Virat Kohli and his brother Vikas Kohli have acquired a 28% stake in fitness chain Vault. The startup, founded in 2023, plans to scale its operations to over 50 clubs nationwide by the end of this year, targeting markets beyond major metro cities.
Cricketer Virat Kohli and his brother Vikas Kohli have made a strategic entry into the Indian fitness market by acquiring a 28% equity stake in the gym chain, Vault. This investment marks a notable expansion for the Kohli brothers into the consumer-facing fitness sector, which has seen increasing competition from both premium and budget-friendly gym franchises across India.
Scaling the Franchise Model
Vault was established in 2023 by Mukesh Gogia, an entrepreneur with experience in the fitness industry. The brand currently reports a member base of over 30,000 individuals. Following this investment, the company has set an ambitious target to reach a network of more than 50 operational clubs by the end of 2026. These fitness centers typically range between 6,000 and 25,000 square feet, depending on the location and facility design.
Focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 Markets
The business model of Vault focuses on taking premium fitness services to areas outside of major metros, such as Delhi or smaller cities like Gorakhpur. By focusing on these regions, the company aims to tap into growing disposable income and rising health awareness in India’s smaller urban centers. To support this, the brand has invested in international fitness equipment brands including Matrix, Torque USA, and Precor, while also incorporating recovery technology like Hyperice in their clubs.
Strategic Implications and Industry Context
The Indian fitness and wellness sector has become increasingly fragmented, with several players competing for market share. Established chains and new franchise-based models are currently navigating high operational costs, including real estate rentals and the maintenance of expensive imported machinery. For investors, the primary area to monitor will be the company’s ability to maintain profit margins while scaling rapidly through a franchise model. Rapid expansion often requires significant capital, and the long-term success of such a brand depends on its ability to balance member acquisition with the costs associated with running large-format facilities.
As Vault moves toward its target of 50 clubs, market watchers will track the pace of new club openings and the consistency of the member experience across different geographies. The company's future performance will likely hinge on its ability to retain members in smaller cities where price sensitivity can be higher compared to metro areas. Investors interested in this space will also follow whether the company can successfully compete against existing organized gym chains that have already established a footprint in these regions.