Bengaluru’s fitness landscape is getting a bold new upgrade as ApClub, a rising startup specializing in at-residence fitness programs, has raised Rs 2 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by Curefit, with accelerator PedalStart and several strategic angel investors coming on board. This move sets the stage for an exciting chapter in urban fitness, blending convenience with expert guidance for India’s busy professionals and families.
Key Backers: Curefit, PedalStart, and Angel Investors Rally Behind ApClub
The fresh capital injection was spearheaded by Curefit, a leading name in India’s fitness industry, while PedalStart played a crucial role as an enabler and strategic investor. Notable angel investors such as Pranay Jivrajka (Founder & CEO of Allo Health, former CEO of Ola Foods) also participated, signaling strong confidence in the venture’s disruptive business model.
ApClub’s Unique Approach: Fitness That Comes to Your Doorstep
Founded in October 2023, ApClub targets the modern urbanite, bringing a wide array of fitness, personal training, and wellness coaching programs directly to people’s homes and apartment complexes. Services span strength training, yoga, pilates, weight management, group classes, sports coaching for kids and adults, and nutrition guidance — all delivered at the customer’s convenience.
ApClub’s mission is straightforward: make fitness accessible for everyone without the hassle of travel, pollution, or tight schedules. By embedding professional trainers and curated wellness programs within residential communities, ApClub allows Bangalore’s residents to seamlessly pursue health goals amid their fast-paced lives.
Growth Ambitions: Expanding Reach and Building a Tech-Driven Platform
Currently, ApClub has established a presence in over 40 leading apartment complexes in Bengaluru, serving nearly 500 customers and building a loyal following in communities like Godrej United, Prestige Kew Gardens, and Purva Skydale. The startup is now looking to scale its operations tenfold, targeting expansion into other metro and Tier‑1 cities in the coming years.
To handle this ambitious growth, ApClub is channelling funds into:
Strengthening its coaching teams and backend operations
Enhancing customer experience touchpoints
Building a robust tech platform, including a soon-to-launch mobile app for seamless bookings and class management
The company aims to achieve $1 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) by 2026, driven by a comprehensive lineup of fitness and sports coaching programs tailored to suit every age group and lifestyle.
Differentiation: Why ApClub Stands Out
In a crowded fitness industry, ApClub’s commitment to offline, doorstep coaching gives it an edge. Users never have to battle city traffic or polluted roads just to get to a gym or yoga class. The emphasis is on convenience, customization, and high-quality instruction in a familiar, community-centric environment. Plans are also underway to manage apartment clubhouse gyms and roll out more wellness services and outdoor activities, widening ApClub’s appeal well beyond traditional fitness centers.
Industry Quotes: Backers See Immense Potential
According to Shalabh Malhotra, Founder and CEO of ApClub, “With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, balancing careers and personal wellness is tough for most people. ApClub’s model empowers individuals and families to access fitness at their doorstep, making daily health and wellness practical again.”
PedalStart’s co-founders, Manas Pal and Adiya Darolia, added, “By focusing on where the customer is, ApClub has set itself apart and showcased immense potential to scale. Offline, at-home coaching is a market ripe for innovation.”
The Road Ahead: Building India’s Preferred Residential Fitness Platform
With expert support from industry leaders, a community-first mindset, and a laser-focus on hyperlocal convenience, ApClub is well-positioned to become the go-to solution for urban India’s fitness and wellness needs. As it readies to launch its mobile app and build out teams, ApClub envisions transforming countless apartment clubs and societies into vibrant wellness communities, all while creating new job opportunities for fitness instructors across India.
In summary: ApClub’s Rs 2 crore pre-seed round is more than just a funding milestone — it’s a catalyst for innovation in how Indians approach fitness, bridging the gap between aspiration and real, achievable wellness.