Exclusive: Roland Garros Star and ATP Chief in £450,000 Tennis Fund Raise

Why It Matters

The fund highlights a growing niche where elite athletes back performance‑enhancing consumables, accelerating commercial adoption across racket sports. It signals investors’ confidence in marginal‑gain technologies as a differentiator at the highest competition levels.

Key Takeaways

• TIVA raises £450k (~$570k) pre‑seed funding.
• Elina Svitolina and ATP CEO Eno Polo are investors.
• Products target hand‑grip friction with cosmetics‑based solutions.
• APEX fund and former Adidas exec join the round.
• Expansion planned from Paris/Bayonne into the UK market.

Pulse Analysis

The infusion of £450,000 into TIVA reflects a broader shift toward science‑driven performance aids in professional sport. While traditional training focuses on macro‑level conditioning, marginal‑gain products such as grip‑enhancing cosmetics address micro‑friction points that can swing match outcomes. By leveraging cosmetic chemistry, TIVA promises consistent racket handling in humid conditions, a factor that has historically plagued players on clay and grass courts. This niche aligns with the increasing willingness of athletes to endorse and invest in proprietary tech that delivers quantifiable edge.

High‑profile backers like Elina Svitolina and ATP chief Eno Polo lend credibility and market visibility to the venture. Their involvement signals to peers that grip optimisation is not merely a novelty but a strategic component of elite preparation. The participation of APEX—a fund with a roster of over 100 elite athletes—and seasoned industry veterans such as former Adidas executive Alberto Uncini Manganelli further validates the commercial potential. As athletes seek bespoke solutions, the partnership model of athlete‑investor‑startup may become a template for future sports‑tech fundraising.

TIVA’s expansion plans into the United Kingdom position the company to tap into a sizable market of tennis and padel enthusiasts, especially as the sport’s popularity surges post‑Wimbledon. By establishing a foothold in both Paris and Bayonne, the start‑up can leverage existing European distribution networks while tailoring products to regional climate challenges. If the grip solutions deliver the promised performance boost, they could set a new standard for equipment accessories, prompting larger manufacturers to explore similar marginal‑gain innovations across other sports disciplines.