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The sports equipment industry in Europe is booming, driven by increasing participation in sports and fitness activities. It includes a wide array of companies that produce everything from athletic footwear and apparel to specialized gear for sports like cycling, running, and team sports. As athletes and fitness enthusiasts seek products that enhance performance and comfort, brands are investing in innovative technologies and sustainable materials. Experts predict continued growth fueled by digital transformation, e-commerce expansion, and a rising focus on health and well-being. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry is becoming more competitive, emphasizing brand loyalty and product quality.

The list of sports equipment investors highlights a mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate investors, prominently located in major European cities. Comprised of both established firms and newer entrants, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors vary in size, employing teams of 10 to over 10,000. Founded between 1945 and 2015, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have collectively made significant investments across Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment sector in 2024. Each investor brings a unique approach to funding, focusing on innovation and growth opportunities within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fast-evolving sports market.

Top 16 Sports Equipment 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 crowdfunding platform based in London, England, founded in 2010. It enables businesses, particularly startups and SMEs, to raise capital through equity investments by connecting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m with potential investors. The platform emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services. Notably, Crowdcube has facilitated significant funding for companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment sector, including Alpkit, which raised £2.25 million for outdoor clothing and equipment, and SunGod, which raised nearly £3 million for performance sunglasses. Additionally, Crowdcube supported Manors Golf in raising $750,560 through equity crowdfunding, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating its involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment industry.

2. 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 by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment sector, such as participating in funding rounds for i-Run, a sports shoe and apparel retailer, which raised 100 million euros in 2022 to expand its network and product lines. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Satisfy, which raised $2.5 million in 2021 for performance running apparel. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment industry.

3. 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 investor based in London, England, founded in 1982. The company operates a diverse range of retail brands in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports and fashion sectors, including Sports Direct and Jack Wills. It offers a wide array of products, including clothing, footwear, and sporting goods, as well as fitness services through its Everlast Fitness Club chain. Frasers Group has made several notable acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment context, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Umbro in 2005 for approximately $15.9 million and Everlast Worldwide in 2007 for around $168.8 million. More recently, in 2020, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ assets of DW Sports, which included gym and fitness-related assets, and in 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y announced Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Wiggle, a cycling retailer, for less than £10 million. These transactions highlight Frasers Group's strategic focus on expanding its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment market, making it a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry.

4. 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. Notably, JD Sports has been active in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment sector through several significant acquisitions. In 2024, JD Sports announced Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Hibbett Sports, a North American sports retailer, for $1.1 billion, which is expected to enhance its market share in North America. Additionally, JD Sports acquired Canterbury International Australia and Kukri Sports Ltd., furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ning its portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment market. These transactions highlight JD Sports' strategic focus on expanding its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports industry, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ equipment and apparel segments.

5. Almi

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, that provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 1994, Almi aims to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth and competitiveness of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Almi has invested in Skigo AB, a company specializing in ski equipment, and No More Boots, which also relates to sports gear. These investments highlight Almi's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment sector, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy that includes various industries.

6. 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, England, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses 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 sports equipment sector, including a £5.7 million investment in Source BMX, a leading BMX retailer, aimed at enhancing its e-commerce capabilities and international expansion. Additionally, BGF invested £3 million in Ruroc, an action sports protection brand, to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ launch of new products and expand its market presence. They also invested £2.8 million in Rutland Cycling, a family-owned cycling business, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment industry. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of businesses within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment market.

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, focusing on sports equipment. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding of Barooders, a used-sporting-goods marketplace that raised â‚�2.2 million in September 2022. Kima Ventures also invested in HARDLOOP, a French outdoor sports e-tailer, which raised â‚�3 million in January 2022, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment and outdoor sports market. These transactions highlight Kima Ventures' commitment to supporting startups in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment industry, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

8. Enterprise Ireland

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 48
• LinkedIn:

Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment sector, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir participation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed funding round for Output Sports, an Irish sports tech start-up, which raised â‚�1.3 million in 2020. They also participated in a subsequent funding round for Output Sports in 2025, indicating ongoing support for innovations in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment space. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement with oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r companies like Peachy Lean and CRUA outdoors showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse investment strategy, which includes interests in sports-related ventures.

9. Ldc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn:

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. They focus on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success through investment and advisory services. LDC has been involved in several notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment context, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of American Golf in 2004, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment industry. They also acquired ZyroFisher in 2016, a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ cycling and outdoor products market, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in LeMieux, a brand known for equestrian products, showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse portfolio within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment realm.

10. Altor Equity Partners

• Website: altor.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Altor Equity Partners is a private equity investment management firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in providing consulting services across various sectors, including technology and consumer products, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth for its partners. Altor has made notable investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of CCM Hockey, a prominent player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ hockey equipment market, which holds a significant share of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ global market. They also invested in XXL Sport & Villmark, a retailer that specializes in sports and outdoor equipment. These strategic investments highlight Altor's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir expertise in driving growth and innovation within this industry.

11. 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, specializing in early-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses within consumer industries. Founded in 2002, Venrex provides funding and strategic support to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses grow in competitive markets. Notably, Venrex has invested in TALA, an activewear label that raised $5.7 million to expand internationally and enhance its product inventory. They also invested in Jöttnar, a company focused on outdoor and sports gear, which raised funds in multiple seed rounds. These investments highlight Venrex's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment sector, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus on consumer industries.

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 Group has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment sector, including a £28 million acquisition of a minority stake in GO Outdoors, which plans to expand its store presence significantly. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir past investments in Halti Oy and Rohan Designs, both of which are involved in outdoor and sports-related products, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment industry.

13. 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 luxury goods manufacturer and retailer based in Paris, France, founded in 1987. The company offers a diverse range of high-quality products across various sectors, including fashion, leaÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r goods, wines, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, and jewelry. Recently, LVMH has made significant moves in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Paris FC, a French second-tier football club, in November 2024, which aims to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ club's appeal and growth potential. Additionally, LVMH acquired a majority stake in Birkenstock in March 2021, a brand that emphasizes comfort-focused footwear, indicating a strategic interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear segment that overlaps with sports equipment. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, LVMH has invested in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r footwear brands like Giuseppe Zanotti, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ footwear market.

14. 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 founded in 2005, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately â‚�193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of OXBOW, a brand linked to sports apparel, and substantial funding rounds for Six Nations Rugby and Premiership Rugby, raising over $500 million and $250 million respectively. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Bruin Sports Capital furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports industry, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategy of engaging with sports-related entities and enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio in this dynamic market.

15. 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, particularly in technology-enabled companies, and provides capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale. Verdane focuses on digitalization and decarbonization trends, primarily targeting technology companies looking to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir market position and operational efficiency. Notably, Verdane has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Silva, a provider of niche outdoor sports equipment, and investments in MM Sports and Outnorth, which furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in this industry. These transactions reflect Verdane's commitment to supporting companies that contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment market while also aligning with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

16. EQT Group

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn:

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment context, EQT acquired a majority stake in XXL Sport & Villmark in 2010, a leading sports retail chain in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Nordic region, aiming to accelerate its expansion. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Lundhags skomakarna in 2006, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports equipment industry. These investments highlight EQT's strategic focus on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment activities.

Sports Equipment Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1982	20
	United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1981	1
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
	Dublin, Dublin, Ireland	501-1000	1998	48
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1981	15
Altor Equity Partners	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	51-200	2003	6
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2002	11
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	10001+	1987	11
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	51-200	1985	7
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30

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