Within the first year, Eastside Golf generated $100,000 in revenue and was projected to reach $4 million by close of 2023.
Now, the company has received a significant boost to kick off the year thanks to a $3.4 million investment in a round led by EP Golf Ventures, Sportico reports. The financial commitment was a partnership between the PGA of America and Elysian Park Ventures.
“Our goal in creating Eastside Golf is to show people that you can be yourself and you don’t need to look a certain way to play the game,” Cooper said in a news release. “The future of the game exists outside of the golf industry. We’ve been able to tap into the culture to change the perception of the sport and grow the game for future generations. As a PGA of America Golf Professional, I’m especially honored to have the support of EP Golf Ventures as we enter into our next chapter.”
Ajanaku added, “Our logo is not what you’d expect from a traditional apparel line rooted in golf — a Black man wearing jeans, a sweatshirt and gold rope chain, swinging a club. And that’s the goal. We want to inspire confidence but also promote authenticity by showing that everyone can enjoy the game of golf, no matter who you are.”
Eastside Golf will now be supported in its action plan to bring new product lines to market and break down barriers for young athletes who are looking to venture into the sport.
Jay Adya, managing partner at Elysian Park Ventures and EP Golf Ventures, shared in a statement:
“Earl and Olajuwon have done what no one has been able to do before – create a brand rooted in golf that resonates outside of the sport to bring in new audiences to the game. Not only are they masters at capturing the cultural zeitgeist, but they have also developed an innovative business, which we believe has the capacity for immense growth.”
