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The fashion retail industry in Europe is a vibrant sector marked by creativity and competition. It consists of a mix of established luxury brands, fast fashion retailers, and innovative startups, each offering unique products ranging from chic apparel to trend-setting accessories. In this fast-paced market, sustainability has become a crucial focus, as brands increasingly prioritize eco-friendly practices alongside consumer trends. Online shopping continues to thrive, reshaping traditional retail strategies. Interestingly, Europe remains a stronghold for fashion, attracting significant investments that drive growth and innovation, making it a pivotal hub for fashion retailers worldwide.

This listing showcases a mix of corporate and venture capital investors based primarily in London and Paris. Ranging from established firms like Frasers Group to emerging players like Crowdcube, each investor varies in size and focus. Notably, many have been active within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail space, with several completing over ten deals in just 2024. Founded anywhere from Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ mid-20th century to more recent years, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors provide critical capital that fuels growth within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry, helping fashion brands adapt to evolving market trends and consumer preferences.

Top 13 Fashion Retail 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. The platform emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail context, Crowdcube has facilitated notable transactions such as The Fold, which raised £1.7 million to expand its luxury women's workwear brand, and Love Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Sales, which raised over $1.2 million. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have supported Threads Styling, a fashion e-commerce platform, and Digital Brands Group, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail sector.

2. 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 corporate retail company based in London, England, founded in 1982. It operates a diverse range of brands in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports and fashion sectors, including well-known names like Sports Direct and Jack Wills. The company offers a wide array of products, including clothing, footwear, and sporting goods, as well as fitness services through its Everlast Fitness Club chain. In recent years, Frasers Group has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail space, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of House of Fraser for approximately $114.9 million in 2018 and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ planned acquisition of Matches Fashion Limited for around £80 million in December 2023. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in post-IPO equity transactions with major fashion brands such as ASOS and Hugo Boss, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic focus on expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir influence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail market.

3. 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, but has also made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail industry. Notably, Index Ventures was involved in multiple funding rounds for Nasty Gal, a Los Angeles-based fashion site, providing $40 million in Series B funding and participating in Series A and C rounds as well. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested $20 million in Farfetch, a global online luxury fashion retail platform. These transactions highlight Index Ventures' active role in supporting and scaling fashion retail businesses, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

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 Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail context, LVMH has made notable investments, such as acquiring control of Fendi in 2001, which has solidified its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ luxury fashion market. In 2021, LVMH acquired a 60% stake in Off-White, a luxury streetwear label founded by Virgil Abloh, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r expanding its influence in contemporary fashion. Additionally, LVMH has invested in Stella McCartney, a brand recognized for its commitment to sustainability, aiming to accelerate its global development while maintaining ethical luxury standards. These transactions demonstrate LVMH's active role in shaping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail landscape.

5. 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 firm 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. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail sector, including investments in Vestiaire Collective, a global platform for pre-owned fashion, where Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in multiple funding rounds totaling over $200 million. They also invested in WeDressFair, a FashionTech startup focused on sustainable fashion, which raised â‚�2 million to finance its growth. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail industry, particularly in areas that align with sustainability and innovation.

6. 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, specializing in sports and lifestyle apparel and footwear. Founded in 1981, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has grown to operate over 10,000 stores and offers a diverse range of products for men, women, and children. JD Sports has been actively expanding its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail market through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Pretty Green in April 2019, which enhances Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion sector. In June 2021, JD Sports acquired a majority stake in Missy Empire, an online fashion retailer, to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ young fast fashion market. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisitions of Finish Line and DTLR Villa LLC reflect Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategy to penetrate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ U.S. leisurewear market, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail industry. Overall, JD Sports is not only a retailer but also a significant investor in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail space.

7. 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 founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK and Ireland. BGF focuses on addressing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding gap in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has been involved in several key transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail sector, including a £4 million investment in Sophia Webster, a British accessories designer, aimed at accelerating its international growth and expanding its eCommerce business. Additionally, BGF participated in multiple funding rounds for Trouva, a curated marketplace for independent boutiques, raising significant amounts in Series A and B rounds to enhance its technology and market presence. BGF also invested £3.75 million in Oliver Sweeney, a footwear brand, to support its marketing strategy and growth initiatives. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail 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 founded in 2002, based in London, England, with additional offices in New York. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses across consumer industries. Venrex provides not only funding but also strategic support to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses thrive in competitive markets. A significant portion of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment portfolio includes Lyst, a leading fashion retail platform, where Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in multiple funding rounds: an initial Seed round in 2010, followed by Series A rounds in 2012 and 2013, and later Series C and D rounds in 2015 and 2021, respectively. This strong commitment to Lyst highlights Venrex's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail industry, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capability and interest in this sector.

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 London-based private equity investment firm founded in 1985, specializing in private equity and credit solutions. The firm partners with management teams and entrepreneurs to drive growth and create long-term value across various sectors, including technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail context, Permira has made notable acquisitions such as Reformation in 2019, Hugo Boss in 2007, and New Look in 2004. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Italian brand Golden Goose in 2020 for 1.28 billion euros, reflecting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic focus on transforming businesses into market leaders within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion industry. These transactions highlight Permira's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail sector, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to investing in and enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ value of fashion brands.

10. SoftBank Investment Advisers

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn:

SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund based in London, England, founded in 2017. The fund primarily invests in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r advanced technologies. However, its diverse portfolio includes significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail sector, notably in companies like Vuori, a SouÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rn California-inspired activewear brand that received a $400 million investment to expand its product offerings and sustainability efforts. Additionally, SoftBank invested in Vestiaire Collective, a leading platform for pre-owned luxury fashion, raising over $208 million in a Series I funding round. These transactions highlight SoftBank's commitment to supporting growth-stage companies across various sectors, including fashion retail, while fostering technological advancement.

11. 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 to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m grow. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in Dagne Dover, a New York-based handbag brand, which raised seed funding in 2014. This investment highlights Kima's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail space, as Dagne Dover focuses on growth initiatives such as hiring, scaling inventory, and expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir collection. Additionally, Kima Ventures has participated in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r seed funding rounds for startups like Wooop and KOALA.CH, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in supporting emerging companies across different industries, including fashion.

12. 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 specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately â‚�193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. Founded in 2005 and based in Luxembourg, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail sector, CVC has made notable acquisitions, including Debenhams, a well-known department store chain, and Matahari Department Stores, Indonesia's largest department store, which holds a significant market share. Additionally, CVC acquired Grupo Cortefiel, a major fashion retailer in Spain, and invested in A Bathing Ape (BAPE), supporting its global expansion. These transactions highlight CVC's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail industry and its strategic approach to enhancing brand value and market presence.

13. 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 within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail sector, including investments in Boozt, a Swedish ecommerce company, and Caliroots, a fashion retailer. In 2021, Verdane acquired a portfolio of consumer companies, including WoolOvers, which emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to driving online and international growth for fashion brands. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Babyshop, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail market. These transactions highlight Verdane's active role in supporting and growing fashion retail businesses.

Fashion Retail 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)	10001+	1982	20
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	10001+	1987	11
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1981	1
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2002	11
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	501-1000	1985	8
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	2017	14
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	51-200	1985	7

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fashion retail industry?

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