating a direct connection to athletic products. Additionally, Noshaq invested in Raw Stadia, a sports tech company aiming to expand into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ US market with a focus on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NFL, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlighting its engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic sector. These transactions demonstrate Noshaq's potential relevance to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe industry.

6. 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 prominent banking and financial services provider based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2008. The firm offers a comprehensive range of services, including personal banking, corporate banking, investment management, and financial advisory, catering to individuals, businesses, and organizations. In 2022, BNP Paribas Fortis participated in a significant funding round for Castore, a British sportswear brand, contributing to a £50 million investment alongside HSBC and Silicon Valley Bank. This funding, structured as a debt facility, valued Castore at £750 million and is aimed at supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company's expansion efforts in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ competitive athletic apparel market. This transaction highlights BNP Paribas Fortis's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe and sportswear industry, reinforcing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir role as an investor in this sector.

7. 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. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies primarily within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ SaaS, marketplace, and platform sectors. They leverage Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir experience as former entrepreneurs to provide funding and support to innovative founders, helping businesses scale and succeed. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Peak Capital invested in Heja, a youth sports management social platform, which raised $4.2 million in a seed round. This investment reflects Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments, such as in United Wardrobe (a second-hand fashion marketplace) and Patri (a SaaS company), indicate a broader focus beyond just athletic shoes. Overall, while Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have some involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports industry, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir primary investment strategy does not center on athletic footwear.

8. Karmijn Kapitaal

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Karmijn Kapitaal is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, specializing in investments in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands. Founded in 2010, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm focuses on providing growth capital, acquisition financing, and management buy-out support, with a strong emphasis on diversity in management teams. Karmijn Kapitaal has been actively involved in enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ operations of its portfolio companies to drive sustainable growth. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Fred de la Bretonière Webshop BV, a prominent shoe and bag brand in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, on December 17, 2014, and King Louie on September 14, 2017. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear industry, particularly with brands that may have athletic shoe offerings.

9. Asics Emea

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Hoofddorp, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1949
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn:

Asics Emea, based in Hoofddorp, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, is a corporate investor and a prominent player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sportswear industry, particularly known for producing high-quality athletic footwear, clothing, and accessories. Founded in 1949, ASICS Corporation caters to athletes and fitness enthusiasts, offering products designed for performance and comfort. The company operates an online store and promotes a membership program for additional benefits. Notably, Asics has made significant acquisitions to bolster its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic market, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness app Runkeeper for $85 million in 2016, which allows Asics to leverage user data for enhanced marketing and digital technology development. Additionally, Asics acquired its North American distributor, Agence Québec Plus Ltd., in 2010, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its distribution capabilities in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic footwear market.

10. LUMO Labs

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

LUMO Labs is a venture capital firm based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in impact-driven investments in emerging technologies, providing funding and tailored support programs to early-stage startups that address social and environmental challenges. Their focus is primarily on fostering innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ technology sector, particularly in areas such as AI and Blockchain. Notably, LUMO Labs participated in a recent funding round for CityLegends, which received close to â‚�1 million in seed funding. This investment, alongside oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investors including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Dutch Sport Tech Fund, highlights LUMO Labs' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tech space, which is relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir previous investment in CityLegends in 2021 furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir ongoing interest in this sector.

11. Convent Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Convent Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in sustainable investments and growth capital provision, primarily targeting small to medium-sized enterprises in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Benelux region and innovative companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ AgriFood sector. Notably, Convent Capital has participated in several funding rounds for SafeSize, a Greek startup that offers a 3D foot analysis and shoe recommendation solution. Their involvement in SafeSize includes co-leading a â‚�14 million Series B funding round in March 2023, as well as participating in earlier funding rounds in 2016 and 2019. This engagement highlights Convent Capital's interest in technologies that enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe industry, particularly through innovative solutions that improve consumer experience in footwear selection.

Athletic Shoe Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2009	26
	The Hague, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	1-10	2016	2
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	51-200	1898	4
	Belgium	1-10	2014	3
	Belgium	11-50	1985	11
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	10001+	2008	2
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2008	8
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2010	1
	Hoofddorp, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	1001-5000	1949	0
	Eindhoven, North Brabant, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2016	5
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	1-10	2011	2

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