Tushar Vashisht, born on April 3, 1985, in Karnal, Haryana, India, is the co-founder and CEO of HealthifyMe, a trailblazing health and fitness platform that has transformed how millions approach wellness. With a mission to make India healthier and fitter, Tushar has harnessed technology and innovation to create a platform that combines AI-driven insights with personalized coaching. His journey from investment banking to health tech leadership showcases his vision, resilience, and dedication to improving public health.
Tushar grew up in Haryana, born to SN Vashisht, the former Director General of Police of Haryana, and Dr. Suneeta Madan, daughter of renowned veterinary scientist ML Madan. He completed his K-12 education across various schools in Haryana before graduating from Sardar Patel Vidyalaya in New Delhi in 2003. His academic journey took him to Delhi College of Engineering and Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology for two years before he transferred to the University of Pennsylvania. In 2007, he earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Science.
Beyond academics, Tushar nurtured a passion for music. A trained Hindustani classical singer, he joined Penn Masala, a South Asian a cappella group at the University of Pennsylvania, where he composed “Pehchaan” for their 2007 album, later featured in America’s Best of College A Capella 2008.
Early Career
Tushar’s professional journey began on Wall Street as an intern at BlackRock. He then joined Deutsche Bank as a corporate finance analyst, working in San Francisco and later Singapore. These roles sharpened his analytical skills and global perspective. In 2009, he joined the Unique ID Authority of India (UIDAI) to work on the Aadhaar project under Nandan Nilekani. Over two years, he contributed to issuing 400 million unique IDs, an experience that highlighted technology’s potential for societal impact.
However, the intense work schedule at UIDAI led to personal health challenges. Tushar gained 25 kilograms in less than a year due to irregular hours, a turning point that inspired him to address the global obesity crisis, which he noted had grown from affecting less than 1 billion to 2–2.5 billion people.
The Birth of HealthifyMe
In 2012, Tushar co-founded HealthifyMe with Mathew Cherian and Sachin Shenoy, aiming to “help Indians be healthier and fitter using online tools.” Initially launched as a website, HealthifyMe introduced India’s first comprehensive calorie tracker, focusing on quantifying Indian foods. By 2014, the platform had attracted 100,000 users and secured $1 million in seed funding.
The early years were challenging. Two years after its launch, HealthifyMe faced financial difficulties, nearly shutting down. Tushar found motivation in user testimonials on the Play Store, which he described as “God’s work” in a 2023 interview with Mint. This led to a pivotal shift to a subscription model with personalized coaching, securing the company’s first 1,000 paying subscribers by 2016.
Growth and Innovation
HealthifyMe’s growth accelerated under Tushar’s leadership. In 2019, the company launched “Smart Plans” powered by AI, featuring the digital nutritionist “Ria,” which offers personalized meal and workout suggestions. By 2023, HealthifyMe had crossed an annual recurring revenue of $50 million (approximately ₹400 crore), with plans to reach $100 million by 2024 and $500 million by 2027. The platform now serves over 35 million users, with 3 million active users across more than 300 cities, supported by over 2,000 coaches.
Recent innovations include HealthifySmart, an AI-powered low-cost plan, and integration with connected devices like continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS). In 2025, HealthifyMe anticipates its first profitable quarter in India while expanding its presence in the US.
| Milestone | Details |
| Founding Year | 2012, as India’s first calorie tracker |
| User Base | Over 35 million users, 3 million active, in 300+ cities |
| Revenue | $50 million ARR in 2023, targeting $100 million by 2024, $500 million by 2027 |
| Subscribers | 250,000 paying subscribers: 150,000 use coaching, 100,000 use AI services |
| Innovations | AI nutritionist Ria, HealthifySmart, CGMS integration, bloodwork, smart scales |
Financial Milestones
HealthifyMe’s funding journey reflects its growth:
- 2016–2018: Raised $18 million in Series A and B from Inventus Capital and Blume Ventures.
- 2023: Secured $75 million in a Series C round led by Khosla Ventures.
- February 2025: Raised $20 million in an additional Series C round, bringing total funding to $145 million.
In FY24, HealthifyMe Wellness Private Limited reported a standalone operating revenue of ₹206.3 crore, down 9% from the previous year, but reduced its net loss by 38% (YourStory).
User-Centric Approach
HealthifyMe offers a free app and paid plans ranging from ₹200 to ₹6,500 per month, catering to diverse needs. Its 250,000 paying subscribers include 150,000 using coaching services and 100,000 using AI-driven features. The platform has helped users lose an average of 11.6 pounds and reduce HbA1c levels by 11.3%, with 81% reporting improved overall health. Features like AI food tracking, real-time chat with Ria, and Apple Health integration enhance the user experience.
Advocacy and Personal Insights
Tushar is a vocal advocate for better nutrition policies. In 2011–12, he presented before India’s Planning Commission and National Advisory Council, urging a shift in subsidies from rice, wheat, and sugar to protein to combat rising diabetes rates. His health journey, including using a CGM patch, has informed his advocacy. He discovered that wine suits his body better than beer and that dosas cause unfavorable glucose spikes, insights he shares to educate others.
In 2011, Tushar and Mathew Cherian conducted a poverty experiment, living on ₹100 and later ₹32 per day for a month. Documented on a blog, the experiment concluded that ₹120 per day was needed to exit poverty, highlighting need for better nutrition, travel, employment, and addiction support.
Music and Entrepreneurship
Tusha’s passion for music complements his entrepreneurial drive. He views entrepreneurship as a pursuit for the heart and mind, while music nourishes his soul. His latest single, “Udja Re,” released in 2023, reflects his journey of taking risks and finding purpose. His musical roots trace back to his mother, who introduced him to Indian classical music at age six.
Tushar is deeply engaged in Bengaluru’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, where he finds inspiration in the audacity and humility of local founders. “Half of my leadership team are founders themselves,” he noted, emphasizing the collaborative spirit driving HealthifyMe’s innovation.
Future Vision
Tushar envisions HealthifyMe as a global health tech leader. With a focus on AI innovations and US expansion, the company aims to impact a billion lives. “We’re not just building a company; we’re building a movement,” Tushar says. In 2025, HealthifyMe is poised for profitability in India, a milestone that underscores its sustainable growth strategy.
Tushar Vashisht’s journey from investment banking to founding HealthifyMe is a testament to his vision and resilience. By addressing personal and societal health challenges, he has built a platform that empowers millions. As HealthifyMe continues to innovate and expand, Tushar’s leadership ensures its place at the forefront of health tech, inspiring healthier lives worldwide.
