In this special feature, The Padel Weekly dives deep into the business side of padel with Alan Flatt, founder of InvesTrek Capital. Flatt, a seasoned entrepreneur with roots in institutional commercial real estate, is at the forefront of bringing padel’s explosive growth in Europe and South America to North America. With investments in iconic locations like Padel House and the Pro Padel League, Flatt is not only reshaping how we see padel in the U.S. but also pioneering a new era in sports investment.
Investing in Padel: The Business Case
Alan Flatt’s journey into padel began with his personal experience on the court. “I played myself,” Flatt shared. “There were maybe two or three courts in LA at the time. It was very addictive. I played with my family, and we all had a blast.”
For Flatt, padel represented a unique investment opportunity. “We saw what had happened in Europe and how quickly it grew,” he explained. “The barriers to entry, like infrastructure needs, made it clear this was a sport that required dedicated investment. We were excited about the returns and the chance to grow something from the early stages.”
Padel’s Growth Trajectory in the U.S.
Flatt acknowledged the challenges of padel’s growth in the U.S., particularly with securing prime locations for clubs. “It’s difficult to find locations, especially within 15 minutes of target demographics,” Flatt noted. “But entrepreneurs are finding ways, and we’re seeing clubs open across the country. Most metro areas now have either an existing facility or plans for one.”
The Vision Behind InvesTrek Capital
Founded in 2020, InvesTrek Capital bridges the gap between commercial real estate expertise and the operational needs of emerging sports like padel. “Our expertise lies in real estate and working with entrepreneurs,” Flatt said. “We focus on providing both the capital and the space to help operators grow.”
InvesTrek also emphasizes wellness and sustainability. “We believe sustainable buildings are not only better for the planet but more appealing to consumers,” Flatt stated. “For example, a mass timber building with more light and air can create a better experience for players and visitors alike.”
Expanding Horizons: Beyond Padel
While padel remains the primary focus, Alan Flatt is also exploring opportunities in women’s sports and youth sports. “Women’s sports are growing dramatically, and youth sports have huge potential,” he remarked. “Existing facilities often don’t meet the demand, and we see opportunities to fill those gaps.”
InvesTrek’s Bright Future
Flatt envisions InvesTrek as a responsive platform that grows alongside padel. “Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve, make excellent returns for our investors, and build something worthwhile,” he said. “Right now, padel is the biggest emerging opportunity in North America, and we’re excited to be a part of its journey.”
As padel continues to expand, Flatt and InvesTrek Capital are proving that the sport isn’t just a game—it’s a business with limitless potential.
For more exclusive insights on the world’s fastest-growing sport, keep it here on The Padel Weekly.
