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The Resurgence of Group Sports: A Pandemic-Era Comeback Story

Startup Let's Do This, backed by Serena Williams and Usain Bolt, navigated COVID cancellations to ride renewed demand for group and endurance events.

Introduction

Hey, corporate professionals! The pandemic has changed the way we exercise, but one thing's for sure: group sports are making a comeback. Let's explore how this trend is reshaping the sports industry and what it means for the future of group activities. 🏃♂️🏊♀️

The Birth of a New Platform: Let's Do This 🌐

Two childhood friends, Alex Rose and Sam Browne, founded "Let's Do This," an online sports events booking platform. They saw a gap in the market for a centralized place to find and sign up for races and endurance events. 🌐📲

The Investment Game: Star Power 💫

The platform has attracted investments from sports legends like Serena Williams and Usain Bolt. It's not just about the money; it's about the credibility and reach these names bring to the platform. 💫🌟

The Pandemic Effect: A Double-Edged Sword 🦠

COVID-19 initially dealt a blow to the platform, forcing event cancellations and causing revenues to plummet. However, the pandemic also led to a shift in how people exercise, driving demand for outdoor activities and virtual events. 🦠🔄

The Financial Struggles: Navigating the Storm 🌪️

During the pandemic, the founders cut their own pay by 70% and asked employees to take a 20% salary reduction. Despite these challenges, they managed to pivot into virtual event sign-ups, keeping the business afloat. 🌪️💪

The Numbers: A Rebound in Sight 📈

As social distancing measures lifted, "Let's Do This" saw a rebound in business. Ticket sales doubled week-on-week for around six months, and the platform now lists 15,000 events. 📈🎉

The Global Expansion: Beyond the U.K. 🌍

The founders have plans to go international, starting with the U.S. in January. They believe the model they've established can be applied globally, opening doors for further growth. 🌍✈️

The Future: More Than Just Running and Cycling 🏃♀️🚴♂️

The mission of "Let's Do This" goes beyond traditional sports. They aim to be the online company that gets everyone offline, encouraging a more active and communal lifestyle. 🏃♀️🌳

Originally published on LinkedIn .

Amr Elharony
Delivery Lead, Mentor, FinTech Author & Speaker — bridging banking and technology to deliver measurable digital transformation across MENA.

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