Company Overview - J-Star Holding Co., Ltd. is a leading provider of innovative carbon fiber and composite solutions, with applications in personal sports equipment, healthcare products, automobile parts, resin systems, and R&D services [1][6] - The company has over 50 years of experience in the material composites industry and operates through subsidiaries in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Samoa [6] Product Launch - J-Star has launched its first company-owned brand pickleball paddle, named Horizon, which has received official approval from the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) for sanctioned play [1][3] - The Horizon paddle is designed for players of all levels, featuring lightweight Japanese carbon fiber, thermoformed foam walls for shock absorption, and a soft honeycomb core for control [3] Market Context - Pickleball is recognized as North America's fastest-growing sport, with 19.8 million Americans participating, reflecting a 46% increase from 2023 and a 311% growth over the past three years [4] - This marks the fourth consecutive year that pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport among 124 tracked sports, fitness, and outdoor activities [4] Strategic Importance - The launch of the Horizon paddle marks a significant milestone in J-Star's direct-to-consumer strategy, as it enters the pickleball market under its own brand for the first time [2][3] - The company aims to leverage its extensive experience in racquet manufacturing, having produced over 45 million racquets, to capture the growing demand in the pickleball segment [3]