Founders & their story

• Vishal Nigam
• Anita Nigam

Married for two and a half years, the founders of WTF identified a gap in the fitness industry. While premium gyms were expensive and local gyms often lacked hygiene and proper training, they decided to redefine the fitness experience. WTF collaborates with local gyms, transforming them into affordable yet premium fitness spaces through rebranding focused on hospitality, ambiance, qualified staff, and expert trainers. Leveraging technology, they convert these gyms into sought-after fitness destinations.

WTF operates and maintains these revamped gyms, offering a seamless experience for users. The WTF app serves as a fitness guide, with its AI Bot, Fitty, acting as the superhero, monitoring users’ end-to-end fitness journeys. Currently, WTF has successfully revamped over 43 gyms in NCR and Bangalore, with plans to expand to Kolkata.

Unlike traditional local gyms struggling with retention and renewal, WTF operates on a unique partnership model. They collaborate with the original gym, sharing profits while leaving the assets under the ownership of the original gym. This approach ensures a mutually beneficial alliance, where WTF acts as the operator, bringing a premium touch to local gyms without altering their ownership structure.

About the company:

WTF is a cutting-edge platform for fitness technology that is changing the way members, instructors, and owners interact with gyms. By utilising state-of-the-art technology, AI-powered personalisation, and data-driven analytics, WTF enhances trainer-member interactions, streamlines gym operations, and provides a high-quality, cost-effective fitness solution. When gym owners work with WTF, they may benefit from cutting-edge technology, efficient operations, customised training programmes, multiple revenue streams, and improved brand awareness. Through this collaboration, business owners may guarantee long-term profitability, draw in new members, and optimise their operations. Data-driven insights, ongoing education, increased client engagements, and a larger clientele are all advantageous to trainers. WTF gives trainers the tools they need to grow their professions, give individualised advice, and keep up with fitness trends.

WTF is essentially a fitness technology game-changer, providing owners, trainers, and members with a unique, creative, and customised gym experience. With its cutting-edge technology, dedication to ongoing development, and emphasis on great value, WTF is positioned to dominate the fitness sector and help stakeholders realise their objectives.

Revenue: 

Operating costs, including electricity and maintenance, absorb 50% of the total expenses for the gym. After accounting for these costs, the remaining funds are shared, with WTF retaining around 35%. Sales figures for July 2023 amounted to 56 lakhs, followed by 58 lakhs in August and 65 lakhs in September. On average, each gym generates revenue of 3 lakhs. Out of this, operational costs amount to 1.5 lakhs, leaving a balance of 1.5 lakhs. From this remaining amount, WTF claims a share of 35%. This financial structure allows for sustainable operations and a fair distribution of revenue between the gym operators and WTF.

Founders’ Ask 

1 crore for 2% equity at the valuation of Rs. 50 crores.

No Deal

Reasons for no deal

Deepinder: He felt that there were many missing attentions to detail.

Vineeta: She fees lack of potential in the promises. Organized branded gyms in India has not worked so far.

Aman: The business model is confusing, and the founders relied a lot on buzz words.

Namita: Specificity and statistics are less, numbers are low.

Anupam: Business model is flawed as it would result in conflict with gym owners. The ask was also not justified.