Only a year ago the climbing industry was at its peak – with the sport gaining more and more popularity and businesses growing exponentially. The air was full of enthusiasm for the bright future of climbing.
The COVID-19 crisis presented an enormous challenge to all members of the community – gym owners and their employees, investors, manufacturers, climbers.
Talking to partners from more than 50 countries around the globe, Walltopia witnessed each of them going through a similar set of hardships.
The company, however, never lost its enthusiasm and continued to work on product improvements and to deliver the highest quality to its clients on time.
”“Our clients entrusted us with 159 projects in 38 countries on 6 continents during 2020. The number is in fact identical to last year's, so I have to say, we feel privileged and proud that this trust in Walltopia has come up with results exceeding expectations. We are headed into 2021 stronger than ever.” says Vasil Sharlanov, COO of the Climbing Division of Walltopia.
Locations where Walltopia completed installations in 2020
Ivaylo Penchev, CEO of Walltopia explains the company’s way of thinking in a simple manner:
”“We want to share our strength with the industry’s forward thinkers. Each one of us and our community as a whole will become better only if we evolve through new ideas. We decided to help and facilitate the process by committing to invest $10 MM in an initiative to support new and remarkable climbing business concepts that will pave the road to a new day for the industry.”
Penchev is an optimist: “We are starting this initiative because when we beat the virus (which we will, it’s a matter of time), there will be a rush to reclaim our lives, for people and businesses alike. We expect that those who are better prepared will succeed with a faster, more relevant go-to-market strategy — one that takes into account the shifts happening. So now is the time to elevate and work on new concepts and keep our eyes open for the growth potential.”
Ivaylo Penchev in the Walltopia HQ in Sofia, Bulgaria
The Elevation Initiative is looking for original new concepts that would shift and improve the climbing industry. Applications are accepted via the website and are open for established and experienced companies as well as start-ups able to present a viable business plan.
“What we are going for is identifying the aspiring climbing entrepreneurs, who have plans with a potential to elevate our sport to a new level and develop the world of climbing. We won’t tell them what to do. They’ll manage their business. We will support them”, wraps it up Ivaylo Penchev.
