The mobile app bets on its community to motivate users. Unlike other apps that are sort of gym directories, Welnes can turn any place into a gym.

In 2020, Egyptian startup Welnes launched an eponymous social media app for a virtual group workout. After registering, users can access the various services offered by the platform, share their experience, meet other users online, take part in fitness challenges–routines carried out over a set period with a fixed goal–prepared by coaches. They can also discuss with nutritionists to define personalized workout programs, share appropriate cooking recipes and images of the foods they cooked. 

Amr Saleh (photo, left) and Amr Diab, respectively Welnes CEO and founder, explained that the social media app was developed to push many young workers, who are too busy in the daytime and not motivated to go to the gym, to work out right from their homes.

They expect group effects to boost users’ involvement. As per their figures, the app is currently used by over 15,000 subscribers who have already shared more than 500,000 pictures of foods they cooked.

According to the CEO, most users register on Welnes because of the nutrition and workout regimens but they stay because of the community. 

In January 2022, the mobile fitness app started developing its human resources. It plans to expand in the North African sub-region by 2023, thanks to the US$300,000 seed capital it raised from investors like Samurai Incubate, and UI Investments under the leadership of Flat6labs.

Ruben Tchounyabe