Actofit Acquires Bengaluru-Based Affiliate Marketing Startup Adkitty
Actofit, a connected device and fitness management firm, has acquired Bengaluru-based affiliate-marketing startup Adkitty for a cash and product mix of $1 million, and is preparing to launch CoachPro, an online fitness management platform for fitness trainers.
This is in line with the company’s objective of creating a world-class fitness delivery platform with an emphasis on Independent Coaches and assisting them in rebuilding their businesses under their own brands during the pandemic era, when over 56 percent of trainers lost their jobs.
CoachPro, the integrated solution, allows any trainer to create their own free branded digital studios on the App and Web in minutes and begin giving fitness lessons. This specialized fitness delivery and commerce platform eliminates the need for a fitness trainer to use and pay for several platforms by combining Zoom, Shopify, Linktree, Acuity, and Trainerize into one.
Trainers are limited to working for the big guns and cannot establish their own brand or run their own business in an era where technology is the main barrier to scaling or bypassing geographic borders. CoachPro bridges the technology divide by allowing coaches to license the complete platform, allowing them to keep and scale their clients and brands instead.
Customers work out with personal trainers in real time using their own equipment at home or at the gym. The coach will be able to track user performance in real time and provide health and fitness tips using smart wearables like Garmin, Apple, Polar, or Actofit, allowing customers to make informed purchasing decisions.
Pratik Saraogi, CEO of Actofit, adds his two cents “The future of fitness will be a mix of physical and digital activities. Instead of brick and mortar studios, it will involve returning power to the customer and instructor. It will rely on mobile apps with supported virtual training on screens to allow users to workout from anywhere; connected sensors to assess user performance; and group involvement and social components to create a sense of community.”
Shardul Sinha, MD of Medifit Consultants Pvt Ltd, a company that operates gyms and leases equipment at over 250 corporate campuses across the country and employs over 3000 trainers, joins as a co-investor. CoachPro intends to help trainers not only increase their economic worth, but also improve their quality and fitness delivery to users.
“In five years, I’d like to see over 100,000 fitness coaches establish businesses digitally in the Digital India age. More young people interested in working in the fitness industry would have a greater impact on society by lowering obesity, diabetes, and increasing overall health.” Actofit investor and partner at investment firm Metaform Ventures Nilesh Jain agrees.
By the end of May 2022, the team plans to deploy an early access version of its customized fitness coaching platform to empower independent instructors.