Hansi Flick’s Startup Raises Millions in Investment – Padelcity Aims for Europe’s Top Spot

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world – and the Munich-based startup Padelcity aims to play a key role in shaping this development. The company has entered into a strategic partnership with the French Compagnie des Alpes (CDA) and its subsidiary Urban Group. As part of a Series A financing round, CDA is investing 12 million euros and acquiring a 33.9 percent stake. This raises Padelcity’s valuation to around 65 million euros.

With the fresh capital, Padelcity intends to expand its market leadership in Germany while simultaneously driving forward its expansion into Austria and Poland. Together, Padelcity and the Urban Group already operate around 350 padel courts in Europe. Within the coming year, this number is expected to grow to more than 600.

What is Padel?

Padel, often also called padel tennis, combines elements of tennis and squash. It is usually played in doubles on a 10 by 20 meter court surrounded by glass and mesh walls. These walls are part of the game and allow for longer rallies. According to Playtomic’s Global Padel Report, Germany has been growing at a compound annual growth rate of 81 percent in the construction of new padel courts since 2021, making it one of the most dynamic markets in Europe.

A strategic partner for the next stage of expansion

With Compagnie des Alpes, Padelcity is bringing an experienced partner from the leisure industry on board. Among other things, the group operates ski resorts, theme parks, and sports facilities. Through its subsidiary Urban Group, CDA is already one of France’s largest padel providers.

Jonathan Sierck, co-founder and Managing Director of Padelcity, says:

“We are delighted to now have a strong strategist on board with Compagnie des Alpes, bringing immense experience in the leisure segment and already running UrbanPadel, one of the largest padel sports providers in France, which is very similar to our company. We share the same vision and passion for this great sport. The synergy effects are enormously valuable for both sides.”

Co-founder Marcus Englert also sees great potential in the German market:

“France and Germany are the two countries in Europe with the most promising growth in the padel market. Germany is lagging behind in development, but will certainly catch up to the top 5 padel nations in Europe over the next five years. The timing for our partnership with Compagnie des Alpes could not be better.”

Hansi Flick is part of the founding team

Padelcity was founded in Munich in 2022 by football coach Hansi Flick, Jonathan Sierck, and serial founders Marcus Englert and Sebastian Weil. The company currently operates 24 facilities with 190 padel courts in Germany. By the end of 2026, this is set to grow to more than 40 locations with around 350 courts. In addition to operating its own facilities, Padelcity relies on a franchise model, equipment sales and rentals, and sponsorship revenue. Just in May, the startup opened its first facility in Warsaw, with another location in Innsbruck on the verge of opening. According to the company, its community now counts around 300,000 active players.

According to the company, more than 15 million euros had already been invested in Padelcity prior to the current financing round. The startup is supported by investors and prominent figures from business and sports, including Robert “Bobby” Dekeyser, Andreas Wiele, Fabian Hürzeler, Bernhard Schadeberg, as well as shareholders such as Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich and Tommy Haas.

With CDA’s entry, Padelcity now aims to take the next step in its growth and further expand its position as the leading operator of padel facilities in Germany. In the long term, Padelcity and the Urban Group plan to increase their combined revenue to around 150 million euros by 2029.