goSTOPS, a popular youth travel hostel brand, has secured Rs 35 crore ($4.2 million) in a Series A funding round led by Blume Ventures. The investment round also saw participation from 1Crowd as a co-lead investor, along with Mumbai Angels, Chennai Angels, Indian Angel Network, Lead Angels, and Yuj Ventures.
Founded by Pallavi Agarwal and Pankaj Parwanda, goSTOPS aims to redefine travel experiences for young backpackers in India by offering affordable, vibrant, and social accommodations. The company focuses on creating design-led spaces that encourage community-driven travel experiences.
Speaking about the funding, Pallavi Agarwal, Founder & CEO of goSTOPS, said: “At goSTOPS, we are redefining how young travelers experience India. This investment reaffirms the trust our investors have in our vision to make travel more accessible and social for India’s youth.”
Expanding Reach and Capacity
With the fresh capital, goSTOPS plans to increase its capacity from 2,500 to 10,000 beds across 100 locations in the next 24 months, marking a 4X growth in its operations. The expansion will focus on:
- Strengthening operations to improve customer experience
- Enhancing technology to streamline booking and management
- Elevating social experiences to make hostels more engaging for travelers
Additionally, the company is finalizing debt partnerships to further support its aggressive growth strategy.
Investor Confidence in goSTOPS’ Growth
Investors have shown strong confidence in goSTOPS’ business model and vision.
Ashish Fafadia, Partner at Blume Ventures, commented “goSTOPS is a category-defining brand that combines smart asset management with tech-driven efficiency. Their ability to scale rapidly while optimizing operations showcases their strategic vision. We are excited to support their journey as they revolutionize youth travel in India.”
“goSTOPS is more than a hostel chain—it’s a youth lifestyle brand shaping modern travel experiences. The founders’ deep understanding of their audience and focus on unique social experiences set them apart in the industry” Anil Gudibande, Co-founder of 1Crowd, added.
With this funding, goSTOPS is positioned to become India’s leading youth travel brand. By expanding its footprint while maintaining affordability and a social atmosphere, it aims to bring the joy of travel to young Indians like never before.
