Back in 2014, Pallavi Agarwal and Pankaj Parwanda had a simple belief: travel changes lives. Armed with this philosophy and a desire to shake things up for India’s youth, they launched goSTOPS, a backpacker hostel brand designed to make travel affordable, immersive, and downright transformative. Think warm beds, vibrant social spaces, friendly pets, and bucketloads of adventure, all at prices that won’t make your wallet cry. 💼✈️
Fast forward to 2024, and goSTOPS isn’t just a hostel brand, it’s a whole vibe. With ₹35 crore raised in their Series A funding round, and Rs 30 crore ($4.21 million as of 31 March 2024) Pallavi and Pankaj have their eyes set on rapid expansion, all while staying true to their mission of redefining youth travel in India. So, how did they get here, and what’s next for the brand? Let’s take a journey through their story. 🚶♀️🌍
goMORE beMORE: The Philosophy That Drives Them
Travelling is about more than just ticking places off a map, it’s about self-growth. That’s why goSTOPS embodies the ethos of “goMORE. beMORE.” Whether you’re braving your first solo trip, bonding with strangers over board games, or collecting memories for a lifetime, goSTOPS ensures that your journey is as enriching as it is fun.
Their hostels spread across 29+ destinations, offer something for everyone:
- Live Comfortably: Warm beds, clean rooms, and amenities like home theatres? Yes, please.
- Live Socially: Meet travellers from all over the world without leaving your hostel. It’s like Facebook IRL.
- Live Adventurously: From multi-day trips to exciting local activities, there’s never a dull moment.
It is travel done, the goSTOPS way, immersive, exciting, and budget-friendly.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
The fresh capital infusion, led by Blume Ventures and 1Crowd, marks a major milestone for the brand. Existing investors like Mumbai Angels, Chennai Angels, and Indian Angel Network also pitched in, proving their faith in goSTOPS’ vision. Here’s what this funding means:
- Expansion from 2,500 to 10,000 Beds: Over the next two years, they’re gearing up for 4X growth, spreading across 100 locations.
- Tech Enhancements: From foolproof service delivery to smarter guest interactions, goSTOPS plans to make every stay unforgettable.
- Boosting Social & Experiential Offerings: More reasons to ditch boring hotels and book a goSTOPS bed instead.
“This investment reflects the trust our investors have in our vision and the category we are building. We’re set to scale goSTOPS into India’s most preferred youth travel brand.”
Pallavi Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO
The Dynamic Duo Behind the Brand
goSTOPS is the brainchild of Pallavi Agarwal and Pankaj Parwanda, two travel-loving visionaries who wanted to shake up India’s hospitality landscape. Here’s a closer look at the masterminds:
Pallavi Agarwal (Co-founder and CEO): A believer in the transformative power of travel, Pallavi’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in a mission to make meaningful experiences accessible to India’s youth.
Pankaj Parwanda (Co-founder): Known for his tech-driven approach, Pankaj ensures operations run seamlessly, offering digital-native travelers unmatched convenience.
With Pallavi’s passion for travel and Pankaj’s knack for efficiency, this dream team is charting new territory for youth travel in India.
What Makes goSTOPS Different?
Unlike traditional hotels, goSTOPS brings a community-first approach to the table. It’s not just about where you sleep; it’s about who you meet and what you experience. Here’s why they’ve become a fan favorite:
- Social Spaces: From chill zones to game nights, you’re always just a conversation away from making lifelong friends.
- Tech Integration: The use of smart asset management and tech ensures service requests are resolved in 15 minutes or less. Efficiency? Nailed.
- Affordable Luxury: Quality doesn’t have to break the bank, and goSTOPS proves it with its budget-friendly pricing.
- Eco-Conscious Practices: Sustainability is part of their DNA, less waste, more responsibility.
Workation: Because Mondays Can Be Fun Too
Let’s face it: work-from-home doesn’t have to mean stuck-at-home. With workation packages at destinations like Goa, Ooty, and McLeodganj, goSTOPS lets you blend work with wanderlust. Picture this: morning hikes, lunch at a cosy local café, and evening bonfires, oh! and you managed to finish that report too. Productivity never looked this good.
Challenges They’ve Overcome
Building a travel brand isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. From navigating tough competition to scaling operations across India’s diverse geography, goSTOPS has faced its share of challenges:
- Market Saturation: Competing with established chains meant carving out a niche and they did it with their community-driven approach. 👥
- Logistics Hurdles: Expanding to remote locations wasn’t easy, but smart planning kept them ahead of the curve. 🚗
- Funding Struggles: Initially bootstrapped, the brand hustled to grow organically before securing angel and Series A investments. 💰
What’s Next for goSTOPS?
With its fresh funding, goSTOPS plans to quadruple its capacity and expand its presence. Here’s a glimpse of their exciting roadmap:
- 100+ Locations: Bigger and better, covering all corners of India.
- Tech Upgrades: Smarter systems for better guest experiences.
- Debt Partnerships: Finalizing plans to boost their war chest for rapid expansion.
GoSTOPS is setting the stage for a youth travel revolution.
Final Thoughts: Redefining Youth Travel
From humble beginnings in 2014 to raising ₹35 crore in funding, to Rs 30 crore revenue in FY23-24, goSTOPS has proven that travel can be accessible, immersive, and transformative. With community-first spaces, tech-savvy operations, and a vision that goes beyond just hostels, Pallavi and Pankaj are charting new territory for India’s youth.
As they gear up for rapid expansion, one thing’s certain: goSTOPS isn’t just changing the travel game, they’re redefining how young India explores, connects, and grows.
And honestly? Adventurers are here for it. 🌟🎒
Book Now: goSTOPS
