#76. Scaling a Sports Startup in the UK Padel Boom - Toby Bawden

In this episode, I sit down with Toby, co-founder of Hexa Padel, one of the leading padel court installers in the UK.

We talk about spotting early market opportunities, scaling a business in a booming industry, and what really happens behind the scenes when you’re building fast. Toby shares how he went from coaching tennis to installing over 200 courts a year, managing thousands of inbound enquiries, and navigating the operational chaos that comes with rapid growth.

We dive into cash flow crises, business partner dynamics, contracts, failure, and the emotional toll of entrepreneurship. Toby explains why resilience, communication, and long-term thinking are what separate founders who survive from those who burn out.

This is a powerful episode for anyone building a business, considering a pivot, or trying to scale in a competitive market while protecting their mental health and financial future.

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