A new project headed by army veteran Dan Fitzgerald will allow Padel to establish itself in South Carolina. Fitzgerald’s startup, 40Forty Padel Club, has raised $25,000 in venture philanthropy to open the Upstate’s first padel facility, with assistance from Upstate Warrior Solution (UWS) and Abundance Capital.
From idea to influence on the community
Fitzgerald started working on the 40Forty concept about two years ago, closely collaborating with UWS to hone his business strategy and establish connections with mentors. The club is getting ready to launch its first site in Mauldin in December, and its current headquarters are at the Rupert Huse Veteran Center.
“Dan’s journey exemplifies the goals of our entrepreneurship program,” stated Jack Sterling, UWS program lead and a Navy veteran. “With direction, coaching, and now funding from Abundance Capital, he has transformed 40Forty from a paper concept into a flourishing business with its headquarters located here at the Rupert Huse Veteran Center.”
Padel’s new chapter in the Upstate
The launch of 40Forty Padel Club marks a significant step for the sport in the region. Being the first of its sort in the Upstate, it hopes to expand the padel community and establish a new center for sport-based community participation.
To commemorate the milestone and the future of padel in South Carolina, supporters and local authorities will assemble at the Rupert Huse Veteran Center on Wednesday at 3 p.m. for the official check presentation.