Wellhub adds $19.3M to credit fund for Brazilian gyms and studios

What's the deal? Wellhub, the corporate wellness platform, is adding US$25.6M (≈$19.3 million) to a credit fund for partner gyms and studios in Brazil, announced October 1. It extends the Financial Solutions strategy the company launched in August 2025.

Why now? The first round lent more than US$25.6M to over 1,000 partners, with an average ticket of about US$33.3K and terms up to 30 months. Partners used the credit mainly for renovations, equipment, new locations, and refinancing costlier debt.

What's the endgame? Wellhub says 95% of its member gyms are small or medium businesses and 90% run a single location. It started offering credit after surveys flagged demand for cheaper financing. "Our goal with all this isn't to become a fintech and profit from it, but to give them a better service," said Daniel Mazini, head of global partnerships (translated from Portuguese).

How it works: The fund draws on receivables partners generate on Wellhub, with instalments deducted directly from platform payouts. Galapagos CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → manages the fund; QI Tech handles infrastructure and custody.

Alongside credit, Wellhub this year added insurance tailored to gyms and studios, plus the option to receive check-in revenue weekly at a discount. The three fronts aim to deepen ties — and retention — across its partner network.

The signal: The move lands amid market expansion. Per the 2026 Fitness Market Growth Report, 44% of Brazilian operators plan to open new units within 12 months and 90% report membership growth. Wellhub has over 45,000 partners in Brazil and more than 110,000 globally across 18 countries, and plans to grow its credit funds to cut partner rates further.

Read more: veja.abril.com.br

Image credit: Wellhub