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PingPod

1. Franchise Snapshot

Franchise Status
Active
Basic Information
Industry
Fitness
Category
Sports & Recreation
Investment Range
$177K-$701K
Total US Locations
17
Franchise Units
17
Founding Year
2019
Started Offering Franchises
2024
Management Capacity
Owner Operator
Job Count
Prior E2 Investors?
No
Prior Visa Franchise Clients?
No
Royalty Fee
6%
Marketing Fee
NA
Franchise Fee
49,500
Headquarters (City, State)
Fort Lee, NJ
Square Footage
750 - 3500
Retail Location?
Yes
Agreement Term Length
10 years
Video

In these videos you will learn about the company firsthand. And they will also tell you in a short form about the financing of the enterprise.

*Information presented in these videos may change over time and may not reflect the most current franchise offering. Prospective franchisees should review the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult directly with the franchisor for updated information.

2. Franchise Overview

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Overview

PingPod is a fully automated, 24/7 table tennis franchise that combines recreation, coaching, and community into a single tech-driven concept. They offer members and guests the ability to book tables, attend group classes, take private lessons, join leagues, and host private or corporate events - all through a seamless mobile app experience. PingPod has developed a one-of-a-kind technology-infused operating model featuring instant replay, scoreboard tracking, and built-in security monitoring, giving owners an edge above traditional recreation franchises. In addition, they provide multiple revenue streams, minimal staffing requirements, low ongoing operating costs, comprehensive training and support, and a strong brand respected by both professional and casual players.

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Management team / founders

PingPod was co-founded in 2019 by three partners. Mr. David Silberman, Co-CEO, is the creator of the PingPod concept, bringing expertise in finance and strategy from his prior role as an Equity Research Analyst at UBS Securities. He holds a Bachelor's in Business Administration and a Master's in Finance from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Mr. Ernesto Ebuen, Co-CEO, leads all table tennis and operational aspects of the business. A six-time Philippine National Table Tennis Champion and former #1 U.S. citizen player (2016), Ernesto is also co-founder of the New York City Table Tennis Academy and one of the most sought-after coaches in the country. Mr. Max Kogler co-founded PingPod and served as CEO from 2019 until August 2025, when PodPlay Technologies was spun out as a separate B2B software company where he now serves as CEO. With 20 locations across six U.S. states and satellite locations in England and the Philippines, PingPod is dedicated to the continued success of franchisees. Franchise owners receive comprehensive training, ongoing operational support, and access to the proprietary PodPlay technology platform.

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Focus of owner for daily business operations

As a PingPod franchise operator, the main facets of the business entail: 1. Overseeing daily facility operations and minimal staffing requirements thanks to the fully automated 24/7 model; 2. Attracting and retaining customers through memberships, coaching programs, community events, and corporate partnerships; 3. Building community engagement through leagues, tournaments, open plays, and private event bookings; 4. Review of financials, booking data, and performance metrics across multiple revenue streams.

3. Performance & Metrics

Franchisor Fees | Item 6
Franchise Value
Industry Median
All Franchises Median
Royalty Fee
6%
7%
6%
Marketing Fee
NA
Franchise Fee
49,500
45,000
40,000
Total Investment Cost | Item 7
Type of Expenditure
Low Amount
High Amount
When due
Outlets and Franchisee Information | Item 20
Outlet type
Year
Outlets at the start of the year
Outlets at the end of the year
Net change
N/A
Franchised
N/A
N/A
Company-Owned
N/A
N/A
Total Outlets
N/A
Net Unit Growth (Recent year)
Net Unit Growth (Recent 3 years)
Franchise Health Metrics
Growth Rate
1 year / 3 years
Failure Rate
1 year / 3 years
Franchise for Sale Rate
1 year / 3 years
PingPod
Industry median
Franchise Health Metrics
Franchise Historical Loan Metrics
10 Year Cumulative Charge Offs by $ of Loans
10 Year Cumulative Defaults
3 Year Predicted Default Rate
*Please note the information provided here is sourced from Lumos. We do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. For verification, please refer to Lumos directly.
Item 19 – Financial Performance Representations
Historical financial performance representations
Franchise Financials
Franchisor company financial information, if disclosed by the franchisor.
Litigation & Bankruptcies
% of Franchisees Undergoing Litigation
% of Franchisees with Completed Litigation
Number of Bankruptcies Disclosed
*The litigation information displayed has been reviewed by our Product Development team. Franchises featured on this platform have been thoroughly assessed. However, Visa Franchise strongly recommends consulting with your own legal counsel for further guidance.

4. Our Take

PingPod provides a great opportunity for an investor looking for an innovative, low-overhead recreation franchise with multiple revenue streams and a fully automated operating model. The proven success of the tech-infused business model - combining 24/7 accessibility, minimal staffing, and built-in security monitoring - along with the founders' strong backgrounds in finance, technology, and professional table tennis, make the investment relatively compelling. Additionally, the brand's rapid expansion to 20 locations across six U.S. states and international satellite locations provides potential investors with a scalable opportunity in a growing recreational and community-focused industry. PingPod also supports E-2 visa applicants by providing key documentation to the franchisee's immigration attorney, including a franchise verification letter and supporting materials for the business plan.