India’s leading youth travel hostel brand, goSTOPS, has raised Rs 35 crore ($4.2 million) in a Series A funding round led by Blume Ventures, with additional backing from existing investors such as 1Crowd, Mumbai Angels, Chennai Angels, Indian Angel Network, Lead Angels, and Yuj Ventures.
With this latest round of equity financing, the company aims to expand its accommodation capacity from 2,500 to 10,000 beds across 100 locations within the next two years. The funding will be used to enhance operational efficiency, upgrade technology, and elevate the social and experiential aspects of its hostels, the company said. Additionally, goSTOPS is in the process of securing debt partnerships to further bolster its expansion plans.
Founded by Pallavi Agarwal and Pankaj Parwanda, goSTOPS has positioned itself at the forefront of youth travel in India. “At goSTOPS, we are redefining how young travellers experience India—offering vibrant, social, and design-led spaces for the new generation. This investment reflects the trust our investors have in our vision and the category we are building. With their continued support, we are set to scale goSTOPS into India’s most preferred youth travel brand—by expanding our footprint while staying true to our promise of making the transformative power of travel accessible to young Indians,” Pallavi Agarwal, founder and CEO, goSTOPS, said.
Ashish Fafadia, Partner at Blume Ventures, lauded goSTOPS’ ability to scale rapidly while maintaining strong unit economics through efficient asset management and technology-driven operations. He expressed enthusiasm about supporting the company as it continues to transform the youth travel segment in India.
“goSTOPS has built a category-defining brand by combining deep operational expertise, smart asset management, and tech-driven efficiencies. Their ability to optimise unit economics while scaling rapidly is a testament to the team’s tenacity and strategic vision. We are excited to back their journey as they continue to expand and transform the youth travel experience in India,” Anil Gudibande, co-founder of 1Crowd, added.
According to industry reports, 70% of young travellers in India now prefer hostels over conventional hotels, reflecting a growing demand for affordable, community-driven accommodations. goSTOPS, with its company-managed properties, aims to cater to this demand by offering curated experiences and consistent service standards.