Investments in the Creative Industries. Can Fashion Compete with Startups?

Investments in the creative industries were long considered the domain of investors with an “eye for art,” but fashion is increasingly finding its place in the portfolios of major investment funds. At the same time, the sector remains a high-uncertainty environment, where shifting trends, fragile reputations, and unconventional KPIs all come into play. Across BRICS+ countries, fashion startups are increasingly being asked to prove their potential alongside fintech and AI companies. What “currency” should we use to measure value: money, meaning, or reputational capital?

• How has the investment landscape in the fashion industries of BRICS+ countries changed in recent years?
• What metrics do investors use when evaluating fashion projects: financial performance, social impact, or scalability potential?
• What attracts investors more: business models with predictable returns, high-risk innovative projects, or a designer’s creative potential?
• How do investors assess the balance between a brand’s creative identity and its commercial viability?
• What role do ESG criteria play in investment decisions?
• How and where can fashion entrepreneurs from BRICS+ countries attract investment? What mistakes do they make, and which success stories can serve as benchmarks?