Crashpad officially launched as a concept on May 2nd, 2025, but the dream and hard work behind the climbing gym started way before that.
Here are some of the milestones in the Crashpad story!
1. Initial Idea & Conception (Early 2023)
- A bunch of climbing buddies (Sean, David, Balazs, Adrian, and Suhail) realised there wasn’t a good spot for serious climbing training.
- We always wanted to open a top-notch training gym and had even tried to make it happen before.
- The main idea was to build a place where climbers could really level up their skills, especially with cool gear like a big spray wall and a system board.
2. Research & Viability (2023)
- The Crashpad team researched the feasibility of their idea and market potential.
- They looked into it thoroughly, checking if it was possible and if people actually wanted it. This involved lots of chats, market research, and meetings with various people in Malta.
- In the end, they decided to move forward with a business plan for a self-sufficient community gym.
3. Premises Search (Early 2024)
- The team began actively searching for a proper commercial location.
- The goal was an area that hit the sweet spot in central Malta, somewhere with good height and plenty of space to support a world-class bouldering gym
4. Crashpad Ltd is Born & Signing of Lease Agreement (May 2024)
- Crashpad Ltd is born! The company was officially formed In Malta.
- The team signed a multi-year lease for a warehouse in Central Malta.
- This is when the indoor rock climbing gym dream started to shape!
5. Development & Financing (Mid-2024)
- Now that we had the premises, we started to officially secure the money
- A development application was submitted to the Malta Planning Authority to turn the warehouse into a rock climbing facility. The goal was to transform the warehouse into a full rock climbing gym, cafe, physiotherapy clinics, yoga and fitness studios and everything else!
6. European Gym Research (Mid-2024)
- The team flew off to research climbing gyms in various cities across Europe. Market research trips were made to cities such as London, Barcelona, Bologna, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Innsbruck.
- Sean and David, visited rock climbing expos such as Vertical Pro to create a vast network of contacts.
- We wanted to make sure to pick up the best ideas from established, successful bouldering gyms.
7. Wall Design & Partnership (August 2024)
- A full design exercise for the climbing and bouldering walls was kicked off
- Entre’Prises (EP), the official supplier for IFSC and the Olympics, was picked as the right partner to ensure top-level climbing walls.
- Over several weeks, we worked with EP and designed an international-level bouldering gym and training facility based on the warehouse and best bouldering gym ideas we had already seen.
8. Strategic Partnerships (Late 2024)
- We always wanted Crashpad to be more than just climbing.
- The team started meeting strategic partners and pitching the idea of the facility, with an excellent response.
- Partners included a healthy food cafe, (recently announced as 3rd Generation Cage), a Yoga and wellness provider (announcement coming tomorrow), and a physiotherapy provider (announcement coming next week!)
- The team also started a flurry of activity contacting world-class climbing equipment suppliers
9. Funding & Approval (Late 2024 – April 2025)
- As the year was ending and people were out on Christmas holidays, the Crashpad team was busy officially securing funding, and ensuring the planning application kept going through the various phases of Maltese planning.
- Funding from different channels was approved.
- April 2025 brought the excellent news that the planning application was approved and construction work could start on the gym!
10. Construction & Hiring (May 2025)
- Construction of the gym started, and the first key employees were hired by Crashpad Ltd.
- Multiple contractors were lined up, builders, engineers, mechanical and electrical suppliers, finishing contractors and many many more.
- The premises started being converted from a storage warehouse to the skeleton for an indoor climbing centre.
- Sean Cassar was hired as Project Manager and CEO.
- Balazs Borok was hired as CFO.
- David Attard was hired as CMO.
11. Crowdfunding Launch (August 2025)
Crashpad always had the intention of keep the community as an essential part of the climbing gym. Therefore, the last phase of funding was always planned as a crowdfund. Crashpad wants to the community to be invested in the gym, and actually be able to own part of it!
- Crowdfunding campaign went live opening the doors as the first Maltese company to run a European regulated crowdfunding campaign
- Investors and climbers can now be a part of the Crashpad story getting direct shares in the the company
- Investor perks for crowdfunding were announced
- Site Location was revealed to the public as part of the crowdfunding launch event: 13, Crashpad, Triq il-Bankiera, Central Business, District
12. Additional Hires / Installation of Climbing Wall Starts, Partnerships announced (September 2025)
- Construction enters the final phase
- EP Climbing arrive on site and start installation of climbing walls
- Lead Coach is hired, ongoing interviews for additional staff
- Staff training, technical advisors, coaching all lined up for staff training
13. Crashpad Opening (~October 2025)
- The target date for the gym’s opening is set, along with its mission.
- October 2025 is the scheduled opening date.
- Crashpad aims to advance climbing in Malta.
- The mission is to provide resources, training, coaching, and facilities.
- The goal is to develop the next generation of climbing athletes.
Crashpad Investment Perks
Want to own a part of Crashpad yourself?
We’re running a crowdfunding campaign where you can own a part of Crashpad. Our projections incidate a CAGR of 6% in the next 5 years. So not only will you get a handsome return on your investment, you’ll be an actual part owner of the Crashpad climbing gym.
For example, invest €2001 and you’ll get 6 months of free gym membership!
Register Your Interest To Invest
The matters included herein are not regulated investment advice by the MFSA. Please visit the KIIS and the Risk Disclosure on the Campaign Page.
