The recent Pickleball investment(s) of the Chaifetz family office

The Chaifetz Group, the private investment arm of the Chaifetz family and an important US family office,  has been expanding its portfolio within the burgeoning sport of pickleball. Recently, the firm announced a strategic investment in The Picklr, a pickleball facility franchiser, acquiring a significant equity stake and securing two board seats—one for Ross Chaifetz as a formal director and another for Richard Chaifetz as a non-voting observer. This move complements the family office’s existing pickleball investments, which include full ownership of the St. Louis Shock Major League Pickleball team and stakes in the United Pickleball Association and the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating system. The investment aligns with the Chaifetz Group’s goal of building a comprehensive pickleball ecosystem that spans recreational and professional domains. By choosing facilities over merchandise or gear, the firm aims to capitalize on strong margins and increasing demand, leveraging The Picklr’s technology and infrastructure to incorporate retail and food and beverage components into its clubs. Ross Chaifetz emphasized that this investment is not about immediate capital needs but rather about uniting two leaders in the pickleball space to drive long-term growth and diversification within the sport.

About the Chaifetz family office

The Chaifetz Group, founded by billionaire entrepreneur Richard A. Chaifetz, is the family’s private investment firm, employing a flexible and diversified investment strategy across multiple asset classes. Richard Chaifetz, a neuropsychologist by training and the founder and CEO of ComPsych Corporation, has built the family office to reflect his dynamic approach to business, with a focus on venture capital, private equity, real estate, opportunistic investments, and fund commitments. The Chaifetz Group targets high-growth, asset-light companies with recurring revenue and strong operating leverage, emphasizing AI, healthcare, software, HR technology, and sports and entertainment sectors. Their venture capital investments span from seed to pre-IPO stages, while private equity investments can range from minority to control stakes. The family office’s opportunistic approach allows them to invest flexibly in unique situations, including sports franchises and alternative investment funds. The Chaifetz Group seeks to leverage its expertise and strategic positioning to drive value and capitalize on emerging opportunities across industries through this diverse investment framework.

News source: Sport Business Journal, 07.10.2024
Picture source: Unsplash+, 07.10.2024