Bengaluru-based fitness start-up ApClub has raised ₹2 Crores in its maiden pre-seed funding round. The fundraise was led by prominent fitness brand Curefit Healthcare Pvt Ltd, and enabled through the support and guidance of renowned start-up accelerator PedalStart, who also actively contributed as a strategic investor for this round. It also witnessed participation of a few angel investors, including Pranay Jivrajka (Founder & CEO of Allo Health, Ex-CEO of Ola Foods).
ApClub will utilize the pre-seed investment to bolster their signature coaching programs, and build a robust backend team to manage 10x scale, as they continue to grow aggressively and make key hires across customer experience, operations, and fitness instructors. A significant portion of these funds shall also be deployed to enhance existing offerings and introduce new wellness programs, including group classes and sports coaching for both adults and children, thereby taking a leap towards becoming a comprehensive platform for all coaching needs.
Owing to its strong focus on quality, customer-centricity and in-house team of fitness experts and trainers, ApClub has gained strong traction, and is aiming to generate USD 1 Million Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) by 2026. The start-up, currently operating through a web-based platform, is working on a customer-facing mobile app – which will be launched in the second half of 2025. In the long run, ApClub envisions to set up and manage apartment clubhouse facilities and gyms, and introduce a plethora of wellness programs and outdoor activities.
Speaking about the fundraise, Shalabh Malhotra, Founder and CEO, ApClub said, “We are thrilled to announce our first pre-seed funding round – a major milestone in ApClub’s journey of reimagining healthy lifestyle for urban Indians. With today’s fast-paced lifestyle in our cities where both spouses are often working, balancing demanding careers with personal fitness and wellness goals becomes a major challenge, even for fitness-conscious individuals. After a hectic workday, people are often left with little or no time and energy to commute to pursue their fitness goals. We at ApClub successfully identified this gap, and are addressing it by providing convenient, personalized fitness solutions at people’s doorsteps – at their homes or within the housing complexes. The latest funding will empower us to significantly expand our services, strengthen offerings, and bring high-quality, structured training programs across Bengaluru and other cities, paving the way for a healthier India".
Manas Pal and Adiya Darolia, Co-Founders, PedalStart commented, “We at PedalStart are excited and proud to support ApClub in promoting holistic wellness at or near individuals’ doorsteps. With their emphasis on offline coaching and serving where the customer is i.e. at their homes/society – so that one doesn’t need to step out of their homes and battle traffic, pollution etc. to reach a gym or coaching facility – ApClub has differentiated itself and showcased immense potential to scale. Besides, we at PedalStart were equally impressed by Shalabh and his team’s domain know-how and conviction to revolutionize the country’s urban fitness services market. We look forward to continue helping them as they optimize and expand in the near future.”
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ApClub is currently present across over 40 apartments across Bengaluru, wherein till date they have served nearly 500 customers. Some of the notable apartments in Bengaluru where ApClub has established active presence are: Godrej United, Prestige Kew Gardens, Purva Skydale, Brigade Lakefront, among others. After dominating the at-home and near-home fitness segment in Bengaluru, the start-up would be venturing into other metros and tier-1 cities over the next few years.
Founded in October 2023, ApClub is on a mission to redefine India’s urban fitness space by offering tailored fitness, personal training and coaching programs at people’s residences – from strength training, weight loss, Yoga classes, Pilates, diet-and-nutrition plans, and much more, users can choose and opt from a wide variety of programs. The start-up has been a part of PedalStart cohort since its early stage, receiving support from the latter on critical aspects such as marketing, hiring, etc. Moreover, the recent strategic investment and backing from cult brings ApClub additional support in driving growth for their business in the upcoming years; whereby cult will help them to amplify value-addition to customers by providing access to cult instructors and programs, and enable speedy user acquisitions through cross-promotions.
