The Virginia-based operator is aiming to close padel’s U.S. development gap with tech-enabled clubs and a range of strategic investments
Padel, the fastest-growing sport worldwide according to some estimates, with more than 30 million players across 130 countries, is still in its early stages in the U.S. But it’s getting more financial support.
Epic Padel, a Virginia-based padel club operator and investment company, recently raised an oversubscribed $10 million seed round to launch its first U.S. clubs, along with ventures across the global padel ecosystem.
The round was led by NowaisWorld, the sports investment arm of Nowais Inc., and Stryde Ventures, with additional support from 305 Ventures, High Water Venture Partners, Lane Holdings, Off Court Ventures, Silverback Capital Group, and angel investors Elias Sultan and Sharam Gulzad. Former pro athletes including triathlete Omar Nour, NFL player Tre Boston and NHL star Nicklas Backstrom also joined the round.
Padel Clubs, but More Than That
Founded by Maryam Al Muslehi and Hala Sarkis, Epic Padel is building a vertically integrated platform that combines club operations, early-stage investments, and technology-driven infrastructure.
The company currently operates a club in North Carolina and will use the new capital to open four to six additional locations in Virginia, Wisconsin, South Carolina and Utah. Its strategy centers on converting underutilized real estate, such as parking lots, warehouses or existing racquet clubs, into inclusive community hubs for padel and other racquet sports.
“Our ambition is to create the leading padel platform in North America – not just by building clubs, but by investing across the sport’s ecosystem: from events and equipment to tech and talent,” said Sarkis, who serves as Epic Padel’s group CEO. This funding positions us to scale with speed, strategy, and strong backing.”
Making Padel More Accessible Is a Key Priority
Epic Padel’s model emphasizes accessibility, contrasting with the luxury-driven positioning of many U.S. racquet sport clubs, hoping to reach a broader consumer base.
The company has also built a diversified investment portfolio across leagues, clubs, and technology startups. These include stakes in the Pro Padel League and its New York franchise, as well as partnerships with operators such as Ultra Padel in Miami, Padel 39 in Texas, Padel Haus in New York and Padel India.
Epic Padel is also incubating the College Padel League to embed the sport within campus ecosystems and is preparing to launch a member app that integrates booking, analytics, ratings and community engagement. The company also plans to roll out a merchandise line in collaboration with its athlete-investors.
“Padel is more than a sport, it’s a lifestyle,” said Tim Bainton, the company’s chief operating officer. “We’re building clubs that welcome everyone, not just the elite. And through tech, partnerships, and real community engagement, we’re making it possible.”
Recent reports, including one produced in collaboration with Syracuse University, predict explosive growth for padel in the U.S. over the coming years. However, they also note challenges such as court construction costs and zoning hurdles.
