Brands
Virat Kohli raises stake in Vault fitness chain to fuel expansion
Kohli brothers take 28 per cent stake as brand targets 50 clubs this year
MUMBAI: Virat Kohli is putting more than muscle behind his fitness venture, he’s putting in more ownership too. The Indian cricketer and entrepreneur, along with his brother Vikas Kohli, has increased his commitment to Vault by Virat Kohli by becoming a strategic investor, formalising a collective 28 per cent equity stake in the premium fitness chain as it prepares for an aggressive nationwide expansion.
The announcement comes as the franchise-led gym brand accelerates its growth strategy, with plans to expand its footprint to more than 50 operational clubs by the end of the year.
Founded by fitness entrepreneur Mukesh Gogia in 2023, Vault has grown from a single-city concept into a franchise network with more than 30,000 members across India. The company currently operates in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, including Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Gorakhpur, and is now shifting its focus towards Tier 3 cities, where organised premium fitness infrastructure remains relatively underpenetrated.
The upcoming clubs will range in size from approximately 6,000 sq. ft. to 25,000 sq. ft., reflecting the brand’s strategy of building larger, full-service fitness centres across diverse markets.
The move also signals a deeper shift in Kohli’s role from brand ambassador to long-term investor as fitness businesses increasingly attract celebrity-backed capital alongside expanding consumer demand for health and wellness services.
Vault has positioned itself around a franchise-partner model, allowing it to scale rapidly without relying solely on company-owned outlets. The company is betting that rising disposable incomes and growing health awareness in smaller cities will drive the next phase of organised fitness growth.
Its facilities are equipped through partnerships with global fitness brands including Matrix, Torque USA and Precor for strength and cardio equipment, while recovery zones are powered by Hyperice technology.
The latest investment underscores how India’s fitness sector is evolving beyond metropolitan markets. As premium gym chains look outside major cities for growth, celebrity-backed brands are increasingly using franchise models to build scale, with community-driven experiences and wellness services becoming as important as exercise equipment itself.
