goSTOPS, has raised INR 35 Crore (USD 4.2 million) in Series A funding, led by Blume Ventures with co-lead investor 1Crowd. Other investors, including Mumbai Angels, Chennai Angels, Indian Angel Network, Lead Angels, and Yuj Ventures, also participated, reaffirming their trust in goSTOPS’ rapid growth and vision. With this fresh funding, goSTOPS plans to expand from 2,500 to 10,000 beds across 100 locations in 24 months, enhancing its operations, technology, and customer experience while securing additional debt partnerships for further expansion.
Founded by Pallavi Agarwal and Pankaj Parwanda, goSTOPS has revolutionized youth travel in India, offering vibrant, community-driven hostels tailored for young explorers. Despite pandemic challenges, the company has scaled rapidly, leading the shift from hotels to social travel spaces. Commenting on the funding, Pallavi Agarwal, Founder & CEO, emphasised the brand’s commitment to making transformative travel experiences accessible to young Indians while expanding its footprint nationwide. Blume Ventures’ Ashish Fafadia highlighted goSTOPS’ smart asset management and tech-driven efficiencies as key drivers of its category-defining success.
As an early investor, 1Crowd’s co-founder Anil Gudibande praised goSTOPS for going beyond hostels, positioning itself as a youth lifestyle brand shaping modern travel experiences. Market research shows 70% of young travellers prefer hostels over hotels, reinforcing the rising demand for affordable, social accommodations. goSTOPS leads this transformation by managing its properties directly, ensuring high service quality and immersive experiences for digital-native travelers.
With company-managed hostels designed for connection, growth, and exploration, goSTOPS is set to redefine budget travel in India. By 2027, the company aims to become the country’s most preferred youth travel brand, meeting the evolving needs of millennial and Gen Z travelers through tech-driven, experience-centric hospitality.