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The water sports gear industry in Benelux has evolved into a vibrant sector addressing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ needs of enthusiasts who seek adventure on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ water. Companies range from manufacturers of canoes, sailing equipment, and surfboards, to brands that specialize in high-performance wetsuits and protective gear. Noteworthy progress in technology has led to innovation in materials and product design, making gear more user-friendly and eco-conscious. Industry players are now focusing on sustainable practices and digital engagement, ensuring that Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y resonate with a growing clientele eager for sustainable and accessible water sports experiences.

The investors in this list represent a mix of corporate and private equity firms, primarily located in Belgium and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands. Each has roots dating back several decades, with varying sizes from small startups to large corporations. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir transactional activity reflected significant engagement, particularly through targeted investments in companies like Onak Canoes and strategic transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ synÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨tic ropes sector. This engagement reveals Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir shared commitment to supporting innovation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ water sports gear space, effectively bolstering Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry's future.

Top 7 Water Sports Gear Investors in Benelux

1. European Innovation Council (EIC)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn:

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC offers various funding programs, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Among its notable transactions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has invested in Evoy, a Norwegian startup that raised â‚�7.3 million for developing electric inboard and outboard systems, which are crucial for modern water sports. Additionally, Evoy received multiple grants from EIC, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ council's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ water sports gear sector. AnoÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investment includes Innomar Ocean Technology, which raised funds for its ventures, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r indicating EIC's engagement in technologies that could impact water sports.

2. Cobepa

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1957
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Cobepa is a private equity investment company based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1957. The firm specializes in providing investment management and strategic support to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth and sustainability of its partner businesses. Cobepa operates with a permanent capital base, allowing it to invest across a diverse range of industries. Notably, Cobepa has been involved in transactions such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Princess Yachts International, which raised an undisclosed amount in 2008, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ water sports gear sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have made significant investments in companies like Vegro and Gerflor Group, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se are not directly related to water sports. Overall, Cobepa's investment strategy encompasses various sectors, with some involvement in water sports through Princess Yachts.

3. The CoFoundry

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

The CoFoundry is a startup incubator and investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2015. They focus on funding and supporting entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses, providing tailored coaching and access to a rich ecosystem of partners to help startups navigate growth and funding challenges. Notably, The CoFoundry has been involved in significant transactions such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed round investment in Onak Canoes, which specializes in water sports gear, specifically canoes. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a funding round for Small Teaser, although this company does not directly relate to water sports. Their engagement with Onak Canoes highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ water sports sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant investor in this field.

4. Committed Capital

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

Committed Capital is a private equity investment company based in Amsterdam, founded in 2016. The firm collaborates with experienced entrepreneurs to maximize business potential, focusing on Dutch SMEs with proven business models and strong growth ambitions. They provide strategic, operational, and financial support to facilitate growth. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Mr. Marine, a company that operates within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ water sports gear industry, as well as oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r ventures like Platinum and Hydropack, which, while not directly related to water sports, showcase Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse investment portfolio. Their engagement with Mr. Marine highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir potential interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ water sports sector.

5. Bekaert

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Zwevegem, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 1880
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

N.V. Bekaert S.A. is a steel manufacturer specializing in steel wire transformation and coatings, serving various industries including automotive and construction. Founded in 1880 and headquartered in Zwevegem, Flanders, Belgium, Bekaert operates globally with a workforce of 28,000 employees. In 2024, Bekaert made a significant move by acquiring BEXCO nv, a leading player in synÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨tic ropes for offshore energy production, for â‚�40 million. This acquisition is part of Bekaert's growth strategy to enhance its offerings in synÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨tic offshore lifting and mooring solutions, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ emerging floating offshore wind industry. The acquisition of BEXCO, which generated revenues of â‚�40 million in 2023, is expected to create synergies and improve profit margins, showcasing Bekaert's commitment to expanding its portfolio in areas that intersect with water sports gear.

6. Sioen Industries

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Ardooie, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 1960
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn:

Sioen Industries is a corporate investor based in Ardooie, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in technical textiles and protective clothing. Founded in 1960, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has established itself as a leader in providing innovative and high-quality textile solutions across various industries, including transportation, construction, and public safety. A significant transaction that highlights Sioen's relevance in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ water sports sector is Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Dimension-Polyant, a prominent sailcloth manufacturer, for â‚�38 million in July 2016. This acquisition not only expanded Sioen's product offerings but also positioned Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ water sports gear market, as sailcloth is a critical component for sailing and oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r related activities. With a focus on innovation and quality, Sioen Industries serves businesses that require reliable textile solutions, including those in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ water sports industry.

7. Revo Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amstelveen, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Revo Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amstelveen, North Holland, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology startups across Turkey, Eastern Europe, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Baltics. Revo Capital not only provides capital but also offers growth support services, including strategic guidance, market analysis, and talent acquisition, to help entrepreneurs navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir business challenges and achieve successful growth. Notably, Revo Capital led a $7.4M Series A funding round for Zizoo, a company described as a 'booking.com for boats', which raised funds to expand into new markets, develop products, and recruit talent. This investment highlights Revo Capital's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ water sports sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in this industry.

Water Sports Gear Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	11-50	1957	2
	Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium	1-10	2015	0
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2016	0
	Zwevegem, Flanders, Belgium	10001+	1880	1
	Ardooie, Flanders, Belgium	1001-5000	1960	0
	Amstelveen, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2013	8

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

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