GoRally, a Bengaluru-based pickleball startup, has raised ₹6.6 crore ($750,000) in its pre seed funding round. This funding will help GoRally expand its presence across India. The funding round was led by prominent investors, including Sujeet Kumar, co-founder of Udaan, and several others. With this capital, GoRally aims to scale its operations to eight centers and 40 pickleball courts by 2025. GoRally, founded in 2023, offers a growing network of pickleball courts, coaching services, and tech-driven community platforms. As pickleball continues to gain popularity in India, the company is poised to capitalize on this growth. The startup plans to open more centers in Bengaluru and other major cities like Delhi and Chennai.
GoRally’s Business Model and Revenue Strategy
GoRally’s business model revolves around providing accessible pickleball facilities and building a strong community around the sport. Their revenue model is diversified across multiple streams. These include fees for court bookings, membership subscriptions, coaching services, and retailing pickleball equipment. GoRally offers a full-stack approach, which includes coaching services from top-level professionals, including Karnataka’s top-ranked players. Their indoor facilities cater to both casual players and professional enthusiasts. GoRally’s use of technology adds another layer to their offering, with their soon-to-launch platform enhancing user experience through services like the ‘Open-play’ game format. This platform not only connects players but also ensures smoother court booking and event management. The startup is tapping into the recreational sports boom by capitalizing on the rising interest in pickleball and padel sports.
Funding Background: Key Investors and Their Support
GoRally’s recent pre-seed funding round raised ₹6.6 crore ($750,000) from a host of influential investors. Sujeet Kumar, co-founder of Udaan, led the funding round, signaling strong confidence in the future of pickleball in India. The round also saw participation from notable investors like Mohit Kumar & Vatsal Singhal, the founders of Ultrahuman, and Viren Singhvi, former CFO of American Razor Safety Company. Other prominent investors include Kartik Kapoor, Arjun Vaidya, Deepak Singh, and Abhishek Goyal, among others. The involvement of these high-profile individuals from various sectors highlights the diverse backing GoRally has. The fresh funding will help the company expand to eight centers and 40 pickleball courts by 2025. Additionally, the company plans to build a significant presence in major cities, including Delhi and Chennai, through strategic partnerships.
The Vision Behind GoRally: Founders’ Journey and Startup Growth
Founded in February 2024, GoRally was born out of the passion for recreational sports and the vision of its founders, Sam Sancheti and Abhinav Shankar. Both founders come with strong professional backgrounds, with Sam having worked at Bain and Visa, and Abhinav at Lightrock and VenturEast. Their combined expertise in business strategy and operations has driven GoRally’s rapid growth in the competitive pickleball space. Their vision was clear: to make pickleball more accessible to the urban Indian population. By establishing a network of pickleball courts and leveraging technology to create a sense of community, GoRally is achieving that vision. In just one year, GoRally has created an active 4,000-member WhatsApp community and established multiple centers in Bengaluru. This rapid success has laid the foundation for their ambitious expansion plans.
GoRally’s Expansion Plans and Upcoming Initiatives
The funding will help GoRally expand its operations to eight centers across India, with a particular focus on Bengaluru, Delhi, and Chennai. The company is planning to build a massive 40,000 sq. ft. indoor pickleball-padel facility in Whitefield, Bengaluru. This facility will feature multiple courts for both pickleball and padel, offering a premium space for the growing sport. GoRally is not just focusing on physical infrastructure but is also launching a tech platform to enhance the community experience. The platform will allow players to connect more easily, book courts, and engage in tournaments. This tech-driven approach will ensure that GoRally remains ahead in the competitive market, continuously offering more value to its growing customer base.
The Booming Pickleball Scene in India
Pickleball has seen an impressive rise in popularity worldwide, and India is no exception. The sport, which combines elements of table tennis, badminton, and tennis, is gaining traction in urban areas, especially among younger players. GoRally is part of a larger movement to popularize pickleball in India, where it is steadily carving out a place in the recreational sports ecosystem. The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) reports around 8,000 registered players and approximately 35,000 amateur players in the country. With projections suggesting that the number of pickleball players will exceed one million in the next five years, GoRally is well-positioned to capture a significant share of this rapidly growing market.
GoRally’s Vision for the Future of Indian Sports
GoRally’s goal is to engage the next 10 million Indians in sports, particularly through pickleball and padel. The company believes that sports are not only a fun activity but also a powerful means of bringing communities together while promoting health and well-being. As the fastest-growing pickleball network in India, GoRally is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where players of all skill levels can participate and grow. In addition, with the support of its community platform, GoRally facilitates greater engagement, enabling players to connect with others who share similar interests. This creates a more social and enjoyable sports experience. Furthermore, the company’s expansion plans are specifically designed to make pickleball more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from beginners to seasoned players. Thus, GoRally aims to build a broader and more inclusive sports community across the country.
Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs
GoRally’s journey highlights several key lessons for entrepreneurs in the startup ecosystem. First, tapping into emerging trends, like the rise of pickleball, can provide early movers with significant advantages. Second, a diversified revenue model, as seen with GoRally’s focus on courts, coaching, and equipment retail, ensures long-term sustainability. Third, leveraging technology to enhance customer experience and build a community can help companies create loyal customer bases. Lastly, having a clear expansion strategy, along with a strong backing from investors, is essential to scaling effectively. Entrepreneurs should keep an eye on niche markets and focus on building a holistic business model that resonates with their target audience.
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