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Shalabh Malhotra, Founder and CEO, ApClub
Bengaluru-based fitness startup ApClub has raised Rs 2 crore in a maiden pre-seed funding round led by prominent fitness brand Curefit, and enabled through the support and guidance of startup 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 said it will use funds to bolster its signature coaching programs and build a robust backend team to manage 10x scale, as it continues to grow aggressively and make key hires across customer experience, operations, and fitness instructors.
The startup will also deploy funds 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.
Founded in October 2023, ApClub aims 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, etc. According to the startup, users can choose and opt from a wide variety of programs.
It aims to generate $1 million annual recurring revenue (ARR) by 2026. The startup, 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.
"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," said Shalabh Malhotra, who is also the CEO of ApClub.
ApClub is currently present in more than 40 apartment complexes across Bengaluru, where it has served nearly 500 customers to date. Notable properties where ApClub has an active presence include Godrej United, Prestige Kew Gardens, Purva Skydale and Brigade Lakefront, among others. The company plans to expand into other metropolitan areas and Tier‑1 cities in the coming years.
"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," Manas Pal and Adiya Darolia, Co-Founders, PedalStart.