Cult.fit, the fitness and lifestyle brand, is ramping up its retail presence. The company plans to open 15–20 new stores this year to sell fitness apparel and equipment, a move that complements its core gym business.
“Over the last six to nine months, things have moved quickly. We’re constantly expanding our range and opening new stores,” said Naresh Krishnaswamy, CEO of Cult.fit.
While fitness subscriptions remain the company’s largest source of revenue—contributing ₹670 crore, or 72.3% of total revenue in the past year—the brand is exploring growth in quick commerce and franchise models. Krishnaswamy sees potential in using fast delivery channels for smaller products like accessories and light clothing. In smaller cities, Cult.fit is partnering with local entrepreneurs to run gyms under a franchise model.
Startup Builds the ‘Brains’ for Drones and Robots
Imagine if autonomous machines like drones or warehouse robots could think for themselves without relying on the cloud. That’s the vision behind Rebhu Computing, a startup based in Delhi-NCR. Rebhu is building compact AI chipsets and software systems that bring intelligence directly to devices.
Its key products include AutonomySi, a hardware AI chipset, and VNTK, a software toolkit for visual navigation. Together, they form an integrated system for machines such as GPS-denied drones, autonomous agricultural vehicles, and indoor navigation bots.
The startup began with just $30,000 in funds but later secured ₹33.3 crore through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme. This support helped build its technology and grow its team.