ME+U, the pioneering cricket footwear brand focused on creating shoes tailored for both men and women, proudly announces the successful completion of its Series B funding round.
This round is significantly boosted by a strategic investment from Ali Tareen, the owner of the Pakistan Super League team Multan Sultans, and a key advocate for the growth of women’s cricket in Pakistan. In addition, renowned cricketer Kieron Pollard has demonstrated his continued support and belief in ME+U’s mission by adding to his original investment in the company.
As part of this collaboration, Ali Tareen will join the ME+U board of directors, bringing his extensive business acumen and growth-oriented mindset. Tareen’s ownership of the Multan Sultans, the Tareen Cricket Academy, and his upcoming investments in other sports will open new avenues for integrating ME+U’s innovative cricket footwear into both elite and grassroots programs.
Founded in 2023 by Matt Carter, Richard Woodhouse, and a passionate team of cricket and footwear experts, ME+U was created with the vision to revolutionize the cricket footwear landscape. With a strong focus on performance, inclusivity, and comfort, the company addresses a key gap in the market by providing cricket shoes specifically designed for both male and female players. Traditional cricket footwear has often failed to meet the unique anatomical and functional needs of women, and ME+U is committed to bridging this gap through high-quality design and technology.
The debut product line from ME+U includes all-rounder cricket shoes for women, all-rounder cricket shoes for men, and bowling shoes for men. Each pair is engineered using cutting-edge materials to enhance performance and stability on the field. Building on this solid foundation, ME+U plans to launch an exciting new range of cricket footwear in 2025, incorporating valuable feedback from professional players and the latest advancements in sportswear technology.
Richard Woodhouse, Co-founder and CFO of ME+U, also played a key role in securing this funding round, leveraging his extensive experience as CFO/COO at Chapel Down Group plc to lead the company through a successful fundraising effort. His expertise in business growth and financial strategy ensures ME+U is well-positioned to expand and innovate.
Ali Tareen’s investment in ME+U is aligned with his deep passion for cricket, particularly in fostering grassroots development in South Punjab through the Tareen Cricket Academy. The academy provides underprivileged young cricketers with world-class training and facilities. Tareen is also a staunch advocate for women’s cricket and has initiated numerous programs to nurture female talent across Pakistan. His philanthropic endeavours, combined with his leadership and business expertise, make him an invaluable asset to ME+U’s board.
Ali Tareen, Multan Sultans owner and ME+U investor
“Securing this investment from Ali Tareen is a significant milestone for ME+U,” said Matt Carter, CEO of ME+U. “Ali’s transformational leadership at Multan Sultans, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity in men’s and women’s cricket, and his efforts in establishing the Tareen Cricket Academy resonate deeply with the values we hold at ME+U. We’re incredibly proud to work alongside someone whose vision aligns perfectly with our mission to foster inclusivity and innovation within the game.”
Ali Tareen shared, “As an avid cricket player and injury-prone fast bowler, I’m always looking for footwear that enhances performance. When I tried on ME+U shoes at my local store in England, I instantly knew this was a game-changer. Stability is crucial for a bowler, and these shoes truly made a difference. After discussing their vision with the founders, it became clear that our values aligned perfectly. I’m excited to support their growth and contribute to their mission to create the world’s best cricket shoe.”
This strategic investment will allow ME+U to accelerate product development, broaden its market reach, and continue its mission to provide cricketers of all genders with footwear that meets their unique needs.
For more information, visit www.meplusu.co.uk
