New Delhi: Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli and his brother Vikas Kohli have strengthened their commitment to Vault by Virat Kohli, formalizing a collective 28% equity stake in the premium fitness chain as strategic investors.
The move marks a significant milestone for the fast-growing fitness brand, which is preparing for an aggressive nationwide expansion aimed at tapping India’s rapidly growing health and wellness market.
Founded in 2023 by fitness entrepreneur Mukesh Gogia, Vault has grown from a single-city venture into a franchise-led fitness network serving more than 30,000 members across the country. The company now plans to operate more than 50 fitness clubs by the end of the year, reinforcing its ambition to become one of India’s leading premium fitness chains.
Expansion Beyond Metro Cities
While many premium fitness brands remain concentrated in metropolitan markets, Vault is betting on India’s expanding demand for organized fitness infrastructure beyond Tier 1 cities.
The company already operates across markets including Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Gorakhpur, and several other cities. Its next phase of expansion will focus on Tier 3 cities, where rising disposable incomes, growing health awareness, and limited access to premium fitness facilities present a significant market opportunity.
Upcoming clubs will range in size from approximately 6,000 sq. ft. to 25,000 sq. ft., allowing the company to serve diverse urban markets while maintaining a standardized member experience.
Building a Community-Driven Fitness Brand
Vault positions itself as more than a conventional gym chain, emphasizing community engagement, performance-driven training, and premium wellness experiences.
Commenting on the development, Mukesh Gogia, Founder of Vault, said the investment reflects confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
“Virat Kohli and Vikas Kohli joining Vault as strategic investors marks a key milestone for the brand. Having them join our vision is a strong validation of where we’re headed. Vault was built on the idea that premium fitness shouldn’t be exclusive to a handful of metros; it should be accessible, community-driven, and consistent, whether you’re training in Delhi or Gorakhpur. We’re not just adding clubs—we’re building a movement focused on performance, dedication, and a contemporary approach to fitness and wellness in India.”
A Growing Opportunity in India’s Wellness Economy
India’s fitness and wellness industry has witnessed rapid growth over the past decade, driven by increasing health consciousness, rising disposable incomes, and greater awareness of preventive healthcare.
The Kohli brothers believe brands that combine strong customer communities with differentiated experiences are well positioned to capitalize on this shift.
Speaking about the investment, Vikas Kohli said:
“We’ve always believed that the next wave of consumer brands in India will be built on strong communities and differentiated experiences, and Vault exemplifies both. What stood out to us is the brand’s commitment to making high-quality fitness accessible beyond the traditional metro markets while maintaining a sharp focus on member experience and operational excellence.”
He added that the company aims to build a scalable fitness ecosystem that serves India’s growing health-conscious population.
Celebrity-Led Brands Continue to Gain Momentum
The investment further strengthens the trend of high-profile personalities taking active ownership roles in consumer businesses rather than serving only as brand ambassadors.
For Vault, Virat Kohli’s expanded involvement provides not only brand credibility but also strategic alignment with one of India’s most recognizable advocates for fitness and athletic performance.
As competition intensifies across India’s organized fitness market, the company’s expansion into underserved cities could help differentiate its franchise-led model while capitalizing on increasing demand for premium wellness experiences outside traditional urban centres.
Why It Matters
India’s fitness industry is evolving rapidly, fueled by rising health awareness and demand beyond metropolitan markets. With Virat and Vikas Kohli increasing their ownership stake and Vault targeting more than 50 clubs nationwide, the company is positioning itself to capture the next wave of growth in India’s organized fitness and wellness sector.
India’s Economy Is Growing at 7.4%. Its Tax Take Is Shrinking. Here’s Why.
Ruchi Kumar is the associate editor at Entrepreneur News Network and TVW News India, where she leads editorial strategy, brand storytelling, and startup ecosystem coverage. With a strong focus on innovation, business, and marketing insights, he curates impactful narratives that spotlight India’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape. She has written extensively on fintech, AI and emerging startups.