EP Golf Ventures, LLC (EP Golf Ventures), a strategic investment partnership formed by Elysian Park Ventures and the PGA of America to foster innovation within the golf industry, is pleased to announce the successful completion of the initial closing of its debut investment fund, EP Golf Ventures Fund I (the “Fund”).
EP Golf Ventures focuses its investments on areas that bring strategic value to the $102 billion golf industry, supporting enterprises aiming to enhance coaching, education, and training; health, wellness, and performance science; hospitality and facility management; retail; and agriculture. Among the prominent investors in EP Golf Ventures Fund I are Topgolf Callaway Brands (NYSE: MODG), a leading tech-enabled modern golf and active lifestyle company boasting a global brand portfolio encompassing Topgolf, Callaway Golf, TravisMathew, Toptracer, Odyssey, OGIO, Jack Wolfskin, and World Golf Tour (“WGT”); Gametime Capital, the family office of Richard Fairbank; alongside numerous other institutional investors, individuals, and entities spanning the sports, technology, and media landscapes.
Both Elysian Park Ventures and the PGA of America have committed capital directly to the Fund. EP Golf Ventures anticipates completing a second round of funding later this year.
Chip Brewer, President & Chief Executive Officer of Topgolf Callaway Brands, commented, “EP Golf Ventures has a robust investment strategy that aligns seamlessly with our mission to drive innovation, cultivate new trends, and shape the future of golf. Leveraging Elysian Park’s institutional knowledge and extensive network, in conjunction with the PGA of America’s profound expertise in the golf industry, provides an unparalleled platform to identify promising entrepreneurs and organizations poised to seize market opportunities in this rapidly evolving and expanding sport, ushering in the next generation of the game we all cherish.”
EP Golf Ventures has already made strategic investments in four cutting-edge technologies with the potential to transform the golf industry. These include Sportsbox AI, an AI-powered technology firm specializing in coaching applications using markerless 3D motion capture; Dryvebox, an organization dedicated to expanding golf access through a mobile golf simulator offering lessons, practice sessions, virtual golf, and private events; Sensible Weather, a climate technology company aiding consumers in understanding climate patterns and mitigating weather-related risks; and Repurpose, a plant-based, compostable tableware company. EP Golf Ventures envisions building a portfolio of approximately 15 companies over time.
Jay Adya, Managing Partner of Elysian Park Ventures, stated, “Golf is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, presenting a tremendous opportunity for innovation across every facet of the game. EP Golf Ventures was established in partnership with the PGA of America to collaborate with exceptional entrepreneurs capable of effecting substantial change within the golf industry and beyond. The successful completion of this initial round underscores our approach’s validity, and we eagerly anticipate expanding our portfolio with support from our new investors and partners.”
Arjun Chowdri, Chief Innovation Officer at the PGA of America, remarked, “The PGA of America remains steadfast in its commitment to grow the game and advance the industry through PGA Professionals. With the support of our new partners, in tandem with our ongoing collaboration with Elysian Park Ventures, we look forward to bolstering businesses with the vision to drive innovation in the golf industry and create opportunities for PGA Professionals.”
About EP Golf Ventures:
EP Golf Ventures is a strategic investment partnership between the PGA of America and Elysian Park Ventures, established to foster innovation within the golf industry and generate opportunities for PGA Professionals. EP Golf Ventures invests in businesses and entrepreneurs focused on coaching and training; health, wellness, and performance science; hospitality; facility management; retail; and agriculture.
About Elysian Park Ventures:
Elysian Park is a global investment platform dedicated to shaping the future of sports. Created by the ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Elysian Park invests at the intersection of sports, health, culture, commerce, and technology. Elysian Park collaborates with companies across all stages, from seed to growth, providing insight, relationships, capital, and exclusive strategic resources, including the Trailblazer Venture Studio, Global Sports Venture Studio, Robin, Fitt Insider, and EP Golf Ventures in partnership with PGA of America, among others. Learn more at elysianpark.ventures.
About the PGA of America:
PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, comprising over 28,000 PGA Professionals dedicated to daily efforts to promote interest and inclusion in the sport of golf.
