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The athletic shoe industry in Europe represents a dynamic market where comfort meets performance. Companies range from established brands like Nike and Adidas to innovative startups offering eco-friendly and technologically advanced footwear. This industry caters to various sports, recreational activities, and fashion, appealing to health-conscious consumers and trendsetters alike. Growth is fueled by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ rising demand for sustainable materials, digital shopping experiences, and personalized products. Moreover, collaboration between lifestyle brands and athletic shoe manufacturers is transforming Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector, enhancing product offerings and cultural relevance.

The list of top investors features a mix of corporate and venture capital firms, primarily based in major European cities like London and Paris. Spanning various sizes, from small firms to large corporations, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors have collectively engaged in numerous transactions to support athletic shoe brands. Founded between 1945 and 2015, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir deal counts in 2024 range from one to over two hundred, reflecting a proactive stance in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ competitive investment landscape. This selection illustrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ commitment to funding innovative ideas and expanding brands within this vibrant market.

Top 13 Athletic Shoe Investors in Europe

1. Frasers Group

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 20
• LinkedIn:

Frasers Group plc is a prominent retail company based in London, England, founded in 1982. It operates various brands in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports and fashion sectors, including Sports Direct and Jack Wills. The company offers a wide range of products such as clothing, footwear, and sporting goods, as well as fitness services through its Everlast Fitness Club chain. Frasers Group has made significant acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ purchase of Umbro in 2005, a brand recognized for its athletic footwear. In 2022, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired JD Sports' fashion brands, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports retail market. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of DW Sports in 2020 and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ recent acquisition of Wiggle in 2024, which includes cycling-related products, showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports and fitness sectors. Overall, Frasers Group serves consumers looking for diverse retail options and fitness solutions, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe market.

2. JD Sports

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

JD Sports is a corporate investor based in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ United Kingdom, founded in 1981. The company specializes in retailing sports and lifestyle apparel and footwear, catering to a diverse customer base that includes men, women, and children. JD Sports operates both online and through physical stores, providing a comprehensive shopping experience. In recent years, JD Sports has made significant acquisitions to bolster its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe market. Notably, in 2018, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Finish Line, an American sportswear retailer, for $558 million, which expanded Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ U.S. market. In 2024, JD Sports announced Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Hibbett Sports for $1.1 billion, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r increasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir North American sales share. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have acquired stakes in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r sports-related companies, such as Kukri Sports Ltd. and Sportiberica, demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic footwear and apparel sector.

3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn:

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. They aim to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has participated in funding rounds for athletic shoe-related companies, such as i-Run, which raised 100 million euros to expand its network of stores and enhance its eco-responsible offerings. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y were involved in earlier funding rounds for i-Run and oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r sportswear companies like Satisfy, which raised $2.5 million in Series A funding. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe industry, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant investor in this sector.

4. Lvmh

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn:

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE is a leading luxury goods manufacturer and retailer based in Paris, France. Founded in 1987, LVMH operates across various sectors, including fashion, leaÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r goods, wines, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, and jewelry. The company is known for its exclusive brands that embody craftsmanship and heritage, catering to affluent consumers. In recent years, LVMH has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear sector, particularly in brands that resonate with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic and comfort-focused market. Notably, LVMH acquired a majority stake in Birkenstock for approximately £3.5 billion, signaling a strategic move towards comfort-focused footwear. Additionally, LVMH's investment in Giuseppe Zanotti, acquiring a 30% stake, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes its commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear market. These transactions highlight LVMH's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe industry, making it a notable investor in this space.

5. 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 focuses on investing in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, while also showing a notable interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe industry. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir relevant transactions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Tracksmith, which raised $1.6 million in a seed round in July 2014, focusing on running apparel and footwear. They also participated in a significant investment in Goat Group, which raised $60 million in a Series C round in February 2018, a platform dedicated to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sneaker resale market. These investments highlight Index Ventures' commitment to supporting brands within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe sector, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

6. 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 investment firm based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. Founded in 2005, it manages approximately â‚�193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has been involved in various acquisitions, including OXBOW and Jallate, which are not directly related to athletic shoes. However, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in A Bathing Ape (BAPE) in 2021 highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in fashion brands that may intersect with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe market, particularly through collaborations and global expansion efforts.

7. Kima Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 50
• LinkedIn:

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in Colizey, which raised $2,699,711 in a seed round in May 2020, and Barooders, a used-sporting-goods marketplace that secured â‚�2.2 million in funding in September 2022. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports and athletic goods market, aligning Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe industry.

8. 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, providing both funding and strategic support to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses thrive in competitive markets. Notably, Venrex has invested in TALA, an activewear label that raised significant funding to support its international expansion and product inventory, indicating a strong interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ activewear sector. Additionally, Venrex has backed Jöttnar, a brand that focuses on outdoor and performance gear, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing its engagement with companies that cater to active lifestyles. These transactions highlight Venrex's commitment to supporting businesses that align with athletic and activewear markets, making it a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe investment landscape.

9. Permira

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Permira is a private equity investment firm based in London, England, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in private equity and credit solutions, partnering with management teams and entrepreneurs to drive growth and create long-term value across various sectors, including technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. Notably, Permira has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Dr Martens, a well-known British footwear brand, for £300 million in 2013, aimed at expanding its global presence. In 2020, Permira acquired Golden Goose, an Italian brand specializing in sneakers, for 1.28 billion euros, reflecting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ brand's strong revenue growth and potential in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe market. These transactions highlight Permira's strategic focus on transforming businesses into market leaders within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear sector.

10. 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, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across various sectors in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK and Ireland. BGF addresses Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding gap in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in several companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear sector, including a £3.5 million investment in Moda in Pelle to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company expand its footwear stores and enhance its e-commerce capabilities. Additionally, BGF invested £3.75 million in Oliver Sweeney, which aims to implement a new marketing strategy and expand its licensing channels. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear industry, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market.

11. 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, primarily targeting technology-enabled companies. Verdane provides capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale, with a focus on digitalization and decarbonization trends. Notably, Verdane has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe context, including investments in Outnorth, a company that specializes in outdoor gear, and MM Sports, which also operates in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Silva, a provider of niche outdoor sports equipment, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader sports and outdoor market, which often intersects with athletic footwear.

12. 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. Notably, 3i has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear industry, including an investment in Clarks Americas in 1988, which is recognized for its range of shoes, including athletic options. Additionally, 3i acquired a significant minority stake in GO Outdoors in 2011, a retailer that offers outdoor gear and apparel, which may include athletic footwear. These transactions highlight 3i's historical engagement with companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear sector, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir recent focus appears to be broader and less specifically targeted at athletic shoes.

13. Apax

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Apax Partners LLP is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including technology, internet/consumer, healthcare, and services. Apax collaborates with management teams of high-potential companies to drive growth and innovation, serving institutional investors seeking to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capital through strategic investments in private equity funds. Notably, Apax has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic shoe and apparel sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Cole Haan LLC from NIKE, Inc. for $570 million in 2013, which is a prominent brand in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic and lifestyle footwear market. Additionally, Apax acquired Spyder Active Sports in 2004, a company that focuses on active sports apparel, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating its engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ athletic industry.

Athletic Shoe Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1982	20
	United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1981	1
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	10001+	1987	11
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2002	11
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	501-1000	1985	8
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	51-200	1985	7
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1981	8

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