AO Ventures invests in US operator Padel Haus

AO Ventures, the investment arm of the Australian Open and Tennis Australia, has announced it is making a “significant” investment in US padel operator Padel Haus.

Having opened its first facility in New York in July 2022, Padel Haus now operates four clubs across the US and seeks to combine premium facilities with community-driven programming, and a padel academy.

With two sites open in New York’s Brooklyn – in Williamsburg and Dumbo – as well as facilities in Nashville and Atlanta, Padel Haus plans to open clubs in Greenpoint, New York, and in Denver later this year.

AO Ventures’ backing of Padel Haus marks the latest investment from its US$40 million fund.

The group has also invested in Belgian firm Mindspring Padel, which offers fully financed and technology-enabled padel court infrastructure. The Loonbeek-based company aims to enable clubs to build padel courts without the upfront capital expenditure that often constrains the supply of new courts.

AO Ventures general partner Dr Machar Reid said it is bullish about the growth of padel globally and actively investing in the sport’s growth through a range of partnerships, domestically and abroad.

“As a business, we have observed the explosion of the sport internationally and there are now strong foundations for growth in Australia, with courts, clubs and competitions continuing to be established,” he said.

“We have closely followed Padel Haus for the past few years and been impressed with Santiago’s ability to repeatedly execute on building premium venues and experiences for padel players with attractive returns.”

Padel Haus founder and CEO, Santiago Gomez, added: “This opportunity represents more than an investment. In partnering with one of the most respected sports institutions in the world, the decision of AO Ventures to invest in Padel Haus is powerful validation of our long-term approach to building padel the right way.

“Padel is still early in its global journey. Working with AO ventures and alongside Tennis Australia, which brings more than 120 years of experience building global sports platforms, creates a credible pathway for continued expansion.”

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