A Conversation with Chen Shachar, CEO and Founder of Slinger

Today, we’re chatting with Chen Shachar, the CEO and founder of Slinger, a brand revolutionizing the way tennis enthusiasts train and play. Chen, thank you for joining us! Let's start at the beginning—What inspired you to create Slinger?

Chen: Thank you for having me! The inspiration for Slinger came from my passion for tennis and the desire to make the sport more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. I realized that many players struggle with consistent practice due to a lack of affordable training tools. I wanted to create a solution that allows players to practice on their own terms, anywhere and anytime.

Can you tell us about the innovative technology behind Slinger?

Chen: Absolutely! At the core of Slinger is our portable ball launcher, which can hold and automatically launch tennis balls at various speeds and frequencies. This allows players to practice their strokes without needing a partner. The device is compact, easy to transport, and can be set up in minutes, making it perfect for players of all levels.

What sets Slinger apart from other training tools in the market?

Chen: What sets us apart is our focus on user experience and affordability. We aim to provide a high-quality product that doesn’t break the bank. Additionally, we’ve designed our launcher to be versatile, allowing players to customize their training sessions. Our goal is to create a community around tennis, where everyone can improve their skills, regardless of their access to traditional training environments.

How has the response been from the tennis community since the launch of Slinger?

Chen: The response has been overwhelmingly positive! Many players have expressed how Slinger has transformed their practice sessions, allowing them to work on their game more effectively. We’ve received feedback from amateur players to professional coaches, and it’s been rewarding to see our product making a difference in their training routines.

What challenges have you faced as a startup in the sports industry?

Chen: Like many startups, we’ve faced challenges in terms of funding, production, and market entry. The sports industry is highly competitive, and establishing a brand presence takes time and effort. However, we’ve persevered by focusing on our mission and continuously improving our product based on customer feedback.

Looking ahead, what are your plans for Slinger in the next few years?

Chen: Our plans for Slinger include expanding our product range and exploring partnerships within the tennis community. We want to introduce more features that enhance training experiences, such as app connectivity for tracking progress. Ultimately, we aim to establish Slinger as a household name in tennis training equipment.

What’s one interesting fact about yourself that people might not know?

Chen: A fun fact is that I’ve played tennis competitively for years. I understand firsthand the challenges players face, which fuels my passion for creating tools that genuinely help them improve their game. I believe that my experiences as a player give me unique insights into the needs of our customers.

Thank you, Chen, for sharing your journey and the story behind Slinger with us! We can’t wait to see what’s next for your brand.

Chen: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure. For more information about our products and to explore our latest offerings, visit slingerbag.com.