Active Partners

Active Partners is a prominent London-based private equity firm with a dedicated focus on the consumer sector. Established as a growth equity investor, the firm primarily targets ambitious, founder-led businesses across various sub-sectors including retail and consumer brands, health and wellness, and leisure and hospitality. They are known for their 'active' approach, providing not just capital but also strategic and operational support to help their portfolio companies scale and achieve significant growth.

The firm typically invests in later-stage growth rounds, with a first cheque size ranging from approximately $6.25 million to $25 million (converted from their stated £5 million to £20 million range). This substantial investment size reflects their commitment to becoming a significant partner in the businesses they back. Active Partners seeks to identify companies with strong brand equity, proven business models, and significant market potential, aiming to accelerate their expansion through their extensive network and operational expertise.

Active Partners has built a strong reputation through a portfolio of well-known consumer brands. Their track record includes successful investments and exits in companies such as Honest Burgers, Leon, Rapha, and Soho House, demonstrating their capability to identify and nurture high-growth consumer businesses. Their latest fund, Active Partners IV, successfully closed in 2021 with commitments totaling £150 million, further solidifying their capacity to deploy significant capital into promising ventures within the consumer landscape. The firm's consistent focus and hands-on approach make them a key player in the UK and European consumer investment ecosystem.