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The sports apparel industry in Benelux thrives as a blend of function and fashion, showcasing brands that cater to sports enthusiasts and everyday consumers alike. With an emphasis on innovation and sustainability, companies produce a wide array of products ranging from activewear to specialty athletic gear. The sector is witnessing a shift towards eco-friendly materials and technologies, appealing to an increasingly conscious consumer base. Market dynamics are driven by e-commerce growth and changing lifestyles, revealing promising potential for new entrants and established players as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y respond to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ rising demand for fitness and outdoor activities.

The list of investors features a mix of corporate, private equity, and venture capital firms headquartered across Benelux. With sizes ranging from limited partners to significant firms, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investors have collectively made 63 deals in 2024. Their inception years span from 1994 to 2016. Each investor shows a strategic interest that reflects Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir focus, aligning Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir financial support with burgeoning opportunities in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports apparel sector.

Top 12 Sports Apparel 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 it has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports apparel sector, notably acquiring OXBOW, a brand known for its surf and sports apparel, in 1996, and Pacific Brands, which includes well-known apparel brands, in 2001. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, CVC has engaged in substantial funding rounds for sports organizations such as Premiership Rugby and Six Nations Rugby, indicating a strong connection to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports industry.

2. 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 apparel context, including a recent funding expectation of â‚�200 million for Juventus Football Club S.p.A., which is heavily involved in sports merchandise and apparel. Additionally, Exor participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed funding of CARIUMA, a brand known for its sustainable sneakers, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing its engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports apparel industry. These transactions highlight Exor's strategic interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports and apparel market, complementing its broader investment strategy.

3. Samsonite

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

Samsonite International S.A. is a corporate investor based in Oudenaarde, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in high-quality travel bags and accessories. Founded in 1910, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has established itself as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ world's largest travel luggage manufacturer and retailer. In recent years, Samsonite has expanded its brand portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including High Sierra Sport Company for $110 million in 2012, which enhances its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ North American casual bag market, and Gregory Mountain Products for $85 million in 2014, aimed at strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ning its foothold in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ outdoor market. Additionally, Samsonite has acquired oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r brands such as Saxoline Traveller and eBags.com, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r diversifying its offerings. These transactions reflect Samsonite's commitment to not only serving travelers but also tapping into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports and outdoor apparel market.

4. Vendis Capital

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Machelen, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Vendis Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Machelen, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in consumer scale-ups, providing capital and strategic support to help businesses grow internationally and implement effective digitalization strategies. Vendis Capital has a strong track record of investing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion and apparel sector, having acquired a majority stake in Petrol Industries, a Dutch fashion brand, and Noppies, a brand focused on maternity and children's clothing. These transactions highlight Vendis Capital's commitment to enhancing market presence and achieving sustainable growth for its portfolio companies, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a valuable partner for businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports apparel industry.

5. 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 various sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. They provide long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notably, Verlinvest has made significant investments in companies that intersect with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports and fitness industry, such as The Climbing Hangar, a leading UK bouldering gym operator, which Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired to accelerate growth and expand operations. This investment reflects Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting brands that prioritize consumer needs and sustainable practices. Their portfolio also includes investments in fashion and lifestyle brands, indicating a broader interest in consumer goods that may encompass sports apparel.

6. Quadrivio Group

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Quadrivio Group is a private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2000, specializing in investment management. The firm focuses on transforming small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into small multinationals through specialized funds in various sectors, including Lifestyle, Industry 4.0, and Silver Economy. Quadrivio Group has been active in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ apparel industry, with notable transactions such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Dondup, a fashion brand, and Ferrante Brands, which owns Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Filippo De Laurentiis label. Their investment in Sessùn, a French women's ready-to-wear brand, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ apparel sector. These transactions reflect Quadrivio's strategy to enhance brand presence and expand into new markets, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ US and Asia, which are crucial for growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports apparel segment.

7. 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 specializes in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs by providing both investment and guidance to help accelerate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth. While Forward Venture Capital focuses on various sectors, including digital commerce and SaaS, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have also invested in companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports apparel context. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed round for Halfdays, which raised $1.5 million in September 2021, a company that specializes in outdoor apparel. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r transactions such as Roccamore and Volumental, which, while not strictly sports apparel, indicate a broader interest in fashion and footwear. Their recent investment in TO THE MARKET, which raised $2,178,644 in October 2023, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in supporting innovative brands, potentially including those in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports apparel space.

8. 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, primarily in innovative technology companies, and provide financial support and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs. Their focus is on sectors like digital health and education tech, but Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have also invested in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion industry. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in funding rounds for KupiVIP, a leading online shopping club in Russia that sells fashion and accessories, and Outfittery, a Berlin-based curated shopping startup. These investments highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ apparel sector, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir versatility as investors in both technology and fashion-related ventures.

9. 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 help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses scale and succeed. In 2021, Peak Capital led a $4.2 million seed round for Heja, a youth sports management social platform, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have made various investments in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r sectors, such as fashion with United Wardrobe, a second-hand fashion marketplace, which shows Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse investment strategy. However, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir focus remains largely outside of traditional sports apparel, as evidenced by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r transactions.

10. 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 various sectors, including healthcare and sustainability, and has been active in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness industry through its acquisition of LifeFit Group, a German health and fitness platform. This acquisition, along with LifeFit's subsequent acquisition of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ FIT/One Group, highlights Waterland's commitment to expanding its footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness sector, which is closely related to sports apparel. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of RUF Group and Napoleon Games Group, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se are less relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports apparel context.

11. 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 aims to provide financial investment, expertise, and networking opportunities to mature startups seeking growth. In 2023, LeanSquare participated in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tech space, including a seed funding round for Raw Stadia, which raised $1.63M to expand into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ US NFL market. Additionally, LeanSquare was part of a syndicate that invested in 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 transactions highlight LeanSquare's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports industry, particularly in technology and innovation related to sports.

12. Lrm

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Hasselt, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

LRM is a venture capital investment company founded in 1994, based in Hasselt, Flanders, Belgium. The firm focuses on sustainable economic growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Limburg region, providing financing and expertise to startups, scale-ups, and mature companies. LRM is involved in various sectors, including real estate development and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ reconversion of old mining sites. Notably, LRM has invested in sports-related companies, such as Raw Stadia, a sports tech company that raised $1.63M to expand into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ US market with a focus on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NFL. Additionally, LRM has supported Classified Cycling, which raised $2,358,741 in a seed round, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ cycling and sports apparel market. These transactions highlight LRM's commitment to fostering innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports industry.

Sports Apparel Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2009	26
	Oudenaarde, Flanders, Belgium	1001-5000	1910	0
	Machelen, Flanders, Belgium	11-50	2009	3
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	11-50	1995	5
	Luxembourg	11-50	2000	3
	The Hague, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	1-10	2016	2
	Luxembourg	11-50	2000	5
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2008	8
	Bussum, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	201-500	1999	7
	Belgium	1-10	2014	3
	Hasselt, Flanders, Belgium	51-200	1994	1

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports apparel industry?

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