Epic Padel, a U.S.-based padel operator and investor, has raised an oversubscribed $10 million seed round. The funding will accelerate the launch of new clubs across the United States while supporting investments in padel ventures worldwide.
The round was led by NowaisWorld and Stryde Ventures, with participation from 305 Ventures, High Water Venture Partners, Lane Holdings, Off Court Ventures, Silverback Capital, and cultural icons and athletes including Omar Nour, Tre Boston, and Nicklas Bäckström.
Building a Vertically Integrated Platform
Founded in 2023 by Maryam Al Muslehi and Hala Sarkis, Epic Padel is developing a platform that combines:
- Club operations across multiple U.S. states.
- Early-stage investments in padel-related startups.
- Technology-enabled infrastructure for scalable growth.
The company has already opened its first club in North Carolina and will use the new funding to launch 4–6 clubs in states including Virginia, Wisconsin, South Carolina, and Utah. These clubs will focus on accessible indoor and outdoor formats, sustainable construction, and the transformation of underutilized spaces such as parking lots and warehouses into community racquet-sport hubs.
Addressing the U.S. Padel Gap
Globally, padel is one of the fastest-growing sports, with 30 million players in 130 countries and more than 63,000 courts. Europe has led the surge, with:
- 17,000 courts in Spain.
- Over 9,000 courts in Italy.
- 4,000 courts in Sweden.
- More than 1,000 courts in the UK.
By comparison, the U.S. has fewer than 700 courts. Epic Padel aims to close this gap by targeting underserved tier-2 cities, focusing on inclusivity rather than luxury-driven markets, and making the sport accessible to students, families, and local communities.
Expanding the Global Padel Ecosystem
Epic Padel’s portfolio already includes:
- Leagues and Teams: Pro Padel League and its New York franchise, The New York Atlantics.
- Clubs: Ultra Padel (Miami), Padel 39 (Texas), Padel Haus (New York and other cities), Padel India, and The Padel Hub (UK).
- Technology Ventures: Clutch AI for real-time analytics, Two Two (Sweden) for premium gear and apparel, and Red Padel, operator of the World Padel Rating.
The company is also incubating the College Padel League (CPL) to integrate the sport into campus life and preparing to launch Zero.40, a member app that offers booking, analytics, and community features.
Looking Ahead
Led operationally by racquet-sport veteran Tim Bainton, Epic Padel plans to expand across the U.S. while strengthening its international partnerships. The company’s long-term vision is to help close the projected 30,000-court gap in the U.S. by 2030, creating a connected, technology-driven ecosystem for players worldwide.