We have a diverse and dynamic group of startups in our community, each with unique backstories and experiences as entrepreneurs. The Startup Spotlight series is designed to acquaint you better with our community. We spoke to Ville Leisti of Floating Padel to hear about his journey so far.
How did you come up with the idea for the business?
I have been working within the floating construction industry since 2008, building marinas and all kinds of floating solutions all over the world. When the Padel boom began in Finland in 2020, I started to play as well. However, it was really challenging to find places to play because all of the padel courts within my reach were fully booked. I got an idea that, because of the court size, I could design and engineer a floating court, so that it could be installed close by where I live.
I started to draft the solutions and discuss with potential investors. In the end of 2021 the first floating padel court was built. In a short while it became an extremely popular place to play and received high interest from padel players. That encouraged me so set up a company focusing on designing and delivering floating padel and other floating sport solutions on water.
Why does the industry need the solution you're providing?
People are always looking for new experiences, therefore operators and business developers seek opportunities to offer services responding to people’s needs and interests. With floating sport solutions, you could bring sports activities in an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient way to the locations where it would not be otherwise possible to have those otherwise.
What have you enjoyed most about starting your own company?
The opportunity to develop and bring something totally new and unique to the market and see reaction of people when they realize what possibilities our solutions will give to them.
What challenges did you have to overcome at the beginning of your journey?
The most challenging thing has been to make our products known and spread awareness that constructions on land can also be moved and done on water.
Any bits of advice for entrepreneurs getting started in this space?
Think outside the box and figure out which challenge or demand you can solve by offering your solutions. Spend time planning how to reach the right group of clients.
What's the plan for the future of the business? Where do you see the company in 3 - 5 years?
We started focusing on Floating Padel court solutions because of the global Padel boom. Recently we have launched Floating Squash Court concept and other floating sports solutions will follow. We will continue to be the world No.1 floating sport solutions provider having stable and profitable growth yearly.