Key Takeaways
- Indianapolis-based Upper Hand, a scheduling and payments platform for youth sports facilities, has been acquired by H3 Partners, a software-focused search fund backed by family office investors
- H3 Partners co-founders Brad Wills and Brad Greene will step in as CEO and COO, bringing experience from Mindbody, Active Network, and HubSpot
- The deal positions Upper Hand to expand product capabilities for sports facilities, trainers, and camp operators
- Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed
New Ownership Brings SaaS and Payments Expertise
Upper Hand, a software provider serving youth sports facilities and training centers, announced that it has been acquired by H3 Partners, a software-focused search fund backed by a consortium of family office investors.
The acquisition installs new executive leadership with direct experience in the sports and fitness software space. Brad Wills, co-founder of H3 Partners, assumes the role of chief executive officer. Brad Greene, also a co-founder of the firm, becomes chief operating officer.
Wills previously held senior leadership roles at Mindbody and Active Network, where he led large-scale growth initiatives across global markets. Greene brings deep experience in commerce and payments from his leadership roles at HubSpot and Mindbody, where he helped launch and grow integrated payments solutions now used by thousands of small businesses worldwide.
What Upper Hand Does
Upper Hand’s platform provides scheduling, membership management, payments, and facility management tools designed specifically for sports facilities, academies, and independent trainers. The company, headquartered in Indianapolis, describes itself as the leading provider of full-suite youth sports facility software.
According to the company’s announcement, the partnership will enable Upper Hand to “expand its technology capabilities, accelerate product innovation, and amplify its impact within the rapidly growing youth sports industry.”
“Upper Hand has built an incredible platform that is purpose-built for the youth sports community,” said Wills. “We intend to build on that foundation and accelerate innovation for our customers. We are focused on delivering technology that helps sports facilities, trainers and coaches, and camps and clinics simplify operations, grow their businesses, and create exceptional experiences for young athletes.”
Kevin MacCauley, founder of Upper Hand, called the acquisition “a defining moment” for the company. “By uniting proven leadership with a powerful platform, we’re strengthening our ability to empower sports businesses and elevate the experience for young athletes,” MacCauley said.
Looking Ahead
The search fund structure, with experienced operators stepping directly into leadership roles, signals an active approach to growing the business rather than a passive investment. With leaders familiar with scaling SaaS platforms in the fitness and sports facility market now at the helm, Upper Hand gains operational expertise alongside capital. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
via: SGB Online / EIN
photo: Upper Hand FB
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