Co-Founder / Operating Partner – Emerging Pickleball Brand (Equity Role)

About the Opportunity

KiwiLabs Pickleball is looking for a  Co-Founder / Operating Partner  to help lead the next phase of growth for a rapidly emerging pickleball brand.

KiwiLabs was founded in Michigan and has spent the past two years developing premium pickleball paddles using advanced carbon fiber technology. Our mission is simple:  create the best paddles at every price point so more people can play more pickleball.

We currently have multiple tournament-approved paddles on the market, an established e-commerce presence, and a growing community of players and ambassadors. The brand has strong momentum and product innovation, and we’re now looking for the right person to help scale the business.

This role is ideal for someone who wants the opportunity to  help build and operate a brand in the fastest-growing sport in America.

About the Role

We are looking for an entrepreneurial operator who can take ownership of the day-to-day growth and operations of the company.

This role is structured as an  equity-based partnership , with the opportunity to earn meaningful ownership in the business while helping scale KiwiLabs nationally.

You will work directly with the founder to grow the brand, expand sales channels, and build a passionate pickleball community.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the KiwiLabs brand

• Manage and grow the Shopify e-commerce store

• Execute marketing campaigns and product launches

• Develop ambassador and influencer partnerships

• Build relationships with pickleball clubs, retailers, and tournaments

• Coordinate inventory planning and product releases

• Help scale sales across direct-to-consumer and retail channels

• Work with the founder on long-term strategy and brand growth

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is:

• Entrepreneurial and self-motivated

• Passionate about pickleball or racquet sports

• Experienced in e-commerce, marketing, or brand building

• Comfortable wearing many hats in a growing company

• Excited by the opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up

Experience in any of the following is a plus:

• Shopify / e-commerce operations

• Digital marketing and paid ads

• Influencer or ambassador programs

• Sporting goods or consumer product brands

• Content creation or social media growth

Compensation

This role is structured as an  equity partnership , allowing the right person to earn meaningful ownership in the company as they help grow the brand.

Equity structure and vesting will be discussed with qualified candidates.

Location

Remote friendly.

Michigan-based candidates are a plus but not required.

About KiwiLabs Pickleball

KiwiLabs Pickleball is an emerging paddle brand based in Grand Rapids, Michigan — home to one of the largest pickleball communities in the United States.

Over the past two years, KiwiLabs has focused on developing high-performance paddles using advanced carbon fiber technologies and modern construction techniques. The company currently has  six paddles approved on the USA Pickleball equipment list , with products designed to serve players across multiple skill levels and play styles.

In 2026, KiwiLabs introduced a  brand new paddle built using a full foam construction , leveraging new materials and manufacturing technology to deliver a unique combination of feel, power, and control. This approach represents a new direction in paddle design and positions KiwiLabs as a brand focused on  innovation and pushing the boundaries of paddle technology.

• As the sport continues to grow rapidly across the United States, KiwiLabs aims to build a brand that blends  product innovation, strong community connection, and accessible performance for everyday players.