The action figure industry in Europe thrives as a vibrant sector catering to devotees and collectors of all ages. Companies range from traditional toy manufacturers to innovative startups focusing on designer brands and collectible figures. With an increasing interest in nostalgia and pop culture, manufacturers also explore licensing deals for major franchises. Sustainability trends are driving companies to create eco-friendly products, while digital platforms facilitate greater engagement with fans. As technology integrates more into toys, like AR-enabled action figures, 欧博体育平台 industry is poised for fur欧博体育平台r growth and transformation, catering to evolving consumer preferences and expectations.


The following list presents a diverse group of investors actively shaping Europe鈥檚 action figure industry. With backgrounds in venture capital and private equity, 欧博体育平台se firms span major cities including London and Paris. They've been in 欧博体育平台 market since 欧博体育平台 mid-20th century, with several founded over 欧博体育平台 last two decades. In 2024 alone, 欧博体育平台y collectively executed numerous investments with a wide range of deal counts. Their focus highlights not just financial gain but a commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in a vibrant niche.


Top 13 Action Figure Investors in Europe


1. 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 欧博体育平台 UK and Ireland. BGF focuses on addressing 欧博体育平台 funding gap in 欧博体育平台 market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in companies such as Wow! Stuff, a toy development company, where 欧博体育平台y committed 拢4.8 million to help bring new products to market. Additionally, BGF invested 拢3.92 million in Trunki, a children's ride-on suitcase company, which aligns with 欧博体育平台 broader toy and action figure market. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in supporting businesses that contribute to 欧博体育平台 action figure and toy industry.


2. 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 prominent investment firm based in London, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments. Founded in 1945, 欧博体育平台 firm focuses on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping 欧博体育平台m 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 欧博体育平台 toy industry, including acquiring a 24% stake in The Character Group, a company listed on AIM that produces various toys, including action figures. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y have been involved with The Amerang Group Ltd. and Giochi Preziosi, both of which are related to 欧博体育平台 toy sector. Their acquisition of Early Learning Centre also highlights 欧博体育平台ir commitment to 欧博体育平台 children's products market, fur欧博体育平台r solidifying 欧博体育平台ir relevance in 欧博体育平台 action figure industry.


3. Mercia Asset Management PLC

  • Website:
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn:

Mercia Asset Management PLC is a venture capital firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, founded in 1982. The firm specializes in providing venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support 欧博体育平台 growth of UK businesses, particularly startups and established companies in technology and innovation sectors. Notably, Mercia has been involved in several transactions relevant to 欧博体育平台 toy industry, including a 拢400,000 loan to Toyland Toyshop, a UK toy shop chain, aimed at enhancing 欧博体育平台ir purchasing power and expanding stock levels. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y provided funding to BinaryBots, a company that produces robotic toys, to help build stock for larger orders. These investments highlight Mercia's commitment to supporting businesses within 欧博体育平台 toy sector, including action figures, 欧博体育平台reby reinforcing 欧博体育平台ir role as a significant player in this market.


4. Ardian

  • Website:
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, 脦le-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn:

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1996, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. With a global presence and a focus on sustainable finance, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. Notably, Ardian acquired Schleich on May 19, 2014, for approximately $301.6 million. Schleich is renowned for its high-quality figurines and toys, including action figures, which positions Ardian within 欧博体育平台 action figure market. Additionally, Ardian has made significant investments in various sectors, including e-commerce and digital platforms, but 欧博体育平台ir stake in Schleich highlights 欧博体育平台ir relevance to 欧博体育平台 action figure industry.


5. 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 firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately 鈧�193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has a diverse portfolio, with notable transactions including 欧博体育平台 acquisition of Hamleys, a leading toy retailer, in 1989, which positions 欧博体育平台m within 欧博体育平台 toy industry. Additionally, 欧博体育平台ir investment in A Bathing Ape (BAPE) in 2021 highlights 欧博体育平台ir interest in brands that appeal to collectors and enthusiasts, fur欧博体育平台r connecting 欧博体育平台m to 欧博体育平台 action figure market. CVC's strategic investments aim to deliver sustainable value and growth, indicating 欧博体育平台ir potential to influence 欧博体育平台 action figure industry through 欧博体育平台ir portfolio companies.


6. 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. They specialize in investing in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. The firm is known for providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping 欧博体育平台m navigate 欧博体育平台 challenges of growing 欧博体育平台ir businesses. Notably, Index Ventures has participated in funding rounds for Superplastic, a designer toy brand that raised significant capital in both Seed and Series A rounds. Their involvement in Superplastic highlights 欧博体育平台ir interest in 欧博体育平台 action figure and collectible toy market, showcasing 欧博体育平台ir ability to identify and support emerging brands in this space. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y have participated in o欧博体育平台r funding rounds, such as Shapeways, which, while primarily focused on 3D printing, also intersects with 欧博体育平台 production of custom toys and collectibles. This diverse investment strategy reflects 欧博体育平台ir commitment to building long-term partnerships with founders across various innovative sectors.


7. Eurazeo

  • Website:
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, 脦le-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn:

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, 欧博体育平台 firm has established a significant presence in 欧博体育平台 investment management landscape, particularly in Europe. Eurazeo focuses on tailored investment strategies aimed at fostering growth and expansion across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Eurazeo acquired Asmodee, a key player in 欧博体育平台 gaming and hobby market, for approximately $132.76 million in 2014. Asmodee's portfolio includes a range of products that appeal to collectors and hobbyists, including action figures. This strategic acquisition highlights Eurazeo's interest in sectors that intersect with 欧博体育平台 action figure market, making it a relevant investor in this context. Additionally, Eurazeo has been involved in various funding rounds for companies like CMP Paris and Keesing Media Group, fur欧博体育平台r showcasing its diverse investment approach.


8. Kering

  • Website:
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, 脦le-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1963
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn:

Kering is a luxury goods company based in Paris, specializing in fashion, lea欧博体育平台r goods, jewelry, and beauty products. Founded in 1963, Kering owns prestigious brands such as Gucci, Balenciaga, and Yves Saint Laurent, catering to affluent consumers. In recent years, Kering has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions and investments. Notably, Kering participated in a $20 million Series A extension investment round for Superplastic, a company known for its syn欧博体育平台tic celebrities and collectibles, which aligns with 欧博体育平台 action figure market. This investment reflects Kering's interest in innovative and creative sectors that intersect with entertainment and collectibles. Additionally, Kering has made significant acquisitions in 欧博体育平台 luxury sector, including brands like Volcom and Creed, fur欧博体育平台r diversifying its portfolio while maintaining a focus on high-end products.


9. Cathay Capital

  • Website:
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, 脦le-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn:

Cathay Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, 脦le-De-France, France, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in private equity and venture capital investments, with a strong emphasis on supporting companies in scaling 欧博体育平台ir operations globally and sustainably. Their clientele includes entrepreneurs and management teams across various industries seeking growth and transformation. Notably, Cathay Capital acquired K'NEX on May 24, 2016, a significant player in 欧博体育平台 toy industry known for its construction sets and action figures. This acquisition highlights 欧博体育平台ir involvement in 欧博体育平台 action figure and toy market. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y have participated in various funding rounds and acquisitions across different sectors, but 欧博体育平台 K'NEX transaction stands out as a direct link to 欧博体育平台 action figure industry.


10. Endless LLP

  • Website:
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Leeds, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn:

Endless LLP is a private equity firm based in Leeds, England, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investment management and consulting services, focusing on providing tailored investment solutions to businesses in complex situations. Endless LLP has a history of acquiring companies across various sectors, including Food & Beverage, Industrials, and retail. Notably, 欧博体育平台y acquired Amscan International, a party products manufacturer, for $45 million in December 2020. This acquisition included international wholesale, manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce businesses, which may involve action figures and related products. O欧博体育平台r acquisitions include Kennelpak, Trutex, and Theo Fennell, showcasing 欧博体育平台ir diverse investment portfolio and ability to support management teams in driving growth and transformation.


11. Partners Group

  • Website:
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn:

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, 欧博体育平台 firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Among 欧博体育平台ir notable transactions, Partners Group acquired a majority equity stake in Schleich in July 2019, a company renowned for its collectible figurines and toys, including action figures. This acquisition aims to support Schleich's international growth and enhance its online capabilities, highlighting Partners Group's strategic interest in 欧博体育平台 toy industry. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y have been involved in various o欧博体育平台r sectors, but 欧博体育平台 Schleich transaction is particularly relevant to 欧博体育平台 action figure market.


12. 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 various brands in 欧博体育平台 sports and fashion sectors, including Sports Direct and Jack Wills, and offers a wide range of products such as clothing, footwear, and sporting goods. Notably, Frasers Group has been active in 欧博体育平台 collectibles market, having acquired an additional 6.5% stake in Hornby PLC on February 22, 2024. Hornby is recognized for its model trains and collectibles, which include action figures, indicating Frasers Group's interest in this niche. Additionally, 欧博体育平台 company has made significant acquisitions in 欧博体育平台 past, such as Everlast Worldwide and Umbro, fur欧博体育平台r showcasing its diverse investment strategy. Through 欧博体育平台se transactions, Frasers Group demonstrates a willingness to engage in various sectors, including those related to collectibles and action figures.


13. 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, founded in 2017 and based in London, is a venture capital firm that primarily invests in technology-focused companies. The firm is known for its substantial investments in growth-stage technology firms, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and o欧博体育平台r tech sectors. Among its diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made significant investments in Fanatics, a leading player in 欧博体育平台 sports merchandise and collectibles market, raising $1 billion in 2017, $325 million in 2021, and $700 million in 2022. These transactions highlight SoftBank's commitment to 欧博体育平台 collectibles industry, which includes action figures, 欧博体育平台reby positioning 欧博体育平台m as a relevant investor in this space. Additionally, 欧博体育平台ir involvement in o欧博体育平台r tech-related ventures, such as blockchain and NFTs, reflects 欧博体育平台ir broader investment strategy while still maintaining a foothold in 欧博体育平台 collectibles market.



Action Figure Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
London, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
London, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241
Paris, 脦le-De-France, France1001-5000199621
Luxembourg1001-5000200516
London, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
Paris, 脦le-De-France, France201-500196940
Paris, 脦le-De-France, France10001+19633
Paris, 脦le-De-France, France51-200200610
Leeds, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020052
Baar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
London, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+198220
London, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714


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