Epic Padel, a Virginia-based operator and investor, has successfully closed an oversubscribed $10 million seed round, led by NowaisWorld (the sports investment arm of Nowais Inc.) and Stryde Ventures.
Padel, often hailed as the world's fastest-growing sport, boasts 30 million players across 130 countries and over 63,000 courts globally. However, its footprint in the U.S. remains comparatively small, with fewer than 700 courts. This stark contrast to Europe, where Spain alone has 17,000 courts, highlights a substantial market opportunity. Epic Padel is strategically positioned to bridge this gap, leveraging its vertically integrated platform.
Founded by Maryam Al Muslehi and Hala Sarkis, Epic Padel is constructing a comprehensive platform. This model combines club operations, early-stage investments, and AI-driven infrastructure under one roof. The company is already operating a proof-of-concept club in North Carolina. Consequently, the fresh capital will fund the launch of 4-6 additional clubs in key markets like Virginia, Milwaukee, South Carolina, and Utah.
These new facilities will prioritize scalable indoor/outdoor formats, sustainable construction, and integrated technology. Furthermore, Epic Padel plans to repurpose underutilized real estate—from existing racquet clubs to parking lots and warehouses—into vibrant racquet sport destinations. This innovative approach often requires zero capital expenditure from site owners, thereby streamlining expansion.
“Our ambition is to create the leading padel platform in North America,” stated Hala Sarkis, Group CEO of Epic Padel. “This funding positions us to scale with speed, strategy, and strong backing, not just by building clubs but by investing across the sport’s ecosystem.” The company’s model directly addresses the fragmented, often elite-driven racquet sport landscape in the U.S.
Unlike many market players focusing on luxury experiences in major metros, Epic Padel targets underserved tier-2 cities. Its inclusive pricing, flexible formats, and accessible locations are designed to democratize the sport. This strategy transforms underutilized spaces into community hubs for enthusiasts, students, and families alike.
“We saw padel explode across the MENA region and realized how far behind the U.S. was,” added Maryam Al Muslehi, Epic Padel’s Founder and Board Member. “We want to bring the sport to all 50 states through clubs, leagues, and investments that build long-term foundations.”
Epic Padel is actively partnering with operators, leagues, and startups to accelerate ecosystem growth. Its portfolio includes stakes in the Pro Padel League and its New York franchise, The New York Atlantics. Investments also span padel clubs such as Ultra Padel (Miami), Padel 39 (Texas), Padel Haus (NYC), Padel India, and The Padel Hub (UK). Technology ventures like Clutch AI, offering real-time video and data analytics, Two Two (a Swedish premium padel gear innovator), and Red Padel, which operates the World Padel Rating, further enhance this global network.
The company is also incubating the College Padel League (CPL) to integrate the sport into campus life. Soon, it will launch Zero.40, a member app powered by Clutch AI and Red Padel, integrating smart booking, analytics, ratings, and community engagement. Led operationally by racquet sport veteran Tim Bainton, the team prioritizes speed, scale, and sustainability.
Looking ahead, Epic Padel aims to close the 30,000-court gap Deloitte forecasts for the U.S. by 2030, making padel an everyday sport for millions.
The seed round also attracted a diverse group of investors, including 305 Ventures, High Water Venture Partners, Lane Holdings, Off Court Ventures, and Silverback Capital Group. Notable angel investors Elias Sultan and Sharam Gulzad, alongside cultural icons and elite athletes like Omar Nour, Tre Boston, and Nicklas Bäckström, also participated.
