#199: Charles Allen – CEO of INTENNSE | From $4M to the Future

INTENNSE is redefining professional team tennis with a fresh approach to competition, player engagement, and expansion. With $4M already secured and plans for a Friends & Family round and a formal raise in 2025, CEO Charles Allen is building a sustainable, fan-first league backed by strategic partnerships and smart capital allocation. Charles’ journey is anything but conventional. From studying theater and political science to co-founding a groundbreaking B2B tech company and pioneering data standards in tennis, his career has spanned industries. His latest venture, INTENNSE, blends innovation, technology, and a deep passion for the sport. In this episode, Charles dives into his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges and opportunities in tennis, and how his unconventional background has shaped INTENNSE’s vision. He shares insights on industry trends, strategic fundraising, and what it takes to build a fan-first sports league. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on innovation, technology, and the future of professional tennis. Chapters: (01:41) - Launching a Professional Team Tennis League (03:20) - Identifying Issues in Tennis (08:53) - Innovative Engagement Model for Tennis (13:06) - Building Community and Player Engagement (17:40) - Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships (24:39) - Navigating Capital and Smart Money (27:40) - Corporate Social Responsibility in Sports (30:28) - Strategic City Selection and Expansion Plans (32:45) - Player Wellness and Safety in New Leagues (35:30) - Building a Fan Base and Revenue Streams Charles Allen 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesaallen/ 🏠 Website: https://intennse.com/ Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/ Enjoyed this discussion? Join Profluence today - the go-to hub for builders in sports: https://community.profluence.com/