Ziadd El-Basiouny, founder and CEO of Olympic Sports, a chain of sports clubs and academies, appeared on the Egyptian TV show "Shark Tank" seeking an investment of 36 million Egyptian pounds ($2.2 million) in exchange for a 20% stake in his company. The funds will be used to expand the business and transform it into one of the largest sports institutions in Egypt and the Arab world. El-Basiouny aims to utilize the investment to enhance the company's infrastructure and offer a wider range of sports activities.
El-Basiouny's vision for Olympic Sports was inspired by his personal experience as a competitive swimmer. He participated in local and international tournaments and training camps for the national team for nearly 17 years. This experience helped him understand the impact of sports on children's lives and their role in shaping their abilities. Olympic Sports provides a variety of sports activities for children aged 2-12 years old, differentiating itself from specialized academies that focus on a single sport.
The company has served over 250,000 children across various branches and sports over the past decade. El-Basiouny revealed that Olympic Sports aims to achieve 36,000 subscriptions in 2026, equivalent to 3,000 subscriptions per month, and record sales exceeding 75 million Egyptian pounds. The company's business model relies on utilizing sports facilities within international schools and prime locations, eliminating membership fees and allowing customers to pay only for the sports activities their children participate in.
The average monthly subscription at Olympic Sports is around 2,000 Egyptian pounds per sport. Swimming is the most popular activity, followed by gymnastics and football. The company also plans to introduce other sports, including basketball, kickboxing, judo, and tennis. El-Basiouny emphasized that Olympic Sports prioritizes the educational and technical aspects of training, rather than solely focusing on increasing the physical demands on young athletes.
El-Basiouny disclosed that Olympic Sports has recently signed two new contracts with schools to expand its operations. A portion of the sought investment will be allocated to upgrading sports facilities within these schools, enhancing equipment and technology. The upgrades will include improved swimming pools, renovated sports fields, and better lighting, as well as more advanced gymnastics facilities.
The investment will also support the company's strategy of securing long-term contracts with schools. El-Basiouny mentioned that Olympic Sports has signed 7- and 8-year contracts with two schools, respectively. Approximately 50% of the investment will be directed towards developing one of the facilities as part of the company's expansion plan.
By securing the investment, El-Basiouny aims to propel Olympic Sports to a leading position in the Egyptian sports sector. The company will focus on providing high-quality sports training and facilities, while promoting a culture of athleticism and healthy living among Egyptian children.
Key points
- Olympic Sports founder Ziadd El-Basiouny seeks 36 million Egyptian pounds ($2.2 million) for a 20% stake in his company.
- The company aims to achieve 36,000 subscriptions in 2026 and record sales exceeding 75 million Egyptian pounds.
- Olympic Sports prioritizes the educational and technical aspects of training for children aged 2-12 years old.
