Stormzy-backed Padel Social Club raises £5.5m to open three new sites
Stormzy-backed Padel Social Club has raised £5.5m from new investors to open three new sites across London.
It comes as the business prepares to add a total of 17 new courts at sites at the O2, in Kentish Town and Paddington this year.
The fresh investment includes leading consumer investors Clark Group and Active Partners, as well as family offices and celebrities.
“Padel has an incredible ability to bring people together. It’s social, accessible and genuinely fun to play,” said Padel Social Club co-founder and CEO Kristian Hunter.
“From the beginning our aim was to create places where people could come together around the sport – not just to play, but to spend time and feel part of a community.
“This investment allows us to bring that experience to more neighbourhoods across London and beyond.”
Padel Social Club expansion plans
The site in Paddington will have four courts and is sue to open in June. It will be followed by branches in Kentish Town, with eight courts, and the O2, with five, in November.
It comes as the country’s love for the racket sport shows no sign of cooling, with Britain now its fastest-growing market and London set to host a first Premier Padel tour event this year.
Padel has been a big hit with celebrities including David Beckham, Lily James and Stormzy, who backed the chain in 2024.
“Padel Social Club has quickly emerged as a standout brand in a category that is growing at remarkable speed,” said Steve Clark of the Clark Group, whose investments include watch brand Bremont.
“What impressed us most was not just the quality of the sites, but the strength of the community and brand the team has built in a short space of time.
“We’re excited to support Kristian and his team as they scale that model across the UK.”
Stormzy’s other business interests include co-owning non-league football Club Croydon Athletic with former Crystal Palace and Manchester United star Wilfried Zaha.
Editor’s note: This story has been edited because the press release incorrectly stated that Stormzy had taken part in the latest funding round for Padel Social Club.