Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The sports tourism industry in Europe is a rapidly growing segment that combines travel and sporting events. It includes various companies that offer services ranging from organizing sports events and providing travel arrangements to accommodations that cater specifically to sports enthusiasts. This sector thrives in regions that host popular events such as marathons, football matches, and skiing competitions. With an increase in health awareness and active lifestyles, more travelers are seeking sports-related experiences during Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir holidays. Insightfully, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry is shifting towards adventure tourism, incorporating activities like cycling and water sports, appealing to a broader audience.

This list features a blend of investors in sports tourism, with types ranging from venture capital and private equity to corporate investors. They hail from major European hubs like Paris and London, showcasing a favorable investment climate. Founded between 1976 and 2015, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sizes vary significantly, with some managing smaller teams and oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rs overseeing thousands. Notably, many experienced considerable deal activity in 2024, demonstrating robust engagement within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector, a strong indicator of market confidence and growth, as evidenced by firms like Index Ventures and CVC Capital Partners contributing to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dynamic investment landscape.

Top 16 Sports Tourism Investors in Europe

1. 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. Notably, Bpifrance has participated in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism sector, including an investment in Sportihome, a startup focused on expanding accommodations for travelers, which includes sports enthusiasts. This investment highlights Bpifrance's commitment to supporting companies that cater to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growing demand for sports tourism. Additionally, Bpifrance has been involved in funding travel tech startups like Evaneos, which, while not exclusively focused on sports tourism, contributes to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader travel industry that encompasses sports-related travel experiences.

2. 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 promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism sector, including SkiYodl, which raised significant funds in 2021 and 2023, focusing on ski tourism experiences. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r relevant transactions include Homefans, which connects travelers with local hosts for sports events, and Urbs Travel, which offers travel experiences centered around urban sports. These investments highlight Crowdcube's engagement with businesses that cater to sports tourism, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a notable player in this niche.

3. 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, providing financial support and mentorship to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate initial challenges and achieve success. Kima Ventures backs two startups per week, demonstrating a robust investment strategy. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions is Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Explora Project, a French traveltech company that raised â‚�1.7 million to expand its positive-impact adventure tourism initiatives. This investment highlights Kima Ventures' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tourism sector, particularly in areas that align with sports and adventure, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir potential relevance in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism industry.

4. 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 helping management teams achieve Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Silverstone Circuit in 2013, a premier motorsport venue that hosts major events, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨reby attracting sports tourists. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Neilson Holidays in 2018, which offers active holiday experiences, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism industry. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments, such as ATPI Limited, which provides travel and event management services, also align with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader scope of sports tourism.

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 â‚�193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has a diverse investment portfolio, with notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Dorna Sports in 1998, which oversees Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ MotoGP, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Six Nations Rugby, which raised over $508 million in 2021. Additionally, CVC has invested in Premiership Rugby, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports industry. These strategic investments not only highlight CVC's focus on delivering sustainable value and growth but also Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in sectors that contribute to sports tourism.

6. 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, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth and competitiveness of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism sector, including investments in Säfsen Resort and Branäsgruppen, both of which are significant players in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tourism and outdoor sports industry. Additionally, Almi led a funding round for World's Marathons, a company that develops a global marketplace for marathon events, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism space. These transactions highlight Almi's commitment to supporting ventures that contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of sports tourism in Sweden.

7. Portugal Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Porto, Porto, Portugal
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Portugal Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Porto, Portugal, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in investing in startups with global ambitions, primarily located in Portugal, and provides both capital and strategic support to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se startups grow and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. Portugal Ventures focuses on innovative projects across various sectors, including technology and health. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have made several investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tourism sector, such as 'Algrave Sun Boat Trips', which offers boat trips in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Algarve region, and 'Live Electric Tours', which provides electric vehicle tours. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tourism industry, which is closely linked to sports tourism, as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y cater to travelers seeking unique experiences. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in Portugal, while also tapping into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growing tourism market.

8. 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, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. They focus on building long-term partnerships with founders to drive success. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Secret Escapes, a British travel deals website, which raised significant funding rounds (including $60 million in Series C and $111 million in Series D) aimed at international expansion. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel sector, which can overlap with sports tourism, particularly in luxury travel experiences related to sporting events. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Let’s Do This, a platform that facilitates participation in sports events, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports domain.

9. 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 prominent retail company based in London, England, founded in 1982. It operates various brands in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports and fashion sectors, including Sports Direct and Jack Wills, offering a wide range of products such as clothing, footwear, and sporting goods. The company has been actively expanding its footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports industry through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in December 2022, Frasers Group acquired Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ stadium of Coventry City, a significant move that directly ties Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m to a sports entity and its associated tourism potential. In January 2025, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired a 41.98% stake in Hudson Holdings Limited, which is known for its Urban Jungle sportswear chain and exclusive distribution rights for NIKE in over 29 countries, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports market. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir plans to acquire Holdsport, a SouÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rn Africa-based retail company, indicate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir ambition to expand into new markets while focusing on sports retail. These transactions highlight Frasers Group's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports sector and its potential influence on sports tourism.

10. HOWZAT Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

HOWZAT Partners is a venture capital investment fund based in Luxembourg, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in digital businesses and provides funding and strategic advisory services to early-stage companies. Their clientele primarily consists of entrepreneurs and startups seeking investment and guidance. Notably, HOWZAT Partners has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel and tourism sector, including investments in itravel, which raised significant funding in multiple rounds (Series A and B) from 2016 to 2018, and Travelcircus, which raised funds in a Seed Round in 2016. These investments highlight HOWZAT Partners' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel industry, which is closely linked to sports tourism.

11. HV Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 28
• LinkedIn:

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit, managing over â‚�2.8 billion in assets. HV Capital has been actively involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel sector, particularly through its investments in Tourlane, a Berlin-based travel startup. Tourlane has raised substantial funding across multiple rounds, including $26.3 million in Series D in November 2024, and previous rounds totaling over $100 million. This focus on travel positions HV Capital as a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism industry, as Tourlane's offerings can encompass sports-related travel experiences.

12. 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. Notably, Permira has made strategic investments in companies that intersect with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism industry. For instance, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Vacanceselect in 2015 highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel and tourism sector, while Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in PrivateSportShop in 2018 underscores Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports market. These transactions reflect Permira's commitment to transforming businesses into market leaders, particularly in areas that can enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourism experience.

13. Vitruvian Partners

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

Vitruvian Partners is a private equity investment firm based in London, UK, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in private equity and growth capital investments, supporting ambitious entrepreneurs and management teams in achieving Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth objectives through financial investment and operational expertise. Vitruvian operates across various sectors, focusing on companies with high growth potential. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel and tourism industry, including a substantial investment in Civitatis, a Spanish OTA that raised over $109 million, which caters to travelers in Spain and Latin America. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Great Rail Journeys for approximately $265 million, a company that offers unique rail travel experiences, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tourism sector. These transactions highlight Vitruvian's engagement in areas that intersect with sports tourism, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in this space.

14. ECI Partners

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1976
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

ECI Partners is a private equity firm based in London, specializing in mid-market investments. Founded in 1976, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm focuses on partnering with growth businesses to provide capital and strategic support, particularly in sectors like Cloud & Digital and HealthTech. Notably, ECI Partners has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Amber Travel, a leading rail tour business in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK, which reported a turnover of £67 million and anticipates growth. They also acquired TAG, a travel management company serving Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ entertainment and corporate markets, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel industry. These transactions highlight ECI Partners' commitment to supporting businesses that operate within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tourism sector, which can include sports tourism activities.

15. Partech

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 24
• LinkedIn:

Partech Partners is a venture capital firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 1982. The firm specializes in providing funding and support to startups across various sectors, particularly in technology. Partech focuses on helping founders navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ challenges of scaling Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir businesses through investment and strategic advisory services. They operate globally and have a diverse portfolio of companies. Notably, Partech has invested in Evaneos, a Parisian travel tech startup that raised â‚�20 million and â‚�70 million in funding rounds, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved with EuroPass and MyRealTrip, both of which are travel-related companies. These transactions highlight Partech's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ travel sector, which is closely related to sports tourism, as travel tech can enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ experience of sports tourists.

16. Ekkio Capital

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Ekkio Capital is a private equity firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in investment management for high-potential growth companies across Europe, particularly focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in sectors such as Tourism & Leisure and Healthcare & Beauty. Ekkio Capital emphasizes long-term partnerships with management teams to create strategic value and facilitate transformation and growth. Notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tourism sector include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Belambra Clubs in 2006, a company that operates holiday clubs and resorts, and PARISCityVISION in 2015, which offers sightseeing tours and experiences in Paris. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in campings.com, a platform for booking camping accommodations, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ leisure and tourism industry, which can include sports tourism activities.

Sports Tourism Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1981	15
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
	Porto, Porto, Portugal	11-50	2012	6
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1982	20
	Luxembourg	1-10	2006	2
	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	11-50	2000	28
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	501-1000	1985	8
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2006	5
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	1976	6
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	51-200	1982	24
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2001	0

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

If you want to find more investors that are active in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports tourismindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨re are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sizes.
• Portfolio: Companies Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y've invested in.
• Contact data: Key dealmakers, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir emails and phonenumbers.
• ...and much more!