Technology in Sports

Maya Azouri, founder of CatchCorner. (Credit: Courtesy of CatchCorner) Maya Azouri has created a first-of-its-kind website and app for renting sports facilities. Her venture, CatchCorner, allows users across North America to select a facility to rent for practicing and playing every sport imaginable. And, customers can search through a variety of different types of venues – from mom-and-pop spaces and community centers, to NHL team practice facilities and to schools – to ensure their needs are met. Azouri tells us that creating CatchCorner was “born out of a genuine desire to streamline the process of booking sports facilities.” Almost four years on, Azouri can now boast a roster of happy clients, and partnerships with the likes of Sports Illustrated – which, in the realm of sports, is not too shabby. To say the least. Here's our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project. How is your business different from others in your industry? Most companies and apps like ours operate on a local level – our database spans the continent. And, we launched in 2019, but we spent the three years prior developing our product from the front-end to the back, which also makes us unique Tell us about your biggest success so far. We partnered with Sports Illustrated in 2021. Sports Illustrated is not only an iconic media brand, but also the most trusted name in sports. Working with their team gives us that extra edge – both in terms of credibility, as well as increased marketing capabilities. What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? Many moments of this journey have been very tough – from the extensive hours required, to the mental resilience needed. Before we launched, working every day on something so intangible felt like the hardest part – until we launched, and then a number of other obstacles instantly cropped up. For example, delegating work to new team members was challenging initially. And, working with companies both big and small has been tough. We have also struggled with finding the right equation for scaling. If I have learnt one thing from all this, it is that the hardest part is likely still ahead of us. What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? Fail quickly. If it’s not working, find a new direction. Be confident in your decision-making process, and do not give in to sunk cost fallacy. How do you find inspiration on your darkest days? By spending time with my family. What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days? “Lived” by OneRepublic, because it's a song about giving things your all. Who is your most important role model? As a company, we look up to Sports Illustrated, because they are the most trusted name in sports. ◼ Instagram: @CatchCornerFacebook: CatchCornerPR Share your story! Check out our Advice + Tips for entrepreneurs starting-upWatch our latest videosSubscribe to our podcast

Technology in Sports

Her Mission? Make Sports Facility Reservations a Breeze

The Story Exchange

Follow