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Payal Kadakia: Innovator in Fitness and Dance

Apr 24, 2025

Biography of Payal Kadakia - Founder of ClassPass

Introduction

  • Payal Kadakia is described as a problem solver rather than just an entrepreneur.
  • Founder of ClassPass, valued at $610 million as of June 2018.
  • ClassPass provides a subscription service for access to various health and wellness studios.

Early Life

  • Grew up in Randolph, New Jersey, in a culturally diverse environment.
  • Parents were chemists, valued education and cultural diversity.
  • Began training in Indian traditional dance at age three.
  • Dance was an integral part of her youth, fostering discipline and cultural connection.
  • Attended MIT, graduated with a degree in management science, minor in economics.

Personal Life

  • Married Nick Pujji, a lawyer, on May 30th, 2016.
  • Met during a Super Bowl Party in New York City in 2014.

Career and ClassPass

  • Inspired during a trip to San Francisco and a frustrating search for ballet classes.
  • ClassPass idea was born to provide easy access to fitness classes.
  • ClassPass established in 2011, offering a single subscription for multiple fitness classes.
  • Expanded to include a variety of services, aiming for broader lifestyle improvements.
  • Fritz Lanman, a key figure in ClassPass's financial and structural growth.

Impact of ClassPass

  • Significant outreach and partnership growth, emphasizing inclusiveness and global reach.
  • New York and Los Angeles as key initial markets.
  • Kadakia combines her passion for dance with her entrepreneurial ventures through Sa Dance Group.

Additional Information

  • Payal Kadakia's net worth is estimated at $50 million.
  • Listed by Forbes among rising female entrepreneurs.

FAQs

  • Worth: ClassPass valued at $400 million.
  • Marriage: Married Nick Pujji on May 30th, 2016.
  • Age: Born February 2, 1983, currently 38 years old.
  • Founder: Established ClassPass in 2011.

Conclusion

  • Payal Kadakia's story is one of integrating passion for dance with technology to create innovative solutions.
  • Her journey is inspiring for those looking to leverage creativity with business acumen.