Founded in 2014 by Pallavi Agarwal and Pankaj Parwanda, goSTOPS set out to make
travel affordable, social, and meaningful for India’s youth. The goal wasn’t just cheaper
beds—it was to create hostels where travelers could connect, explore, and feel at home.
Fast forward to FY 2023-24, goSTOPS crossed ₹30 crore in revenue, raised ₹35 crore in
Series A funding, and is gearing up for much larger growth.
How goSTOPS Began with a Mission to Transform Youth Travel
Pallavi and Pankaj believed that travel changes lives. They saw that young travelers wanted
more than just a place to sleep—they wanted experiences, friendships, vibrant spaces, and
affordability. With this philosophy, they launched goSTOPS as a backpacker hostel brand:
clean, social, and adventurous, all without hurting your wallet.
How Brand Philosophy Drives the Experience
goSTOPS embraces the motto “goMORE. beMORE.” It stands for wholehearted travel: not
just going places, but growing, learning, and connecting through travel. Their hostels are
designed to be community-friendly—with warm beds, common spaces, home theatres, and
activities that bring people together. These immersive features attract young travelers who
care about more than just lodging.
How Revenue Crossed ₹30 Crore and Investors Took Notice
With its unique positioning, goSTOPS earned ₹30 crore in revenue during FY23-24.
Investors saw the potential: Blume Ventures led a ₹35 crore Series A round, with existing
backers like 1Crowd, Mumbai Angels, and several angel networks also stepping in. The
funding is now fueling expansion, tech upgrades, and strengthening the social experience in
each property.
How Spatial & Capacity Expansion Is at the Heart of Growth
goSTOPS currently operates in 30+ locations with over 2,500 beds. Using the recent
funding, the plan is to scale to 10,000 beds across 100 locations in about two
years—roughly 4× growth. These additions are being planned in both existing cities and new
destinations. The expansion focuses on balancing cost and experience to remain accessible.
How Technology Enhances Guest Experience
Tech is central to goSTOPS’ operations. They use digital tools to make stays smooth—from
app-based check-ins, contactless door locks, smart asset management, to real-time service
requests. These systems help resolve issues quickly, ensure hygiene and consistency, and
give guests better control of their stay without friction.
How Community & Social Spaces Create Differentiation
What truly sets goSTOPS apart are the community-first design and social programming. The
hostels include shared areas—game rooms, lounges, kitchens—where travelers can mingle.
Events are hosted regularly: local tours, group hikes, cultural nights. For many young guests,
these experiences are as important as the stay itself.
How Affordability and Design Play Key Roles
Balancing price and quality is essential to goSTOPS’ model. Dorm beds are priced
affordably for budget travelers; private rooms are offered for those who want more comfort.
Each location features thoughtful interiors, cleanliness, and essential amenities—WiFi,
comfortable bedding, social spaces—without the luxury markup. This combo appeals
strongly to millennials and Gen Z travelers.
How Funding Will Enable Scaling Without Losing Character
The recent Series A funding is a launchpad. Key priorities include:
● Scaling bed capacity from 2,500 to 10,000
● Opening hostels in more cities, including smaller and less served places
● Investing in tech to improve operations and user satisfaction
● Enhancing experiential elements so every hostel feels like more than just lodging
The founders believe they can grow fast without losing the special “hostel vibe” that makes
goSTOPS loved.
How Challenges Were Met Along the Way
Growing a hostel network isn’t easy. goSTOPS has faced:
● Regulatory hurdles and real estate challenges in different states
● Maintaining service and quality across multiple locations
● Ensuring health, safety, and cleanliness — especially post-pandemic
● Cash flow management while expanding beds and locations
They addressed these by maintaining strong operational discipline, using technology to
enforce standards, and keeping guest feedback at the center.
How the Future Looks Bright
With expansion, funding, and technology in place, goSTOPS aims to become India’s go-to
hostel brand for young, social, budget travelers. The target is clear: 10,000+ beds, 100+
locations, immersive experiences, and a strong digital user community. They want travel to
be not just cheaper, but memorable, life-changing, and accessible.
Featured by TheMarketingMirror.com
At TheMarketingMirror.com, we celebrate startups that shape culture while scaling
businesses. goSTOPS’ journey—from a vision two founders had in 2014 to raising ₹35 crore
and earning ₹30 crore in revenue—is proof that community-led, affordable travel can
become a powerful movement.
If you’re building something that’s not just profitable but meaningful, we’d love to share your
story here.
