MATCHi accepted into high-profile growth accelerator program and secures new funds

Since 2012, Swedish-based MATCHi have enabled racket sports fans to find available players, times and courts nearby. Their leading racket sports marketplace and booking system has been accepted into the global growth accelerator program Tenkan-Ten. Following a successful closing of an investment round early November and a newly entered partnership with Pacquito Navarro, the Swedish-based scale-up is set to enter an exciting, new era.

Accelerator program to spur growth
The highly competitive Tenkan-Ten growth accelerator program is sponsored by ASICS and backed by successful entrepreneurs who mentor the few accepted companies. Participation in the program provides MATCHi with an expanded network, as well as providing the company with tools for business and organizational development. Being accepted into Tenkan-Ten ("tipping point" in Japanese) is set to propel the successful scale-up into high-growth mode. This fits in well with MATCHi's focus on collaborating more with strong brands, especially opening up to brands that share their passion for racket sports and to find opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.

"Our top priority is to strive for greatness in every commitment, and there's no stronger commitment than to our current customers and partners. While we have a proven record of increasing profitability for racket sports venues and clubs, we always work to find new ways of adding value. We are therefore opening up to all major brands to collaborate with us in finding win-win solutions for our customers. We do not only want to stay the number one choice for the serious racket sports venue, but to make the choice so obvious it can't pass anyone by", says Daniel Ekman, Founder and CEO at MATCHi.

Securing new investments
MATCHi has also recently secured a financing round to boost even further growth. In addition, it provides MATCHi with an opportunity to start looking for ways to engage people to play more, not only in Scandinavia, but worldwide - even if the focus right now is on the current customer base.

“While organic growth has served us well in the past, this investment will serve to quickly move us beyond the growing pains of an expanding scale-up. It’s important to note that as founders and majority shareholders we are still very much in the driver’s seat, which I believe is critical for keeping the heart and passion in what we do. I think this will be a key advantage for us staying the best possible choice for racket sports managers and entrepreneurs going forward.”  -Daniel Ekman.

Paquito Navarro as brand ambassador
Adding to their success, MATCHi recently entered into a long-term collaboration with padel super star Paquito Navarro. Partnering up with Mr Navarro as brand ambassador means that the pair can work together towards achieving their shared ambition of growing the sport of padel and motivating people into a healthier, more stress-free life

"The passionate people at MATCHi and their platform have been big contributors to the exploding padel interest in Scandinavia. They don't only help padel centers with automation but also make more people play our lovely sport! - and they're truly at the top at what they do. That's why I now proudly wear their logo on my sweater, and why I can't wait to see where they go next", says Paquito Navarro.

For material in Swedish, interview requests or other information - contact Linn Franzén @MATCHi