In a country where travel gear often means bulky black suitcases and passport covers that scream “corporate gift,” two founders decided to flip the script. Meet Escape Plan, a Bengaluru-based startup that’s turning travel accessories into fashion statements and just raised $5 million to scale its vision.
Founded in 2025 by Abhinav Pathak and Abhinav Zutshi, Escape Plan is not just a luggage brand. It’s a vibe. A movement. A platform for modern explorers who want their gear to match their energy.
And yes, they’re building a travel empire, one sling bag at a time.
The Founders: Two Abhinavs, One Big Idea
Let’s start with the brains behind the brand.
Abhinav Pathak, CEO, is a second-time founder and a Forbes 30 Under 30 alum. He previously built Perpule, a retail-tech startup that was acquired by Amazon in 2021. After the exit, he took a global sabbatical, traveling across Europe and the US. That’s when he noticed something strange: while travel had evolved, the gear hadn’t.
Inspired by the sleek, expressive accessories he saw abroad, Pathak returned to India with a mission: to build a brand that made travel gear feel personal, stylish, and functional.
Abhinav Zutshi, COO, is a retail veteran with over two decades of experience. He’s held leadership roles at Landmark Group, Forever 21 India, and Jack & Jones, and knows how to scale fashion brands like a boss. When Pathak pitched the idea, Zutshi brought the missing piece: retail-first execution with design-led thinking.
Together, they’re like the Batman and Robin of travel gear, minus the capes, but with way better backpacks.
The Problem: Travel Gear That’s Stuck in 2005
Let’s be honest. Most travel accessories in India look like they were designed during the dial-up era. Dull colors. Clunky zippers. Zero personality.
Escape Plan saw a massive gap in the market:
– Indian consumers are traveling more than ever.
– They’re exposed to global aesthetics.
– But local options? Meh.
So the founders asked, Why settle for boring when you can pack in style?
The Escape Plan Philosophy: Travel Is a Lifestyle
Escape Plan isn’t just selling bags. They’re selling a mindset. A way of moving through the world with intention, flair, and functionality.
Their products are designed for:
– Solo trippers who want sleek, compact gear
– Parents flying with toddlers who need smart compartments
– Weekend warriors escaping the 9-to-5 grind
– Fashion-forward travelers who want their luggage to match their outfit
And yes, they’ve got something for everyone, from hardcase suitcases to modular organizers that Marie Kondo would approve of.
What’s in the Bag? Literally.
Escape Plan’s product lineup is curated, stylish, and built for real travel behavior. Think:
– Luggage: Hardcase, lightweight, and built to survive airport chaos
– Backpacks: Smart compartments, laptop sleeves, and water-resistant fabrics
– Slings and Organizers: For those who like their passport where they can see it
– Passport Covers and Wallets: Minimalist, functional, and very Instagrammable
Each product is designed in-house, combining global trend research with actual travel insights. No fluff. Just gear that works, and looks good doing it.
The $5M Funding: Fuel for the Journey
In July 2025, Escape Plan raised $5 million in seed funding, co-led by Jungle Ventures (via FirstCheque@Jungle) and Fireside Ventures. Several D2C-focused angel investors also joined the party.
The money will be used to:
– Expand product categories (hello, travel tech accessories)
– Grow inventory and manufacturing capacity
– Deepen partnerships with lifestyle brands
– Build a full-stack omnichannel model
– Launch quick-commerce delivery in key cities (yes, 1-hour delivery for travel gear is a thing now)
And most importantly, they’re planning to open 100+ retail stores across India in the next 18–24 months.
Because 65–70% of the travel category is still offline, and Escape Plan wants to own that space.
The Retail Strategy: Hybrid Is the New Hustle
Escape Plan isn’t choosing between online and offline. They’re doing both, and doing it well.
Their omnichannel model includes:
– Curated retail stores in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities
– E-commerce platform with mobile-first UX
– Quick-commerce integration for sub-2-hour delivery
– QR-enabled kiosks at airports and malls
Whether you’re shopping from your couch or grabbing a sling bag before boarding, Escape Plan’s got you covered.
The Market: Big, Messy, and Ready for Disruption
India’s travel gear market is currently valued at $3.5 billion and is expected to cross $5 billion by 2028. But most of it is dominated by legacy players who haven’t updated their designs since the early 2000s.
Escape Plan is stepping into this whitespace with:
– Design-forward products
– Tech-enabled logistics
– A brand identity that speaks to Gen Z and millennials
And investors are loving it.
“Escape Plan is reimagining travel gear for a generation that values design, identity, and instant access,” said Vinay Singh, Partner at Fireside Ventures.
The Culture Shift: Travel Is No Longer Occasional
Post-pandemic, travel has become a lifestyle. Weekend getaways, workcations, solo retreats, it’s all part of the new normal.
Escape Plan understands that. They’re not just selling gear. They’re selling self-expression.
Because today’s traveler doesn’t just want to move. They want to move beautifully.
What’s Next: Global Dreams and Local Wins
While Escape Plan is currently focused on India, the founders have global ambitions. Their products meet international quality standards, and the brand identity is built to resonate across cultures.
They’re eyeing expansion into:
- Southeast Asia
- The Middle East
- And eventually, Europe and the US
But for now, they’re focused on building a loyal community in India, one store, one backpack, one escape at a time.
Final Thoughts: Not Just a Brand, But a Bold Move
Escape Plan isn’t trying to be the next VIP or Samsonite. They’re trying to be the first of their kind, a travel gear brand that’s as much about style as it is about substance.
With two seasoned founders, a sharp product lineup, and a funding round that’s fueling serious growth, Escape Plan is proving that travel gear doesn’t have to be boring.
So the next time you pack for a trip, ask yourself: Are you just traveling, or are you escaping?
If it’s the latter, you know what brand to reach for.
