DAHCOR is more than just a brand; it is a living embodiment of our core values and vision. Founded in Portugal by Ricardo Rocha, a tennis fanatic and a serial entrepreneur with an unyielding commitment to new technologies. DAHCOR is driven by a profound passion for customization, reflecting one man’s unwavering dedication to European craftsmanship, heritage, and relentless pursuit of innovation.
The name DAHCOR, symbolizing ‘The Core,’ serves as a heartfelt tribute to Ricardo’s late father. It represents ‘ROCHA,’ his father’s last name, spelled backward, with the ‘D’ at the beginning standing for ‘Dad.’ This creative and meaningful reversal honors the foundational impact of Ricardo’s father, both in his life and in the very essence of the brand.
Ricardo Rocha’s journey to establishing DAHCOR was deeply influenced by the values instilled in him by his father, a man of immense integrity, hard work, and a relentless drive for excellence. The brand is not just a business; it is a living tribute to these values. Every product, every design, and every innovation echoes the lessons Ricardo learned from his father. This personal connection infuses DAHCOR with a sense of purpose that goes beyond commercial success; it is about preserving and continuing a legacy of excellence, passion, and commitment to the craft.
In 2018, DAHCOR introduced a paradigm shift in the world of sports equipment with the launch of its revolutionary Build Your Own (BYO) platform. This was not just a product innovation; it was a reimagining of how athletes create and interact with their gear. DAHCOR gave players the power to personalize every aspect of their racket, from the technical specifications to the aesthetics, making each racket a true reflection of the player’s identity. This shift set a new standard in the industry, empowering athletes to take control of their equipment in a way that was previously unimaginable.
The introduction of the NFC Butt Cap, featured in all DAHCOR tennis rackets, further exemplified this shift. This technology allowed customers to interact with their rackets in a digital space, accessing a wealth of information and personalized content through a simple tap of their smartphone. This innovation blurred the lines between the physical and digital worlds, creating a more immersive and connected experience for customers.
From its inception, DAHCOR has been committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of sports equipment. This commitment is rooted in the brand’s origin, born from a passion for tennis and a desire to innovate. DAHCOR’s journey is marked by a series of innovations, each building upon the last, creating a legacy of craftsmanship and technological excellence.
The brand’s evolution from traditional racket manufacturing to a leader in personalized, high-performance sports equipment has been driven by a singular vision: to create products that not only meet the demands of athletes but also exceed their expectations. This vision has led DAHCOR to explore new materials, new technologies, and new ways of thinking about sports equipment, always with the goal of enhancing the athlete’s experience.
DAHCOR’s dedication to innovation is not just about staying ahead of the competition; it is about redefining what is possible. Every product is designed with the athlete in mind, ensuring that it not only performs at the highest level but also connects with the athlete on a personal level. This connection is at the heart of DAHCOR’s brand, making it more than just a company, it is a community of athletes, united by a shared passion for the sport and a commitment to excellence.
At DAHCOR, we believe that every athlete is unique, and their equipment should be too. Personalization is at the core of our brand, offering a bespoke experience that allows each customer to tailor their gear to their exact preferences. Whether it’s designing a racket that feels like an extension of your arm or creating apparel that resonates with your style, our commitment to custom-made excellence ensures that your equipment is a true reflection of who you are.
Our “Rally for the Planet” initiative is more than just a slogan; it’s a deep commitment to preserving our planet while advancing the sport we love. Sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do, and our SET (Sustainable Engineered Tennis) program is the embodiment of this dedication. From sourcing recycled materials to implementing waste-minimizing production processes, we ensure that every DAHCOR product is created with the environment in mind. With our gear, you’re not just enhancing your performance; you’re also playing your part in building a healthier planet.
Creativity fuels our innovation at DAHCOR. We are constantly exploring new ideas, designs, and technologies to push the boundaries of what’s possible in sports equipment. Our creative spirit is reflected in every product we offer, from the artistic flair in our custom designs to the groundbreaking features that set our gear apart. We believe that creativity is the key to unlocking new possibilities and providing athletes with tools that inspire and empower.
Passion is the driving force behind everything we do. At DAHCOR, we are more than just a brand; we are a community of athletes, designers, and innovators who share a deep love for the game. This passion is evident in the care and attention we put into every product, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of performance and quality. For us, it’s not just about making equipment; it’s about enhancing the experience of the sport we all love.
Excellence is achieved through dedication and meticulous attention to detail. At DAHCOR, we take painstaking care in every step of our process, from the initial design to the final product. We understand that the difference between good and great often lies in the smallest details, and we strive for perfection in every aspect of our work. This commitment to precision ensures that every DAHCOR product not only meets but exceeds expectations, providing athletes with gear they can trust.
At DAHCOR, we are always looking ahead, envisioning the future of sports and how we can contribute to its evolution. Our vision is to lead the industry in innovation, sustainability, personalization and custom-made performance, setting new standards for what athletes can expect from their equipment. We are committed to pioneering the next generation of sports gear, ensuring that our products remain at the cutting edge of technology and design, while always staying true to our core values.
DAHCOR was founded in October 2018, introducing its groundbreaking Build Your Own (BYO) program, which revolutionized how athletes engage with their equipment. This innovation set new standards for customization in the sports industry. Additionally, DAHCOR introduced the NFC Butt Cap, featured in all tennis rackets, allowing customers to interact with their equipment in unprecedented ways.
In 2019, DAHCOR launched unique collections that ranged from national-themed rackets to 24k gold editions, bringing an unparalleled blend of luxury and handmade performance to the sports world. These collections solidified DAHCOR’s reputation as a pioneer in bespoke sports equipment in the tennis industry.
DAHCOR introduced custom-made bumpers that remain unmatched by any other brand in the world. This year also saw the launch of the DAHCOR Tennis Center (DTC) concept and the introduction of NAAI technology powered by Artificial Intelligence, further establishing DAHCOR as a pioneer in the sports industry.
During the pandemic, DAHCOR initiated a monthly giveaway starting in January, sending thousands of mystery boxes to over 50 countries. This initiative had an immense impact, as people stuck at home enthusiastically shared their unboxing experiences online, significantly increasing the brand’s global visibility. The campaign was temporarily suspended in June due to the beginning of negotiations for an exclusive distribution deal with an international company. This deal, aimed at placing DAHCOR products and the BYO platform in over 80 countries, was successfully closed on September 30, just one day before the brand’s third anniversary.
In 2022, DAHCOR took a bold step toward transforming sports customization by introducing the BYO ARCADE prototype. This innovative platform offers athletes and enthusiasts a gamified experience to design and personalize their sports equipment, specifically rackets, in real-time using Augmented Reality (AR) and advanced 3D technology. BYO ARCADE aimed to revolutionize the relationship between athletes and their gear, making customization more immersive and interactive than ever before.
However, despite the groundbreaking nature of this innovation, an unexpected geopolitical event—the Ukraine conflict—had a significant impact on DAHCOR’s international expansion plans. A major global distribution deal for DAHCOR products, which was set to scale worldwide, was put on indefinite hold. With global challenges still influencing international operations, the brand shifted its focus toward the digital realm. DAHCOR began preparing for a blockchain-integrated future, tapping into the next wave of technology to future-proof its offerings. This digital investment included the development of advanced solutions designed to incentivize younger generations to engage with sports in innovative ways, utilizing gamified technology to encourage participation and interaction.
In January 2023, DAHCOR reached a pivotal milestone in its journey toward sustainability. After five years of research and development, the brand officially integrated sustainability into every facet of its production process. These eco-friendly practices, initially conceptualized in 2018, were finally ready to be embedded into the core of DAHCOR’s operations. This shift marked the start of what would later be launched as the “Rally for the Planet,” a comprehensive initiative aligning every product and operation with environmentally responsible practices.
At the heart of this transformation were DAHCOR’s rigorous R&D efforts, focused on minimizing the environmental impact of production and creating sustainable materials and methods that would define its future. These foundational efforts culminated in the “SET” strategy, symbolizing the brand’s readiness to fully commit to sustainability in all product lines launched from 2024 onwards.
DAHCOR launched in January the #RallyForThePlanet strategy with the SET program, extending its offerings to additional sports. The year also marked the construction of a new factory in Cascais, dedicated to all sports, products, and technologies, including an AI Performance Lab. Additionally, the BYO platform was spun off into its own entity (BYORACKET.ID) and the international distribution operation resumed, with plans to expand by the end of the year. 2024 also saw the launch of DAHCOR’s new Custom Made program, offering tailored products across tennis, Padel, Pickleball, and more, further solidifying DAHCOR’s position as an exclusive luxury atelier for sports.