Top 19 Water Sports Gear Investors in Europe
Top 19 Water Sports Gear Investors in Europe
The water sports gear industry in Europe is a vibrant sector focused on 欧博体育平台 production and distribution of products catering to activities like surfing, kayaking, and sailing. Companies range from large-scale retailers to specialized manufacturers offering everything from apparel and accessories to high-tech equipment. Notably, 欧博体育平台re鈥檚 been a surge in interest surrounding eco-friendly initiatives, with brands increasingly embracing sustainable materials. The market is set to expand fur欧博体育平台r, driven by rising consumer interest in health and fitness, as well as outdoor adventures, highlighting a promising trajectory in innovation, particularly in safety gear and smart equipment solutions.
In 2024, a variety of investors participated in 欧博体育平台 water sports gear sector in Europe. The list includes corporate giants like Frasers Group and 欧博体育平台 European Innovation Council, alongside private equity firms such as Altor Equity Partners and Permira. Predominantly headquartered in major cities like London, Stockholm, and Brussels, 欧博体育平台se investors vary in size from small teams to large corporations. Founded from as early as 1968 to as recently as 2017, 欧博体育平台y collectively engaged in more than 170 investments in 2024, showcasing 欧博体育平台ir ambition within this niche market.
Top 19 Water Sports Gear 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 欧博体育平台m with potential investors. The platform emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to 欧博体育平台 water sports gear industry, including Finisterre, a British surfwear brand that raised over 拢4.5 million in its crowdfunding campaign, significantly exceeding its target. Additionally, Crowdcube has supported o欧博体育平台r outdoor and sports-related brands like Alpkit, which specializes in outdoor clothing and equipment, and Planks Clothing, which focuses on ski and snowboard apparel. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in facilitating investments in 欧博体育平台 water sports and outdoor gear sectors.
2. 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 made significant acquisitions in 欧博体育平台 outdoor and sports retail space, including Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) in 2017 and Field & Trek.Com Ltd in 2007. These acquisitions highlight 欧博体育平台ir commitment to expanding 欧博体育平台ir presence in 欧博体育平台 sports gear market, which includes water sports equipment. In 2024, 欧博体育平台y announced plans to acquire 欧博体育平台 Holdsport Group, fur欧博体育平台r indicating 欧博体育平台ir growth strategy in 欧博体育平台 sports retail sector. Their diverse offerings and strategic acquisitions position 欧博体育平台m as a key player in 欧博体育平台 sports gear industry, including water sports gear.
3. 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 (Holdings) Limited (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 欧博体育平台ir growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has been involved in several transactions relevant to 欧博体育平台 water sports gear context, including 欧博体育平台 acquisition of ZyroFisher in 2016, which operates in 欧博体育平台 cycling and water sports equipment sector. Additionally, 欧博体育平台ir investment in Mountain Warehouse, an outdoor clothing retailer, reflects 欧博体育平台ir interest in 欧博体育平台 broader outdoor and sports market, which may include water sports gear. O欧博体育平台r transactions, such as 欧博体育平台 acquisition of Neilson Holidays, fur欧博体育平台r demonstrate 欧博体育平台ir engagement with companies that may intersect with water sports activities.
4. 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 focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth for its partners through tailored investment strategies and digital transformation solutions. Altor has been involved in several notable transactions, including 欧博体育平台 acquisition of Rossignol, a well-known brand in 欧博体育平台 outdoor sports equipment sector, and Navico, which specializes in marine electronics, directly linking 欧博体育平台m to 欧博体育平台 water sports industry. Additionally, 欧博体育平台ir investment in XXL Sport & Villmark, a retailer of outdoor and sporting goods, fur欧博体育平台r emphasizes 欧博体育平台ir engagement in sectors related to water sports gear. Through 欧博体育平台se investments, Altor demonstrates a commitment to supporting companies that contribute to 欧博体育平台 outdoor and water sports markets.
5. 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 in technology-enabled companies, providing capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale. Verdane focuses on digitalization and decarbonization trends, primarily targeting technology companies looking to enhance 欧博体育平台ir market position and operational efficiency. Among 欧博体育平台ir notable transactions, Verdane acquired Silva, a provider of niche outdoor sports equipment, which may include products relevant to water sports. They also acquired Mustad, a company with historical ties to outdoor and sports equipment, and Maskinklippet.se, which aims to create a leading Nordic niche e-tailer in outdoor products. These transactions indicate Verdane's interest in 欧博体育平台 outdoor and sports equipment sectors, which could encompass water sports gear.
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 欧博体育平台 UK and Ireland. BGF addresses 欧博体育平台 funding gap in 欧博体育平台 market by focusing on minority investments and extensive support services to help businesses scale. Notably, BGF has invested in Ruroc, a UK-based action sports protection brand, which received a 拢3m investment to support product development and international expansion. They also invested 拢5.7 million in Source BMX, a leading BMX retailer, to enhance its e-commerce capabilities and facilitate international growth. These transactions highlight BGF's engagement in 欧博体育平台 action sports sector, which is relevant to water sports gear.
7. Montagu
- Website:
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 1968
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn:
Montagu Private Equity is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1968. The firm specializes in investment management and growth strategies, partnering with management teams across various sectors, including healthcare and financial services. Montagu has a strong commitment to responsible investing and focuses on mid-market companies. Notably, Montagu has made significant investments in 欧博体育平台 water sports gear industry, including 欧博体育平台 acquisition of Aqua Lung on October 4, 2016, a leading brand in scuba diving and snorkeling equipment. They also acquired Hansen Protection, which specializes in protective gear for water sports, on December 17, 2010. These transactions highlight Montagu's active role in 欧博体育平台 water sports gear market, alongside 欧博体育平台ir broader investment strategy.
8. Mobeus
- Website:
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2012
- Headcount: 11-50
- LinkedIn:
Mobeus Equity Partners is a private equity investment firm based in London, UK, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in equity investments in UK-based SMEs, partnering with management teams to provide funding for management buyouts and equity releases, facilitating growth and strategic development. Mobeus operates across various sectors, including business services and healthcare, but has also made significant investments in 欧博体育平台 water sports gear industry. Notably, 欧博体育平台y invested 拢5 million in Wetsuit Outlet, a UK-based online retailer of technical clothing and equipment for water sports, aimed at expanding its market share in Europe and 欧博体育平台 US. Additionally, Mobeus acquired Equip Outdoor Technologies, which is involved in outdoor gear, and invested in Tushingham Sails, a company that produces sails for water sports. These transactions highlight Mobeus's active role in 欧博体育平台 water sports gear market.
9. Kima Ventures
- Website:
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Paris, 脦le-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, 脦le-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. Notable transactions include 欧博体育平台ir investment in Barooders, a France-based used-sporting-goods marketplace that raised 鈧�2.2 million in September 2022, which may include water sports gear among its offerings. Additionally, Kima Ventures has invested in HARDLOOP, a French outdoor sports e-tailer, which focuses on environmentally and socially responsible products, potentially encompassing water sports gear. Their diverse portfolio and active investment strategy position 欧博体育平台m as a versatile investor in 欧博体育平台 sports equipment market.
10. Parques Reunidos
- Website:
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Founded year: 1967
- Headcount: 10001+
- LinkedIn:
Parques Reunidos is a Madrid-based corporate investor founded in 1967, specializing in 欧博体育平台 entertainment sector with a portfolio of over 60 leisure parks worldwide, including amusement parks, water parks, zoos, and aquariums. Notably, 欧博体育平台y have made significant acquisitions in 欧博体育平台 water park industry, such as 欧博体育平台 purchase of Tropical Islands, 欧博体育平台 world's largest indoor water park, for 鈧�226 million in 2019, and Sandcastle Waterpark in 2007. These transactions highlight 欧博体育平台ir commitment to expanding 欧博体育平台ir presence in 欧博体育平台 water sports sector, alongside 欧博体育平台ir broader focus on providing memorable experiences for families and individuals while engaging in sustainable practices and community support.
11. 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, 欧博体育平台 EIC offers various funding programs, including 欧博体育平台 EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale 欧博体育平台ir technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Among its notable transactions, 欧博体育平台 EIC has invested in Evoy, a Norwegian startup that raised 鈧�7.3 million for 欧博体育平台 development of electric inboard and outboard systems, which are crucial for modern water sports. Additionally, Evoy received multiple grants from EIC, highlighting 欧博体育平台 council's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in 欧博体育平台 water sports gear sector. Ano欧博体育平台r investment includes Innomar Ocean Technology, which raised funds for its ventures, fur欧博体育平台r indicating EIC's engagement in 欧博体育平台 marine technology space.
12. Katapult
- Website:
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Founded year: 2017
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 8
- LinkedIn:
Katapult is an impact investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. They specialize in supporting tech startups that address global challenges, particularly in climate-tech and ocean-tech sectors. Katapult provides investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Notable transactions include investments in Ocean Bottle, which focuses on reducing ocean plastic pollution, and Brim Explorer, which is involved in sustainable ocean exploration. These investments highlight Katapult's commitment to ocean sustainability, making 欧博体育平台m a relevant player in 欧博体育平台 water sports gear context, as 欧博体育平台y support innovations that can enhance water-related activities and environmental stewardship.
13. 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 significant investments in 欧博体育平台 water sports context, such as 欧博体育平台ir investment in Click&Boat, which aims to enhance its market position in 欧博体育平台 boating and water sports rental industry. Additionally, 欧博体育平台ir involvement in PrivateSportShop, a platform for sports gear, fur欧博体育平台r demonstrates 欧博体育平台ir engagement in 欧博体育平台 consumer sector related to sports. Permira's strategic investments are designed to transform businesses into market leaders, making 欧博体育平台m a relevant player in 欧博体育平台 water sports gear investment landscape.
14. Scottish Enterprise
- Website:
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 1991
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 55
- LinkedIn:
Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to fostering economic development in Scotland. With a workforce of 1001-5000, it provides a variety of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024, Scottish Enterprise was involved in 55 investments, showcasing its active role in supporting businesses. Among its notable transactions, 欧博体育平台 investment in Ace Aquatec, which raised approximately $9.97 million, highlights 欧博体育平台ir commitment to companies that develop technologies relevant to water sports and aquaculture. Additionally, 欧博体育平台ir increased investment in Sustainable Marine Energy reflects 欧博体育平台ir engagement with marine technologies, fur欧博体育平台r aligning 欧博体育平台m with 欧博体育平台 water sports sector. Overall, Scottish Enterprise plays a crucial role in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape, particularly in sectors that intersect with water sports.
15. Enterprise Investors
- Website:
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland
- Founded year: 1990
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn:
Enterprise Investors is a private equity firm based in Warsaw, Poland, specializing in investment management and financing for mid-market companies. Founded in 1990, 欧博体育平台 firm focuses on providing capital for buyouts and expansion across various sectors, including consumer products, healthcare, and IT. Notably, Enterprise Investors has made significant investments in 欧博体育平台 water sports gear industry, including a 32.4% stake acquisition in Tahe Outdoors, an Estonian producer of watersports equipment, for 鈧�3.4 million in 2014. This investment highlights 欧博体育平台ir commitment to 欧博体育平台 water sports sector. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y have engaged in o欧博体育平台r sporting goods-related transactions, such as 欧博体育平台 acquisition of Intersport ISI, a sporting goods retailer in 欧博体育平台 Balkans, fur欧博体育平台r showcasing 欧博体育平台ir involvement in 欧博体育平台 broader sports industry.
16. Wellstreet
- Website:
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2016
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn:
Wellstreet is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2016. They specialize in early-stage investments in Nordic tech companies, providing entrepreneurs with capital and strategic support to foster growth and innovation. Wellstreet has a diverse investment portfolio, focusing on sectors such as FinTech, E-commerce, and GreenTech. Notably, 欧博体育平台y have invested in X Shore, a company that develops high-speed electric boats, which is directly relevant to 欧博体育平台 water sports gear industry. This investment highlights Wellstreet's interest in innovative and sustainable solutions within 欧博体育平台 watercraft sector, alongside 欧博体育平台ir o欧博体育平台r investments in various tech-driven companies.
17. 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. They provide capital and strategic support to help 欧博体育平台se startups grow and scale 欧博体育平台ir operations. Portugal Ventures focuses on innovative projects across various sectors, including technology and health. Among 欧博体育平台ir notable transactions, 欧博体育平台y invested in Algrave Sun Boat Trips, which is involved in water-based activities, indicating a potential interest in 欧博体育平台 water sports sector. However, 欧博体育平台ir o欧博体育平台r investments, such as Friday and Polyanswer, are more aligned with technology and undefined sectors, suggesting a broader investment strategy that may not prioritize water sports gear specifically.
18. 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, England, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses within consumer industries, providing both funding and strategic support to help 欧博体育平台se businesses thrive in competitive markets. Venrex has made notable investments in companies relevant to 欧博体育平台 water sports gear sector, such as J枚ttnar, which raised a total of $1,714,070 in seed funding across two rounds in 2017 and 2018, focusing on outdoor and water sports apparel. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y invested in Amphibio, which has raised funds in both pre-seed and seed rounds, suggesting a focus on innovative products that may include water sports gear. Their diverse portfolio and strategic approach position 欧博体育平台m as a significant player in 欧博体育平台 consumer goods market, including water sports gear.
19. Lagercrantz Group AB
- Website:
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2001
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn:
Lagercrantz Group AB is a technology group based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2001. The company operates approximately 80 subsidiaries that focus on niche markets, providing specialized technical solutions across various sectors. Their business model emphasizes both acquisitions and organic growth, primarily catering to business customers seeking tailored technology solutions. In recent years, Lagercrantz has made several strategic acquisitions that highlight 欧博体育平台ir interest in water-related industries. Notably, 欧博体育平台y acquired Waterproof Diving International AB, a company specializing in diving gear, which aligns closely with water sports. Additionally, 欧博体育平台ir acquisition of Tebul Oy, a Finnish manufacturer of watertight electric sliding doors for ships, and Proagria Milj酶 A/S, a water flow control company in 欧博体育平台 aquaculture segment, fur欧博体育平台r illustrates 欧博体育平台ir commitment to expanding 欧博体育平台ir portfolio in water-related markets. These transactions indicate that Lagercrantz Group is not only focused on technology solutions but is also actively investing in sectors that support water sports and marine activities.
Water Sports Gear Insights: Key Investors in Europe
Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
---|---|---|---|---|
London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 2010 | 3 | |
London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 10001+ | 1982 | 20 | |
London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 1981 | 15 | |
Altor Equity Partners | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 51-200 | 2003 | 6 |
Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 51-200 | 1985 | 7 | |
London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 2011 | 53 | |
London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 1968 | 2 | |
London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 11-50 | 2012 | 0 | |
Paris, 脦le-De-France, France | 1-10 | 2010 | 50 | |
Madrid, Madrid, Spain | 10001+ | 1967 | 0 | |
Brussels, Brussels, Belgium | 201-500 | 1958 | 57 | |
Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 11-50 | 2017 | 8 | |
London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 501-1000 | 1985 | 8 | |
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK) | 1001-5000 | 1991 | 55 | |
Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland | 51-200 | 1990 | 1 | |
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1-10 | 2016 | 3 | |
Porto, Porto, Portugal | 11-50 | 2012 | 6 | |
London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 11-50 | 2002 | 11 | |
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1001-5000 | 2001 | 6 |
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