Elan Inventa

What Elan Inventa does

Elan Inventa d.o.o. is a Slovenian designer, manufacturer, and installer of sports equipment and retractable seating systems, founded in 1945 in Begunje na Gorenjskem and operating as part of the KJK Sports group with 501–1,000 employees. Its offering is organized into three families: telescopic and retractable seating systems (TransFlex, Arena, Auditorium, Retractable, plus the solar-powered outdoor Elan EkoFlex); a full sports-equipment catalog spanning basketball (FIBA-certified), handball (IHF-certified), volleyball, football, gymnastics, athletics, badminton, table tennis, floorball, climbing equipment, mats, scoreboards, protection nettings, and sports flooring; and dividing curtains for multipurpose halls. The company sells to sports and event venues, educational institutions, municipalities, and governments across 50+ countries, combining proprietary mechanical IP (TransFlex mobile seating, Matrix quick-folding mechanism) with technology partnerships (Connor Sports, Gerflor, Polanik, Agorespace, Cornilleau) and certified-partner status with FIBA and IHF.

The business model is project-based B2B: revenue is generated from hardware sales (seating systems, equipment, flooring, curtains), professional services (consulting, design, installation, after-sales maintenance), and a recently introduced rental channel for Elan EkoFlex. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales from Slovenia headquarters for marquee international projects (e.g., Friends Arena, Coca-Cola Arena, Berlin Tempodrom) with a distributor network covering Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Turkey, and Hungary. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; the company markets through trade shows (FSB Cologne, Esports Venue Summit), LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, downloadable catalogs, and 360-degree virtual project tours.

The company holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 13200, ISO 1090-2, and TÜV certifications, and has received the Plus X Award for Most Innovative Brand of the Year in 2012, 2013, and 2015. Current strategic priorities include scaling the Elan EkoFlex solar-powered outdoor seating line, advancing the EU/Republic of Slovenia co-financed TransFest digital mobile-module venue R&D partnership with Kovinc d.o.o., and continuing geographic expansion beyond Europe into Middle East sports infrastructure markets.

Name

Elan Inventa

Legal name

Elan Inventa d.o.o.

Website

https://elan-inventa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1945

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Elan Inventa designs, manufactures, and installs sports equipment and retractable seating systems for sports venues, schools, municipalities, and event organizers across 50+ countries, with a 1945-founded Slovenia base and FIBA/IHF-certified product lines.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sports Equipment and Retractable Seating Systems

NAICS

Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing (33992)

SIC

Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949)

akta.pro primary industry

Physical Education & Athletics Equipment (Gym, Sports Gear, Scoreboards) (EDAEAIAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Arenas & Indoor Sports Centers (MPAKAEAB), Athletics Facilities & Venue Management (EDALAIAL)

Keywords

• Sports equipment manufacturing
• Retractable seating systems
• Telescopic grandstands
• Multipurpose venue seating
• Sports hall solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Begunje Na Gorenjskem

HQ country

Slovenia

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Sports Equipment Sales: Manufacture and sale of complete sports equipment including sports flooring, protective nets, climbing equipment, mats, scoreboards, storage solutions, and equipment for basketball, handball, volleyball, football, gymnastics, athletics, badminton, and table tennis.
2. Seating Systems: Design, production, and installation of telescopic seating systems (Transflex, Arena, Auditorium), retractable stands, and mobile seating solutions for sports venues, event halls, and multipurpose facilities.
3. Dividing Curtains: Electro lifting curtains and free hanging curtains for dividing indoor spaces in gyms, multipurpose halls, and swimming pools.
4. Installation and Project Services: Complete project implementation including consulting, planning, designing, assembly and installation, and after-sales maintenance services.
5. Elan EkoFlex Rental: Outdoor seating solution available for rental through a renting hub calculator for events.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Elan Inventa designs, manufactures, and installs sports equipment and retractable/telescopic seating systems for sports arenas, multipurpose venues, event halls, and educational facilities. The company delivers complete project solutions from consulting and planning through equipment supply, installation, and after-sales service, including TransFlex mobile seating, Arena and Auditorium telescopic stands, dividing curtains, and certified sports equipment for basketball, handball, volleyball, football, gymnastics, athletics, and other sports.

Product overview

Elan Inventa is a Slovenian sports equipment and seating systems manufacturer founded in 1945, operating as part of the KJK Sports team. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio centered on three core product lines: (1) Seating systems including TransFlex mobile telescopic stands, Arena seating solutions, Auditorium/Teater systems, and Retractable stands; (2) Sports equipment for basketball (including FIBA-certified structures and the Elan Streetball Dunking Devils line), handball (IHF-certified), volleyball (FIVB-compliant), football, gymnastics, athletics, badminton, table tennis, and floorball, plus sports flooring, mats, climbing equipment, scoreboards, and protection nettings; and (3) Dividing curtains including electro lifting and free hanging variants. The company also offers complete gym solutions under a one-stop-shop model and innovative products like the sustainable outdoor Elan EkoFlex seating system with integrated solar panels. All products are manufactured to European quality and safety standards including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and various sport-specific certifications (FIBA, IHF, FIVB).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Elan EkoFlex: A unique multifunctional innovative outdoor seating solution for hosting outdoor cultural or sports events, congresses, concerts or any type of outdoor events. Features solar panels, ergonomic seating, and is sustainable, technologically sophisticated, smart, safe and mobile.
• TransFlex
• Elan Streetball – Dunking Devils
• Elan Streetball

Products and services

• Elan TransFlex Seating Systems Flexible mobile telescopic seating solution allowing various configurations for sports arenas and multipurpose venues. Supports 50-400 spectators with configurable arrangements including linear, round, and rectangular setups for concerts, sports events, and combat sports. TransFlex configurations for 4,500 spectators can be changed and arranged in just 8 hours.
• Arena Seating Systems Integrated seating solutions for sports, event and multipurpose arenas. Offers fixed and telescopic stands with various designs and accessories including corner stands, aisles, LED staircase lighting, and fire extinguishing systems.
• Auditorium Seating Systems Telescopic stands tailored for theaters, conference rooms, cinemas and lecture halls. Features larger step (75-95 cm), rubber-coated hinge joints for noise cancellation, and wide range of upholstered seating with armrests, tables and railings.
• Retractable Seating Systems Flexible stands for smaller gyms and outdoor playgrounds. Includes demountable, fold & roll, and cabinet stands that are easily set up, folded and stored.
• Elan EkoFlex Outdoor Seating Sustainable outdoor seating solution with integrated solar panels in seat backrests, ergonomic foam, adjustable family benches, phone charging, and cup holders. Features multifunctional use as bench, table or space divider with heated seats and LED lighting powered by solar energy. Available for event rental.
• Electro Lifting Curtains Electrically operated dividing curtains that separate spaces into two or more parts. Suitable for gyms, multipurpose halls, industrial buildings and swimming pools. Available in single layer, double layer, mesh, combined and roll barrier options.
• Free Hanging Curtains Simple free hanging dividing curtains for quick and easy space division. Includes mesh curtains for spectator protection, pull-out polyester curtains, and free standing dividing walls.
• Basketball Equipment Indoor and outdoor basketball structures for professional, school and recreational use. Developed with own knowledge and manufactured according to FIBA standards. Includes portable floor mounted, wall mounted and ceiling mounted structures.
• Elan Streetball – Dunking Devils Professional street basketball equipment developed with the Dunking Devils acrobatic group. Features stable, durable construction that withstands challenging acrobatic performances and scoring.
• Handball Equipment Built-in or mobile handball equipment for sports training, recreational play and top-level competitions. Certified by IHF International Handball Federation and used at European and World Championships.
• Volleyball Equipment Indoor and outdoor volleyball equipment manufactured according to FIVB safety regulations. Includes in-ground, wall-mounted and portable posts with adjustable net height, soft post protections, referee stands, and nets.
• Football Equipment Football goals in different sizes and colors, custom-made protection netting and smaller equipment for training and competitions. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use in schools, clubs and recreational settings.
• Gymnastics Equipment Gymnastic equipment for school use and professional gymnastics made to FIG International Gymnastics Federation standards. Includes vaulting bucks, balance beams, bars, trampolines, rings and customized products for children.
• Athletics Equipment Athletic equipment from Polanik suitable for different skill levels. Compliant with IAAF standards and used at highest levels of international competitions for competitions, training and school use.
• Badminton Equipment Badminton equipment manufactured to functional and safety standards. Includes in-ground and portable posts for outdoor and indoor use, as well as rackets and balls.
• Table Tennis Equipment Cornilleau table tennis equipment for indoor and outdoor use. Tables and rackets for different skill levels, manufactured according to ITTF International Table Tennis Federation standards. Also includes barriers, balls, protective covers and spare parts.
• Floorball Equipment Small indoor hockey equipment especially suitable for school use. Includes mini goals with metal construction, hockey sticks and balls.
• Sports Flooring Sports flooring for large arenas, school halls and outdoor areas. Includes FIBA certified Connor Canadian maple parquet flooring, Elan Elastan flooring for schools, PVC Gerflor flooring, and modular Sport Court flooring.
• Protection Nettings and Wall Paddings Protective nets and soft wall coverings ensuring sports facility safety. Acoustic covers attenuate ball strike sounds. Available in different colors and can be customized to customer dimensions.
• Climbing Equipment Indoor equipment for exercise and climbing basics. Includes wall bars, ladders, wall mounted climbing equipment and climbing walls, adjustable to customer dimensions.
• Sports Mats Sports mats of various sizes and colors made of high quality material with anti-slip underside. Easy to store and maintain, can be used in combination with other sports equipment.
• Scoreboards Multipurpose electric and manual scoreboards suitable for different sports. Some scoreboards are FIBA certified. Different compositions possible depending on hall size and purpose.
• Storage and Locker Rooms Equipment for storage of sports requisites, balls and tools. Includes wardrobes, boxes and cabinets for locker rooms.
• Agorespace Multipurpose Courts Modular multisports courts designed for all generations. Available in different types (AB3 aluminium/wood, JU2 junior, MB3 metal/wood, MC2 metal/composite, TM2 metal) and suitable for football, basketball, tennis, volleyball and athletics.
• One Stop Shop for Gyms Complete solutions for multipurpose gyms, smaller school gyms and outdoor playgrounds. Includes design, supply and installation of sports flooring, equipment, and dividing curtains for new facilities and renovation of outdated sports halls.
• Seats Wide range of seating options with different folding systems, comfort levels, materials and colors. Includes basic, gala and VIP level seating with various accessories such as armrests, acoustics, journalistic tables and chair marking.

Quantifiable outcome

• TransFlex configuration for 4,500 spectators can be changed and arranged in just 8 hours
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Connor SportscoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for Canadian maple Connor sports flooring, a globally recognized brand meeting highest standards of international competitions. Used in major arena projects including Stožice Arena.
• GerflorcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for PVC sports flooring solutions as alternative to parquet flooring for various sports applications.
• AgorespacecoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for Agorespace multisports courts designed for all generations. Courts available in AB3 (aluminium/wood), JU2 (junior), MB3 (metal/wood), MC2 (metal/composite), and TM2 (metal) configurations.
• PolanikcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for athletic equipment suitable for competitions, training, and school use. Polanik equipment is present at highest levels of international competitions and manufactured according to IAAF standards.
• FIBAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical partner in the field of telescopic stands and basketball structures. Products hold FIBA certificates for international basketball competitions.
• IHF (International Handball Federation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertified partner for handball goals. IHF goals are used at International, European and World Championships.
• Dunking DevilscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with globally known acrobatic group to develop Elan Streetball basketball structure and Jumpster trampoline for challenging acrobatic performances. The construction is stable, durable and provides additional safety.
• Kovinc d.o.o.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for TransFest event grandstand project - a digital mobile module venue with multifunctional use and better user experience. Project co-financed by Republic of Slovenia and European Union from European Regional Development Fund.
• KJK SportscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company representing multiple sports brands including skis, sailboats, renewable energy components, sports equipment and seating systems. Elan Inventa is part of the KJK Sports team.
• Republic of Slovenia and European UnionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-financing from European Regional Development Fund for Elan EkoFlex development and TransFest RRI project.
• Gartner ArchitectscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitectural design partnership for sports hall projects, notably the Sports Hall Mengeš project where Gartner designed the facility and Elan Inventa provided equipment.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Camatic Seating: Australian designer and manufacturer of ergonomic seating for stadiums, auditoriums, and cinemas — comparable on premium arena seating technology and global project delivery.
• Hussey Seating Company: US manufacturer of telescopic gym seating, fixed audience seating, and Maxam telescopic platforms — a direct competitor in the school-gym and multipurpose-arena telescopic seating segment.
• Irwin Seating Company: US-based manufacturer of stadium, arena, and auditorium seating including telescopic platforms — a North American peer that Elan Inventa would compete against if expanding into the US market.
• Figueras Seating: Spanish manufacturer of premium stadium, arena, and auditorium seating including telescopic and retractable systems — a direct rival in retractable seating for sports and multipurpose venues across Europe and Latin America.
• Harrod Sport: UK manufacturer and installer of sports equipment for schools, clubs, and professional venues — closely comparable to Elan Inventa's sports-equipment business across multiple sports (football, basketball, netball, athletics).
• Audience Systems: British manufacturer of retractable and fixed seating for stadia, arenas, schools, and theatres — competes head-to-head with Elan Inventa for European school-gym and arena projects.
• Erhard Sport: German manufacturer of sports equipment (gymnastics, athletics, indoor sports) for schools, clubs, and competition venues — a Central European peer with overlapping sports-equipment portfolio.
• Ferco Seating Systems: UK-based designer and manufacturer of retractable and telescopic seating for sports halls, theatres, and arenas — a closely comparable mid-sized European peer competing on the same TransFlex/Matrix-style product category.
• Interkal: Turkish manufacturer of telescopic seating and grandstands for sports venues and auditoriums — a regional peer with growing European reach overlapping Elan Inventa's TransFlex product line.

Broad incumbents

• Gerflor: French global leader in PVC sports flooring and a documented partner of Elan Inventa — a much larger incumbent whose broad product portfolio and distribution reach make it a partial competitor on flooring-led projects.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCigZQbtPNCdFp48GiR-vGDA
• Facebookfacebook.com/elaninventa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/elaninventa
• Xx.com/ElanInventa

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Elan Inventa