Nottingham-based BatFast has received £250,000 of funding via the Recovery Loan Scheme which will enable the company to invest in its sales and marketing resources, creating 15 new jobs, and undertake further product development.
BatFast is a sports technology and entertainment business that has developed a patented augmented reality sports simulator for cricket, tennis and baseball. The simulator aims to make team sports more accessible by re-engineering pitches to fit inside urban entertainment or training spaces.
Founded by ex-professional cricketer Runish Gudhka and co-founder Jignesh Patel, BatFast has supplied simulators to multi-entertainment centre operators globally and major cricket events, including during the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the 2021-22 Ashes series in Australia.
Runish Gudhka, CEO of BatFast, said: “BatFast has a clear mission to use technology to drive increased global participation in sports. We are grateful for the support from MEIF and Maven Capital Partners and are excited about the opportunities this investment will create.”
Jonathan Lowe, investment director at MEIF Maven, said: “BatFast have developed an incredibly engaging sports simulator which has broad appeal to experienced and new players alike. We look forward to supporting the company with its global expansion and help realise its future growth and success.”
Will Morlidge, interim Chief Executive at D2N2 LEP, said: “I’m delighted to see the Midlands Engine Investment Fund supporting another dynamic and ambitious business. BatFast is a great example of a firm innovating and adapting to accelerate growth and provide job opportunities, supporting our collective ambitions for inclusive economic growth across the region.”
