Cricketer Virat Kohli and his brother Vikas Kohli have come on board as strategic investors in Vault, a rapidly expanding franchise-led fitness chain founded by fitness industry veteran Mukesh Gogia in 2023.
The investment will give the Kohli brothers a combined 28 per cent equity stake in the fitness brand, marking a significant expansion of their involvement in the business. Vault, which operates under the name Vault by Virat Kohli and is endorsed by the former India captain, has grown from a single-city concept into a nationwide franchise network.
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The company currently has a community of more than 30,000 members and is looking to accelerate its expansion across India.
Vault Targets 50 Clubs by Year-End
Vault is targeting more than 50 operational clubs by the end of the year as it looks to strengthen its presence beyond major metropolitan markets.
The company said its clubs will vary in size, with facilities ranging from around 6,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet. The expansion strategy focuses on taking premium fitness facilities to a wider range of Indian cities rather than limiting the brand to traditional fitness hubs.
Mukesh Gogia, Founder of Vault, said the Kohli brothers’ investment represents an important milestone for the company and validates its growth strategy.
“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,” Gogia said.
Focus on Fitness Beyond Metro Cities
The brand’s strategy centres on making premium fitness more accessible outside India’s biggest metropolitan centres.
Vikas Kohli said Vault’s community-focused approach and emphasis on differentiated experiences were among the factors that attracted the brothers to the brand.
“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 said.
The company believes its franchise model will help it expand into markets that have traditionally had fewer premium fitness options.
Vault Builds Premium Fitness Ecosystem
Vault has also partnered with established global fitness equipment and recovery brands as part of its offering.
The fitness chain has partnered with Matrix, Torque USA and Precor for strength and cardio equipment. It has also partnered with Hyperice, which powers Vault’s dedicated Recov Rooms, designed to complement members’ training and recovery routines.
With the Kohli brothers now holding a significant stake in the company, Vault is expected to use the investment and their strategic involvement to support its next phase of growth.
The brand’s expansion comes at a time when fitness and wellness businesses are increasingly moving beyond India’s major cities, with consumers seeking professionally managed gyms and specialised recovery facilities closer to home.
Vault’s goal of crossing 50 clubs by the end of the year marks the next major step in its growth journey, while the involvement of Virat and Vikas Kohli gives the brand additional visibility as it seeks to establish itself as a nationwide fitness network.
