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The outdoor footwear industry in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH region thrives on offering high-quality, durable products that cater to adventure enthusiasts and casual consumers alike. Companies range from established footwear brands like adidas to innovative startups focused on specialized materials and sustainability. Market trends indicate a shift towards eco-friendly and technologically advanced products, reflecting consumers' growing environmental awareness and interest in performance features. The surge in outdoor activities post-pandemic, coupled with a rise in e-commerce, has pushed brands to expand Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir reach and product categories. This evolution fuels increased competition but also paves Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ way for exciting partnerships and investments.

The investors listed here include private equity and venture capital firms based in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH region, ranging from small teams to substantial corporations. Headquartered in cities such as Hanover, Vienna, Munich, and Frankfurt, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se firms were founded between 1949 and 2008. In 2024, investment activity varied widely; some made significant moves in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor footwear space, while oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rs remained quiet. Notable names like Richemont and adidas showcase a combination of established heritage and contemporary investment strategies aimed at enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolios in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ evolving footwear market.

Top 12 Outdoor Footwear Investors in DACH

1. Acton Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Acton Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in investing in startups at Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series A stage and beyond. They focus on providing financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Notably, Acton Capital has invested in Koio, a luxury sneaker brand, participating in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir Series A funding rounds in 2018 and 2019, which totaled $9 million. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear industry, particularly in brands that emphasize design and quality. Additionally, Acton Capital has a diverse portfolio, having invested in companies like Knix Wear, which, while primarily focused on apparel, showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in consumer goods. Their approach to helping companies develop tailored growth strategies positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a supportive partner for brands in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor footwear space.

2. SIGNA Group of Companies

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn:

SIGNA Group of Companies, founded in 1999 and based in Vienna, Austria, is a prominent venture capital firm operating primarily in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ real estate and retail sectors. The company has expanded its portfolio through various acquisitions, enhancing its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ retail market across Europe. Notably, SIGNA Retail has acquired SportScheck, a specialist in sporting goods, which adds significant retail capabilities in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports market, including outdoor footwear. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of TennisPro, a leading online sports retailer, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ns SIGNA's position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor sports segment, which encompasses outdoor footwear. These strategic moves reflect SIGNA's commitment to diversifying its retail offerings and tapping into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growing outdoor and sports market.

3. Hannover Finanz

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
• Founded year: 1979
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. Hannover Finanz has been involved in several notable transactions, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Ludwig Reiter Schuhmanufaktur GmbH in 2010, which is a manufacturer of high-quality footwear. This acquisition highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear industry, alongside oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments such as Franz Ziener GmbH & Co. KG and MILES, which furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse portfolio. Their approach to helping businesses navigate challenges related to succession, growth, and restructuring positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a supportive partner for companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor footwear sector.

4. Richemont

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Bellevue, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1988
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Compagnie Financière Richemont S.A. is a luxury goods company based in Bellevue, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1988. It specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ production and sale of high-end jewellery, watches, leaÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r goods, and fashion accessories, catering to affluent consumers seeking exclusive products. Richemont has made significant investments in various brands, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Gianvito Rossi, a notable Italian footwear brand, in July 2023. This acquisition, valued at over 100 million euros, aims to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ global development of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ brand, indicating Richemont's strategic interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear market. Additionally, Richemont has acquired oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r luxury brands such as Peter Millar and Serapian, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r diversifying its portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ luxury sector.

5. 3TS Capital Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

3TS Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in technology-focused private equity and venture capital, providing expansion capital and buyout funding to small and medium-sized enterprises in growth sectors. Notably, 3TS Capital Partners has invested in SafeSize, a Greek startup that offers innovative 3D foot analysis and shoe recommendation solutions. They co-led a â‚�14 million Series B funding round for SafeSize in March 2023, and previously invested â‚�3 million in a Series B round in December 2016. This involvement in a company that directly relates to footwear demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector, particularly in technology that could benefit outdoor footwear consumers.

6. adidas

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1949
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Adidas is a leading sportswear manufacturer and retailer based in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1949. The company specializes in a wide range of athletic footwear and apparel, catering to athletes, sports teams, and consumers. Adidas is known for its commitment to innovation and sustainability, which is reflected in its product offerings. Notably, Adidas has made significant acquisitions to enhance its market presence, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Reebok International in 2005, which bolstered its portfolio in outdoor and lifestyle footwear. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of TaylorMade Golf and Adams Golf demonstrates Adidas's strategy to diversify its offerings while maintaining a strong foothold in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic sector. These transactions highlight Adidas's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor footwear market, making it a relevant investor in this category.

7. Quadriga Capital

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

Quadriga Capital is a private equity investment management firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in creating value through partnerships with medium-sized enterprises across various sectors, including healthcare and tech-enabled services. Quadriga Capital has a notable transaction history, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Jack Wolfskin in 2005, a prominent brand in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor footwear and apparel market. This acquisition highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor industry, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir ability to invest in diverse sectors beyond Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir primary focus. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired ETERNA Mode GmbH in 2006, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment strategy in consumer-oriented businesses. Quadriga Capital provides equity investments and strategic advisory services to help businesses achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence.

8. Deutsche Bank

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 1870
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 32
• LinkedIn:

Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a leading investment bank and financial services provider. It offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. The bank serves corporate and institutional clients, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m manage Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. Notably, Deutsche Bank has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor footwear context, such as providing post-IPO debt financing to Adidas, a major brand in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor footwear industry. Additionally, it participated in a Series B funding round for BioLite, a company that focuses on outdoor energy products, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing its engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor sector.

9. GoBeyond

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

GoBeyond is a venture capital investment platform based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2008. It connects investors with early-stage startups, offering services such as individual portfolio investing, access to curated deal flow, and investment training. GoBeyond has facilitated investments in various sectors, including notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor footwear context, such as multiple funding rounds for ShoeSize.Me, a company focused on footwear solutions. These transactions occurred in 2017, 2018, and 2019, showcasing GoBeyond's ongoing engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Spyra One and Hamac, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r diversifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio while maintaining a notable presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear sector.

10. Bosch

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Founded year: 1886
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and technology company founded in 1886, based in Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Bosch offers a diverse range of products and services across mobility, consumer goods, industrial technology, and energy solutions. In 2023, Bosch increased its stake in Husqvarna to approximately 12%, valued at around $600 million, as part of a strategy to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its battery alliance with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company, which is known for outdoor tools. This investment highlights Bosch's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor sector, which could encompass outdoor footwear as part of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader strategy. Additionally, Bosch is committed to sustainability and enhancing quality of life through its products, aligning with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ values of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor footwear industry.

11. Capnamic

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Capnamic is a venture capital firm based in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, providing funding and strategic support to startups to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m grow in competitive markets. Capnamic focuses on delivering high returns through careful portfolio management and investment strategies. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in FATMAP, a 3D mapping platform that supports outdoor sports, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor sector. In 2016, Capnamic participated in a funding round for FATMAP, which aimed to expand its platform to cover more outdoor sports, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir alignment with outdoor activities. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio includes investments in various sectors, but Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir connection to FATMAP highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir potential relevance to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor footwear industry.

12. Reimann Investors

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Julbach, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Reimann Investors is a family office and investment firm based in Julbach, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in managing assets and investments for its clients, with a strong emphasis on supporting visionary startups in technology sectors such as B2B software, fintech, and ecomtech. Notably, Reimann Investors has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor footwear context, particularly through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement with Keller Sports, a Munich-based online retailer that focuses on sports and outdoor footwear. In 2020, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a â‚�10 million capital investment round for Keller Sports, following an earlier investment in 2017. This demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor footwear market, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

Outdoor Footwear Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	1999	3
	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	10001+	1999	0
	Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany	11-50	1979	2
	Bellevue, Geneva, Switzerland	10001+	1988	1
	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	11-50	1999	0
	Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany	10001+	1949	1
	Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany	11-50	1995	0
	Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany	10001+	1870	32
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	1-10	2008	0
	Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	10001+	1886	5
	Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	11-50	2012	6
	Julbach, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	2006	1

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