Delhi-based youth travel hostel brand goSTOPS has secured ₹35 crore ($4.2 million) in its Series A round, led by Blume Ventures and co-led by 1Crowd. Other participants in the round include Mumbai Angels, Chennai Angels, Indian Angel Network, Lead Angels, and Yuj Ventures.
The fresh funding will be directed toward strengthening operations, enhancing technology, and elevating the social and experiential aspects of goSTOPS’ existing properties. Additionally, the company is finalizing debt partnerships to fuel its expansion strategy.
Scaling Up to 10,000 Beds Across 100 Locations
Founded by Pallavi Agarwal and Pankaj Parwanda, goSTOPS aims to cater to the rising demand for affordable and community-driven accommodations for young travelers. The brand plans to expand its capacity from 2,500 to 10,000 beds across 100 locations within the next 24 months, marking a 4X growth in scale.
Market research indicates that 70% of young travelers now prefer hostels over traditional hotels, reinforcing the strong demand for budget-friendly, social accommodations.
Competitive Landscape
goSTOPS competes with brands like The Hosteller, Wudstay, and Backpackers Panda. Notably, The Hosteller raised $5.7 million in its Series A round in November 2024, highlighting the growing investor interest in this segment.
With its latest funding, goSTOPS is well-positioned to accelerate its expansion and redefine the youth hostel experience in India.
