Startup Originals Team
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli and his brother Vikas Kohli have officially become strategic investors in Vault by Virat Kohli, formalising a combined 28% equity stake in the premium fitness chain. The move marks an important milestone for the company as it accelerates its expansion across India’s rapidly growing fitness market.
While the company did not disclose the financial value of the transaction or the individual shareholding of the two brothers, it confirmed that Virat Kohli holds the larger portion of the combined stake. The investment aligns with Vault’s long-term vision of making premium fitness more accessible across metro and emerging cities.
What Happened?
Vault announced that Virat Kohli and Vikas Kohli have formalised their combined 28% ownership in the company, becoming strategic investors as the fitness chain enters its next phase of growth.
Founded in 2023 by fitness entrepreneur Mukesh Gogia, Vault has rapidly expanded its footprint and currently operates 30 fitness clubs across India. The company now plans to increase its network to more than 50 clubs by the end of 2026, primarily through a franchise-led business model.
Although financial details of the investment were not made public, the company said the partnership reinforces its commitment to building a nationwide premium fitness brand.
Key Details
Vault currently serves over 30,000 members through its network of fitness centres spread across Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Gorakhpur, and several other Tier I and Tier II cities.
The company operates spacious fitness facilities ranging from 6,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet, offering members modern equipment, professional training, and community-focused wellness experiences.
Its future expansion strategy will increasingly target Tier III cities, where organised premium fitness infrastructure remains relatively limited despite rising health awareness and disposable incomes.
The company believes the franchise model will enable faster expansion while maintaining operational consistency and service quality across locations.
Leadership Views
Founder Mukesh Gogia described the investment by Virat and Vikas Kohli as a significant milestone for the company.
He said Vault was created with the vision of making premium fitness accessible beyond India’s major metropolitan cities. According to Gogia, the company aims to build a nationwide fitness community centred on performance, discipline, and modern wellness rather than simply expanding the number of clubs.
Vikas Kohli said India’s next generation of consumer brands will be built around strong communities and differentiated customer experiences. He added that Vault’s commitment to bringing high-quality fitness to non-metro markets while maintaining operational excellence made it an attractive long-term investment.
Company Background
Vault was established in 2023 by Mukesh Gogia, a veteran of India’s fitness industry. The company focuses on delivering premium gym experiences through large-format fitness centres equipped with modern infrastructure and professional coaching.
Unlike many premium fitness brands concentrated in metropolitan areas, Vault has adopted a broader geographic strategy by expanding into smaller cities where organised fitness offerings remain underpenetrated.
Its franchise-led model enables local entrepreneurs to partner with the brand while maintaining uniform operating standards and member experience.
Industry Impact
India’s fitness and wellness industry has been growing steadily, driven by increasing health consciousness, preventive healthcare trends, rising disposable incomes, and greater awareness of active lifestyles.
Celebrity-backed fitness brands have gained significant traction in recent years as public personalities help build consumer trust and strengthen brand visibility. Virat Kohli’s association with Vault is expected to enhance the company’s market presence while attracting both franchise partners and fitness enthusiasts.
The company’s focus on Tier II and Tier III markets also reflects a broader shift in India’s consumer economy, where premium lifestyle services are expanding beyond traditional metropolitan hubs.
Future Plans
Vault plans to expand its network from 30 operational clubs to over 50 locations by the end of 2026 through franchise partnerships across India.
The company intends to deepen its presence in smaller cities while continuing to invest in member experience, operational excellence, and community-driven fitness programmes. With the support of its strategic investors, Vault aims to establish itself as one of India’s leading premium fitness chains.
Conclusion
The formalisation of Virat Kohli and Vikas Kohli’s 28% stake in Vault highlights growing investor confidence in India’s expanding fitness industry. As the company scales its franchise network and enters more emerging markets, the partnership is expected to strengthen Vault’s position in the organised fitness sector while making premium wellness services accessible to a wider audience across the country.
