Summary: Who Owns F45 Gym
F45 Training is owned by its parent company, F45 Holdings Ltd, which operates the global franchise network. The brand was founded in 2012 by Rob Deutsch and Adam Bilton in Australia and has since expanded through a franchise model managed by F45 Holdings. Investors in the business include firms such as TDM Growth Partners, alongside other institutional backing supporting global expansion. Day-to-day, franchisees own and operate individual studios, while the headquarters sets brand standards and systemwide strategy. This article explains the corporate structure, ownership layers, and how decisions flow from investors to local studios.
What F45 Training Is and How Its Ownership Works
F45 Training is a global fitness brand built on high-intensity, functional group workouts. It operates primarily through a franchise model, with F45 Holdings Ltd as the brand owner and governing entity. Each F45 studio is typically owned and run by a local franchisee who pays fees and adheres to brand guidelines. The company was founded in 2012 in Australia and has grown into a large international network with multiple ownership layers. Understanding who owns F45 at each level helps explain how the brand maintains consistency while allowing local entrepreneurship.
Corporate Ownership: F45 Holdings Ltd
F45 Holdings Ltd is the registered corporate entity that owns the F45 Training brand, intellectual property, and global franchise system. It sets policies, training standards, and operational frameworks used by studios worldwide. The company typically licenses the brand and systems to franchisees, who operate individual locations. F45 Holdings may also hold equity in some company-owned studios in key markets. This structure allows the brand to scale quickly while preserving control over quality and experience.
The Founding Story and Leadership
F45 Training was founded in 2012 by Rob Deutsch and Adam Bilton in Australia. They launched the first studio with a focus on functional, group-based workouts that combined HIIT, strength, and core work. Early growth relied on word-of-mouth and a compelling workout format. As the brand expanded, leadership built a scalable franchise system under F45 Holdings. Today, investors and executives continue to shape the brand’s long-term direction, focusing on global reach and franchisee support.
Major Investors and Corporate Backers
Over time, F45 has attracted institutional investors to fund expansion, technology, and marketing. These backers provide capital for brand development, international growth, and digital tools used by studios. While specific investor terms are often private, public filings and business reports reveal the involvement of growth-stage equity firms. These investors typically support scaling efforts rather than daily operations, leaving franchise and company-run studios to local management.
| Owner / Investor Type | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| F45 Holdings Ltd (parent company) | Owns brand, IP, and franchise system | Corporate registry and public filings |
| Rob Deutsch and Adam Bilton | Founders of F45 Training | Founder interviews and launch announcements |
| TDM Growth Partners | Notable investor in F45’s growth stage | Investment press releases |
| Local franchisees | Own and operate individual studios | Franchise disclosure documents |
| International development teams | Oversee expansion in key regions | Corporate announcements |
How F45’s Franchise Model Defines Ownership
Most F45 studios are owned by independent franchisees who buy the right to use the brand and system. These franchisees manage hiring, marketing, and daily operations. In some regions, F45 Holdings or affiliated entities may operate company-owned studios directly, particularly during initial market entry. The franchise agreement typically covers fees, training, support, and brand compliance. This hybrid mix of franchise and company-owned locations lets F45 expand quickly while maintaining control over the customer experience.
Franchisee Ownership and Responsibilities
A franchisee purchases a territory or unit rights and pays initial and ongoing fees. They hire staff, manage the facility, and follow brand standards set by F45 Holdings. In return, they receive training, marketing support, and access to the booking platform and curriculum. Because each studio is independently owned, results can vary by location. However, the brand’s uniformity in workout design helps ensure a consistent experience worldwide.
Company-Owned Studios and Market Entry Strategy
In strategic markets, F45 Holdings may open and run company-owned studios to test concepts, train franchisees, or establish brand presence. These locations serve as proof points for franchise buyers and help refine operations before scaling through franchising. Company-owned studios are relatively rare compared with the franchise model but play an important role in shaping how the brand operates on the ground.
Organizational Structure: From Headquarters to Local Studios
F45’s structure separates brand ownership from studio ownership. At the top sits F45 Holdings Ltd, responsible for global strategy, curriculum development, and brand integrity. Below that are regional teams and individual franchisees who run studios day to day. This layered approach clarifies decision-making: investors and executives set the long-term vision, while franchisees manage execution. Clear lines of responsibility help the brand maintain quality as it grows.
Role of F45 Holdings in Governance
F45 Holdings oversees the brand, legal protections, and systemwide technology. It develops the workout catalog, updates standards, and ensures compliance across markets. The company also negotiates vendor agreements and supports marketing campaigns that benefit both company-run and franchise studios. By managing the core system, F45 Holdings enables franchisees to focus on local execution and community building.
Regional and Market-Level Management
In larger regions, F45 may appoint regional managers or directors who support franchisees with recruitment, training, and performance reviews. These leaders act as a bridge between corporate headquarters and studio owners. They help implement new initiatives, resolve issues, and share best practices across locations. This structure helps maintain consistency while allowing local flexibility.
Differences Between Franchise and Company-Owned F45 Studios
Ownership type affects how a studio is run, who makes financial decisions, and how profits are distributed. Company-owned studios keep all profits within the business but require direct investment and management by F45 or its affiliates. Franchise studios give entrepreneurs the chance to run their own business under a proven system, with profits flowing to the owner minus fees. Comparing these models clarifies who truly owns each location and how value is created.
| Ownership Model | Who Owns and Operates | Profit Distribution | Key Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise studio | Independent franchisee | Franchisee keeps net profit after fees | Franchise agreements |
| Company-owned studio | F45 Holdings or affiliate | Profit returns to parent entity | Corporate filings |
Recent Changes, If Any, in Ownership or Structure
As of now, there are no widely reported changes to F45’s core ownership model or major shifts in its parent company structure. The business continues to operate through a mix of franchise and company-owned studios, with F45 Holdings remaining the central brand owner. Growth has been driven by franchisee investment and institutional backing rather than dramatic restructuring. This stability supports a consistent experience for members across locations.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is F45 Training publicly or privately owned?
F45 Training is privately held through its parent company, F45 Holdings Ltd. It is not publicly traded, so ownership details are primarily disclosed through franchise documents and corporate filings rather than investor reports.
Who can buy an F45 franchise?
Qualified entrepreneurs who meet financial requirements can apply to become F45 franchisees. The process includes vetting, training, and site selection, after which the franchisee operates an independently owned studio under the F45 system.
Do investors run F45 studios day to day?
No. Investors typically provide capital and strategic oversight. Daily operations are managed by franchisees or regional teams, depending on whether the studio is franchise- or company-owned.
Has F45 changed ownership recently?
There have been no major announced changes to F45’s ownership structure recently. The brand continues to operate through its established franchise and company-owned model managed by F45 Holdings.
How can I verify F45 ownership information?
Official franchise disclosure documents, business registry filings, and statements from F45 Holdings provide the most reliable information. Public records and reputable business reports can also corroborate ownership details. In short, F45 Training is owned by its parent company, F45 Holdings Ltd, while most studios are owned and operated by independent franchisees. Investors support long-term growth, but day-to-day decisions remain close to the locations and members who use them.