Over the Past Year, AO Ventures Invested in Four Companies: Two Sports Tech, Two Padel-Related

Recently, AO Ventures, the venture capital fund under the Australian Open (AO), disclosed details of its investments in four startups since its inception.

AO Ventures is part of the official closed-loop venture ecosystem of the Australian Open. This ecosystem consists of three components:

• AO's internal R&D lab AO Labs: Responsible for building broadcast and fan engagement technologies, as well as coordinating with invested startups;
• Accelerator AO Startups: Launched in 2022, responsible for screening investable projects. To date, 40 companies have conducted technology pilots, with approximately 70% becoming suppliers or partners of the Australian Open;
• Venture capital fund AO Ventures: Established in January 2025, it has raised a total of $40 million, primarily used to invest in technology-driven innovative companies, with individual investments ranging from $300,000 to $1.5 million. AO Ventures plans to make early-stage investments in approximately 20 startups globally in the future, with at least five coming from the AO Startups channel.

The four startups are:

(1) AI referee, broadcast, and data service provider Bolt6

Founded in 2021 by four electronic Hawk-Eye engineers, Bolt6's optical tracking technology is cloud-based, meaning the Australian Open can centrally operate the electronic line calling system for all courts without needing on-site servers at each court. The system processes faster and is easier to integrate with other platforms.

In 2025, the Australian Open deployed Bolt6 on all 17 courts, completely replacing the Hawk-Eye system. Additionally, Bolt6 enhances the experience for broadcast audiences and on-site fans through video reviews, real-time statistics, LED integration, creative camera angles, and other new ideas.

(2) Large-scale event integrated management platform Raven Controls

Raven Controls is a rapidly growing software platform, cloud and AI-based, enabling real-time event management and operational coordination for large complex venues. This technology has been used by Tennis Australia at the United Cup over the past two years.

(3) Padel court infrastructure builder Mindspring Padel

Mindspring Padel provides 100% funding and technology to clubs to convert tennis courts or existing venues into padel courts, with no cost to the club. Mindspring Padel recoups its investment by taking a share of court ticket revenue.

(4) U.S. padel club operator Padel Haus

Padel Haus is the largest premium padel club operator in the United States, with a unique advantage in increasing the number of indoor venues in prime urban locations. It has six locations across four U.S. cities. In July 2025, the company completed a $7 million Series B round, bringing total funding to $18 million, with a post-money valuation of $33 million.

｜Sources: Ausleisure, Fast Company, Orange Bay Sports historical reports

｜Image credits: Company websites