Practo enters fitness solutions segment through acquisition of FitHo

FitHo helps people manage weight and lifestyle diseases by building technology-based products

Bengaluru-based Practo, a marketplace for doctors, has acquired Delhi-based digital fitness solution platform FitHo for an undisclosed amount in a cash-and-stock deal. This is the first acquisition for Practo, which said it has become the largest player in the online doctor search space in Asia and the sixth largest globally.

FitHo, founded in 2010 by serial entrepreneur Dhruv Gupta, and Prachi Gupta, helps people manage weight and lifestyle diseases by building technology-based products that can provide personalised advice to consumers. Over 65,000 people have used FitHo so far.

Prior to FitHo, Gupta had co-founded movie review and rating portal DesiMartini, which was acquired by HT Media in 2007. He has also founded GKB Online, an e-commerce platform for prescription eyeware.

The 12-member team of FitHo will relocate to Bengaluru and work out of Practo's office. Also, Dhruv Gupta will join Practo has its head for preventive, while Prachi Gupta will be the general manager for operations and new segment.

"The acquisition will help Practo rapidly expand its offerings and move into the preventive healthcare space," Practo said in a statement. "FitHo's current offerings will be phased out over the next six months and Practo will launch a completely new preventive product that will leverage some of the technology from FitHo."

According Shashank N D, founder and chief executive officer of Practo, this is just one of the acquisitions they are exploring. "FitHo team brings onboard enormous talent and expertise to help us tap into the preventive segment," he said. "Acquisitions will be a key part of our strategy going forward."