Sender One Climbing, a Southern California climbing gym operator, has acquired its flagship LAX location through a partnership with Kachuwa Impact Fund, an impact investment cooperative that supports community-centered, mission-driven businesses.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The LAX facility, which opened in 2017, has reportedly become a “pillar within Southern California’s climbing community and Sender One’s operations,” according to a media release. The previous owner, a family operator, offered Sender One the chance to purchase the building, honoring a decade-long relationship.

Sender One also boasts locations in SoCal, including Westwood, Playa Vista, Santa Ana, and Lakewood. A new location in Alisa Viejo is scheduled to open in 2026.

Kachuwa joined as the lead equity investor in a new entity formed to acquire the property. The deal allowed Sender One to continue operating under a new 15-year lease, securing long-term stability for the business.

“Climbing gyms are spaces for transformation — for discovering who you are and connecting with others,” said Alice Kao, CEO and co-founder of Sender One. “Sender One was founded 13 years ago with support from local community investors — people who believed in our purpose before we had a business plan. With this acquisition, we’re continuing that tradition by partnering with an investor who shares our values and long-term vision. We’re safeguarding a space that means so much to our community — and we’re doing it with a partner who believes that the best way to profit is through serving people and purpose.”

Blake Jones, founder and president of Kachuwa, said the new partnership with Sender One “represents a milestone for its cooperative — our first investment in California and a prime example of the firm’s focus on real estate that makes a positive impact on society and the environment.

“In addition to supporting mission-driven companies, we’re investing in spaces that actively strengthen communities and BIPOC leadership,” Jones added.

“Sender One has transformed this property into more than just a solar-powered climbing gym; it’s become a cornerstone of connection and well-being in the LA community. We’re proud to help secure its future while demonstrating how real estate can be a force for regeneration, not just profit,” added Yichen Feng, board director of Kachuwa.

Image courtesy Sender One