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The fitness centers and gyms industry in Benelux is dynamic and rapidly evolving, driven by increased consumer interest in health and wellness. A mix of traditional gyms, boutique fitness studios, and emerging digital platforms shapes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market, each offering unique experiences ranging from group classes to personalized training programs. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ rise of innovative fitness technologies, like fitness apps and wearable devices, is influencing consumer engagement and services provided by gyms. As health awareness continues to grow, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry is expected to expand furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r, incorporating more tech-driven solutions and flexible membership models to enhance user experience and accessibility.

The investors in this article represent a mix of venture capital and private equity firms located in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Benelux region. Predominantly established in recent decades, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se firms vary in size, ranging from smaller teams of fewer than ten to larger organizations with thousands of employees. Throughout 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y collectively engaged in numerous deals, emphasizing a strong interest in supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness centers and gyms sector. Prominent firms include Sofina from Brussels and CVC Capital Partners in Luxembourg, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ region's strategic positioning in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness investment landscape.

Top 15 Fitness Centers and Gyms 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 investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, managing approximately â‚�193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure investments. Notably, CVC has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness industry, particularly with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Virgin Active, a gym chain owned by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, in 2011. This strategic investment highlights CVC's approach of partnering with entrepreneurs and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to delivering sustainable value and growth. In addition to Virgin Active, CVC has engaged in various oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r sectors, but Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness industry through Virgin Active positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness centers and gyms market.

2. 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 founded in 1999, based in Bussum, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands. 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 focuses on various sectors, including healthcare and sustainability, and operates across Europe. Recently, Waterland has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness industry, notably acquiring a majority stake in LifeFit Group, a German health and fitness platform, in June 2024. This acquisition is part of a broader strategy to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness sector. Following this, LifeFit Group acquired Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ FIT/One Group, expanding its presence in Germany and Austria, which highlights Waterland's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness market. These transactions underscore Waterland's commitment to investing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness and health sector, making it a notable investor in this space.

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. It 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 has invested in several health and wellness companies, such as HealthKart, which raised $25 million to expand its omnichannel nutrition platform, and Twin Health, which focuses on technology and clinical services for diabetes management. Additionally, Sofina co-led an $80 million Series C funding round for Oviva, a health tech business aimed at scaling its operations. These transactions highlight Sofina's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ health and wellness sector, aligning with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ interests of fitness centers and gyms.

4. SanomaVentures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Hoofddorp, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

SanomaVentures is a venture capital firm based in Hoofddorp, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in supporting innovative startups primarily in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital information, entertainment, and education sectors. They provide funding, strategic guidance, and access to a broad network to help entrepreneurs grow Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir businesses. Notably, SanomaVentures has invested in companies like Virtuagym, which raised $900,000 in a venture round in 2013, focusing on fitness management software, and Yogaia, which raised $3,000,000 in a seed round in 2015, offering online yoga classes. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness industry, particularly in digital platforms that enhance fitness experiences.

5. Graduate Entrepreneur Fund

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

Graduate Entrepreneur Fund is a venture capital firm based in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2021. The fund specializes in providing funding and support to early-stage startups founded by alumni of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ universities of Delft and Rotterdam. They typically invest between â‚�75K to â‚�2M, offering tailored support, coaching, and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir challenges. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fund has invested in Gymstory, a fitness-related startup, which raised an undisclosed amount in a Pre-Seed round in February 2022. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fund's interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r transactions such as GetEase and Authic Labs, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se are not directly related to fitness. Overall, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement with Gymstory positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness centers and gyms investment landscape.

6. Market One Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

Market One Capital is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups across various sectors, including FinTech, HealthTech, and AgriTech. They provide financial backing and strategic support to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses grow and succeed in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir respective markets. Notably, Market One Capital participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series A financing of Eversports, a Vienna-based online sport booking service, which is relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness industry as it facilitates bookings for fitness centers and gyms. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in investments in Mindgram, a mental wellness app, which, while not directly related to fitness centers, does touch on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader health and wellness Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨me. Overall, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment strategy indicates a diverse portfolio, but Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir direct involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness sector appears limited to Eversports.

7. Capital Mills

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Gorinchem, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Capital Mills is a venture capital firm based in Gorinchem, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in providing funding solutions primarily to technology companies, offering revenue-based financing and equity investments to assist startups and scale-ups in securing necessary capital for growth. They leverage a network of investors to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir clients with strategic guidance and access to resources, focusing on fostering innovation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tech sector. Notably, Capital Mills was involved in a venture round for Snap Fitness on September 30, 2015, where Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y raised an undisclosed amount. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness centers and gyms industry, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir potential interest in diversifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio beyond just technology.

8. 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 investment firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in high-growth consumer brands across multiple sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. Verlinvest provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have recently acquired a significant stake in The Climbing Hangar, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ leading UK bouldering gym operator, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness industry. This acquisition aims to accelerate growth and expand operations within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a fundraising round for Cuure, a health-focused company, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in health and wellness-related investments.

9. Asics Emea

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

Asics Emea, a corporate investor based in Hoofddorp, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, is a subsidiary of ASICS Corporation, a renowned sportswear manufacturer founded in 1949. The company specializes in high-quality athletic footwear, clothing, and accessories designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Asics Emea has made strategic investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness technology space, notably acquiring Runkeeper, a Boston-based fitness app, for $85 million in February 2016. This acquisition allowed Asics to leverage Runkeeper's expertise in fitness tracking and user data, enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir marketing capabilities and digital technology development. Additionally, Asics has shown interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ health and fitness sector by participating in seed funding for OME Health in June 2022, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness industry.

10. Inkef

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Inkef is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2010. They specialize in early-stage investments primarily in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ healthcare and technology sectors, supporting mission-driven entrepreneurs with funding and strategic guidance. Notably, Inkef has participated in funding rounds for Urban Sports Club, a prominent player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness industry, contributing to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth and expansion across Europe. Their involvement in Urban Sports Club, which raised significant amounts in both 2019 and 2021, highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness sector, despite Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus on healthcare and technology. This strategic approach to investment allows Inkef to create long-term value while diversifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio.

11. dsm-firmenich

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Maastricht, Limburg, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

dsm-firmenich is a for-profit company based in Maastricht, Limburg, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, operating primarily in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ nutrition, health, and beauty sectors. The company offers a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients, serving various industries with innovative solutions aimed at enhancing product offerings and addressing sustainability challenges. Notably, dsm-firmenich has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness and wellness space, including a Series A investment in Momentous, a human performance company, which raised $6.5 million to support new product launches and technology developments. This investment highlights dsm-firmenich's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in companies like Rootine and Flore by Sun Genomics furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir focus on health and nutrition, which are integral to fitness and wellness.

12. European Investment Bank (EIB)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 99
• LinkedIn:

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. EIB aims to support sustainable projects across various sectors, promoting growth and job creation for both public and private organizations. Notably, EIB has been involved in financing initiatives within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness industry, such as a debt financing transaction with EGYM, which raised approximately $29.4 million in December 2017. Additionally, EIB participated in a recent debt financing round for Uspon in December 2024, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r indicating its engagement in sectors that may include fitness and wellness. These transactions highlight EIB's role in supporting businesses that contribute to health and fitness, aligning with its broader mission of fostering sustainable development.

13. Saffelberg Investments

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Gooik, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Saffelberg Investments NV is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Gooik, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in long-term investments in fast-growing ventures, particularly in technology and life sciences. Saffelberg provides not only capital but also management expertise to help businesses achieve Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth potential. One notable transaction in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio is Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment in Virtuagym, a Dutch provider of cloud-based fitness software, which raised $2.3 million from Saffelberg Investments in October 2015. This funding was aimed at expanding Virtuagym's consumer and professional services in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ health and fitness industry, highlighting Saffelberg's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness sector. The firm operates primarily in Europe and has a diverse portfolio of investments, indicating a broad interest in various industries, including fitness.

14. Endeit Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Endeit Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in growth capital investments for European tech scale-ups, focusing on sectors such as AI, fintech, and climate tech. Endeit Capital provides strategic support and portfolio management to entrepreneurs, helping innovative companies grow through expertise and resources. One notable transaction in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio is Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment in Virtuagym, a provider of fitness software and mobile applications, which raised â‚�6 million in Series B funding in May 2018. This investment highlights Endeit Capital's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness industry, particularly in technology that enhances fitness services and operations.

15. Icecat

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn:

Icecat is a corporate investor based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 1999. The company specializes in content syndication and product information management, primarily serving Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ e-commerce sector. Icecat provides structured and rich content solutions that enhance online product visibility and customer engagement. Notably, Icecat has invested in Virtuagym, an Amsterdam-based fitness tech provider, which raised â‚�3M in funding from Icecat in April 2022. This funding is aimed at supporting Virtuagym's international growth and its comprehensive software solutions for club management, coaching, and engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ health and fitness industry. This transaction highlights Icecat's involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness sector, particularly in technology that aids fitness centers and gyms.

Fitness Centers and Gyms Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Bussum, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	201-500	1999	7
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	51-200	1898	4
	Hoofddorp, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	1-10	2011	0
	NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2021	9
	Luxembourg	11-50	2017	7
	Gorinchem, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	1-10	2015	1
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	11-50	1995	5
	Hoofddorp, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	1001-5000	1949	0
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2010	4
	Maastricht, Limburg, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+		3
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	1958	99
	Gooik, Flanders, Belgium	1-10	2007	1
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2006	1
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	201-500	1999	0

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fitness centers and gyms industry?

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• ...and much more!