Soccer experience company Toca Football has raised around $100 million in private funding to accelerate its global expansion.
Toca raised the $100m from existing shareholders and new investors. The company will invest it in new technologies, upgrade its Toca Soccer training centres, and open new Toca Social entertainment venues, including its first in the US.
The new Toca Social in Dallas, Texas will open next summer, ahead of the 2026 World Cup. It will be located in the Grandscape shopping centre in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Toca Social currently operates at The O2 in London, and Birmingham’s Bullring & Grand Central shopping centre. Earlier this year, Toca also announced a partnership with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield to open Toca Social venues in European shopping centres.
Toca Social locations planned
Toca Social is also heading to Mexico in partnership with Ventura Entertainment.
“Soccer is the world’s most popular sport with massive tailwinds for growth in the US,” said Yoshi Maruyama, CEO of Toca.
“This new capital infusion empowers us to scale our brand and to bring our cutting-edge training methods and immersive experiences to millions of guests around the world.
“We are incredibly grateful for the trust and confidence of our investors, both old and new, as we unlock our strategic vision with our partner MLS, who share our passion for advancing the beautiful game.”
New investor Jim Kavanaugh, CEO of World Wide Technology (WWT), said: “Toca’s unique approach – combining personalized, data-driven training with engaging, soccer-themed entertainment – has captivated a global audience, from elite athletes to young players discovering the game for the first time.
“With a presence in key markets, Toca is poised to redefine the future of soccer on a global scale.”
Toca co-chairman Erik Anderson said: “I am excited to welcome our new shareholders and to work with WWT as a key technology partner. Their exceptional experience in propelling the world’s largest and most innovative organizations will be vital in driving Toca’s growth.”
Toca has two divisions – Toca Social and Toca Soccer. The latter operates soccer training centres across North America.
Images courtesy of Toca Football
