Pubudu Wanigasekara’s Post

India's leading backpacker hostel chain, The Hosteller, has raised $4 million (INR 32 crore) in a Series A funding round led by V3 Ventures. This investment elevates The Hosteller's valuation to approximately INR 200 crore and will be used to strategically expand its footprint to over 150 locations across India within the next 24-30 months. The startup aims to strengthen its presence in metros while venturing into new travel destinations, focusing on high-quality, immersive experiences for backpackers. V3 Ventures Co-Founder Arjun Vaidya is confident in The Hosteller's growth: "The Hosteller has established itself as a leader in travel through outstanding execution. We're proud to support their expansion plans." Pranav Dangi, Founder & CEO of The Hosteller, highlights their commitment to exceptional experiences and sustainable growth. "We're setting new benchmarks with initiatives like Glu, our tech concierge. Our focus remains on delivering an unparalleled experience for the backpacker community." Since 2014, The Hosteller has become synonymous with affordable, quality lodging and immersive travel. Operating in 60 locations across 12+ states, it's the only chain with such a wide reach in India. Their self-operated model ensures consistent quality and a standardized experience, making them a top choice for budget-conscious travelers. The Hosteller reported strong financials in FY24 with positive net margins. With plans to add 50 more properties this year, they're on track to solidify their position as the largest backpacker hostel chain in South Asia. Think your network would benefit from this information? Share this post and let's build a stronger startup community together! Follow us at Unbox Startups for more such content and stories. #funding #hospitality #travel #India #backpacking

We are pleased to share our research publication on Tourism Management (ABS 4 / CiteScore 24.1 / JCR IF 10.9) regarding entrepreneurial perspectives of early-stage tourism and hospitality technology start-ups! This research has been developed out of our genuine passion for tourism and hospitality innovations, gained through hands-on experience in the field. We strongly believe that to enhance technological development and innovation in our industry, we need to nurture the original innovators—the founders of early-stage start-ups. Given the very high failure rate of early-stage start-ups, we have come to understand that they need more than just financial capital or investments; they also require social capital to gain trust from industry partners, including potential clients and investors. Given the highly interactive and experiential nature of the tourism and hospitality industry, the necessity of social capital is even more significant to facilitate connections across multiple sectors and stakeholders and ensure the holistic development of tourism and hospitality products. To nurture early-stage tourism and hospitality technology start-up ecosystem, the government and incubators should focus on strengthening networked social capital of the founders. Please access this personalized Share Link (50-day free access) to read and download this article: https://lnkd.in/gY3rajEQ Last but not least, this publication would not have been possible without the tremendous support of friends and colleagues, such as Freddy Wai-hung Law, Eugene Mak, Fioni Fong, Gabriel K., Rick Woo, Dicky Ying, Simon Je, Ringo Tsang, Tony Fung, Aaron Lai, Felix Yu (HKSTP - Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation), Prof. Tony Tse (School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University), Paul Wang, Silvia Choi (Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office (KTEO), PolyU) Dr. Gregg L. OASA, Johnny Chong, Eddie Chou, Har Van der Veen, Khun Nitsawan Katerattanakul, Khun Jirayu Limjinda, Khun Thanawut GoOd Supangkaratana, Khun Nikki Phinyapincha, and Khun Cin Ye. I would also like to sincerely thank Dr. Vincent Tung for his mentorship and tireless support throughout the research process, as well as Prof. Cathy Hsu, Prof. Robert Li, and anonymous reviewers for guiding us! #EarlyStageStartup #Entrepreneurship #Founder #HospitalityInnovation #TourismTechnology #SmartTourism #TechStartUp #SocialCapital #Web3

Dec 23rd, 2017. 🎄 It was pre-Christmas and I was in Europe. #familytime But I was also building an innovation & coworking hub 10,000+ km away, in Bali, and I was on a tight deadline ⏳. So that one evening, while my family was out shopping and visiting a Christmas market, I stayed home to have a final look at the latest technical drawings. Those many months of _very_ intense work did pay off. Once I managed to get it out of my head -> on paper -> then turn it into a physical reality in brick, cement, and beautiful greenery 🌿, Livit Hub Bali quickly became a place where startup teams, remote workers and entrepreneurs gather to create amazing things that hopefully put a positive little dent in the world. But what I'm trying to say today is this: It's ok to live out of balance or out of alignment with your ideal life "blueprint", as long as you know WHY (should be an excellent, exceptional reason!) and for HOW LONG. ❌ The problem is that we so often make it the rule, and a habit, rather than the exception. Fellow entrepreneurs and leaders, I hope you're all taking a break & recharging 🔌 this weekend, unless you're choosing otherwise, but you know damn well why and for how long! #entrepreneurship #passion #worklifeharmony #worklifeintegration

Dubai’s plan to create 30 unicorns by 2033 is bold, but with successes like Careem, it’s definitely within reach. By focusing on strong sectors like travel, logistics, and fintech, Dubai is setting the stage for major startup growth. It’s exciting to see how the city continues to innovate and build on its strengths. https://lnkd.in/dPvQVwsZ

Userguest , a leader in hotel technology focusing on direct revenue optimization, raised $2.2 million in seed funding from Al Mada Ventures and other notable investors. The funds will be used to expand globally, introduce new tech, and assist hoteliers in increasing direct bookings. Since its inception, Userguest has aimed to transform the hospitality industry by offering hotels cutting-edge tools to maximize direct income. This recent investment will aid the firm in enhancing its growth strategy, scaling worldwide operations, and establishing itself as a key player in the hotel technology market. With its innovative platform and commitment to client success, Userguest is set for fast growth and ongoing innovation in the upcoming years. Userguest is a pioneering company in hotel technology, specializing in direct revenue optimization. Founded in 2019, it has rapidly expanded its presence in over 30 countries. With a recent $2.2 million seed funding round led by Al Mada Ventures and supported by prominent investors like CDG Invest, Saviu Ventures, UM6P Ventures, Kalys Ventures, Plug and Play Tech Center, and business angels Philippe Limes and Thane J. Kuhlman, Userguest aims to accelerate its global growth strategy and introduce advanced technologies to empower hoteliers in capturing and maximizing direct bookings. Its innovative solutions have become indispensable for hotels seeking to increase profit margins by reducing dependence on third-party booking platforms amidst shifting consumer behaviors and competitive challenges. Factacy.ai Congratulates and wishes them well. Ahmed Chami #innovation #management #digitalmarketing #technology #creativity #futurism #startups

Budget Bliss: Cheap Hotels, Resorts, and Flights Await https://cutt.ly/oeo6xOXw #innovation #management #digitalmarketing #technology #creativity #futurism #startups #marketing #socialmedia #socialnetworking #motivation #personaldevelopment #jobinterviews #sustainability #education

As mentioned by Ritesh Agarwal “For all startups aspiring to go global, Denmark remains a great place to do business provided you invest effort in understanding Danish culture and their way of working. “ Expanding a startup into a new market like Denmark requires careful consideration and understanding of the local culture and business environment. Here's how aspiring entrepreneurs can tap into the Denmark market and adapt to its unique cultural nuances:[Part I] -> Understanding Danish Culture: 1. Values and Work Culture: Danes value equality, trust, and work-life balance. Understanding the concept of "hygge" (coziness) is crucial, as it influences social interactions and workplace dynamics. 2. Communication Style: Danes prefer direct and informal communication. Building personal relationships is essential before diving into business discussions. 3. Business Etiquette: Punctuality, honesty, and integrity are highly valued. Handshakes are common in business settings, and addressing people by their first names is customary. 4. Innovation and Sustainability: Denmark is known for its innovative mindset and commitment to sustainability. Startups should align their offerings with these values to resonate with the Danish market. -> Tapping into the Denmark Market: 1. Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to understand consumer preferences, competition, and regulatory requirements. 2. Localization: Adapt products or services to cater to Danish preferences and needs. This may involve language localization, product customization, or incorporating sustainable practices. 3. Networking: Build relationships with local businesses, industry associations, and government agencies. Attending trade fairs, conferences, and networking events can provide valuable insights and connections. 4. Collaboration: Consider partnerships or collaborations with Danish companies to leverage their expertise, distribution channels, and market knowledge. 5. Digital Presence: Establish a strong online presence through localized websites, social media platforms, and digital marketing campaigns tailored to the Danish audience. 6. Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service and support in Danish, emphasizing responsiveness and transparency. By investing time and effort in understanding Danish culture and market dynamics, startups can position themselves for success and effectively navigate the complexities of international business expansion.

These startups are making it easier than ever to discover Malaysia! Once again, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is leading the way with a specialized program to build and accelerate digital tourism startups. Today, I attended the Digital Tourism Innovation Lab Demo Day, where I learned from several amazing founders who pitched in person and answered our questions. Some even came to Malaysia specifically to join the program, as no other country offers anything similar. LFG: A curated list of destinations with personalized recommendations and information from social media and Google Maps. Doifoo: Founded by avid travelers familiar with the hassle of endless form-filling at hotels, airlines, and intermediaries, this platform offers a centralized, secure personal data repository for solo, business, and family travelers. Actsugi: Developing a platform and services for 360-degree content, enabling users to experience virtual immersive visits to city heritage sites, industries, and events. JommOutdoor: Helps users find outdoor activities, share them with other enthusiasts to meet minimum participant requirements, and book with licensed adventure guides. Pilgrim Pal: Simplifies location tracking and assistance for Umrah and Hajj travelers and their families during pilgrimage. Epic Travel: A platform where travelers can share stories, monetize their efforts, and inspire others. Some founders also asked me what they could learn from Spain—the world’s second most visited country—and about Spanish companies in Malaysia. I see great synergy here, and I’d love to see our countries and companies collaborate in the digital tourism space. Thank you to Arifah Sharifuddin, Razin Zaidei, and Syazly Sharkawi from Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), and Bikesh Lakhmichand from 1337 Ventures for inviting me as a representative from the Malaysian Spanish Chamber of Commerce & Industry - La Cámara to learn more about the program and the Cohort 3 startups. #Entrepreneurship #Startups

Realworld is venturing into the global experiential industry market. Realworld participated in the opening ceremony of KTSC (Korea Tourism Startup Center) in Bangkok, Thailand. At the event, Realworld presented its business model and growth potential to tourism companies and startups from Korea and Thailand. Additionally, Realworld conducted research on the Southeast Asian market, including Thailand and Singapore, gaining valuable insights. The day when Realworld can be experienced anywhere in the world is just around the corner. https://lnkd.in/e4h9suM7 #Realworld #Uniquegoodcompany #Seoul #Korea #Immersive #Trend #Tourism #Bangkok #Thailand #KTSC #Singapore # TourismTrend #Experience #ExperientialIndustry

Amit Saberwal, Founder & CEO of 500-backed hospitality company RedDoorz, believes Gen Z, Millennials, and people who are just coming into the middle class will be a key growth driver for tourism. His team is attracting young, budget-savvy travelers who don't want to spend too much on accommodation. Today, RedDoorz oversees a network of 4,200 independently-owned partner hotels, and aims to expand to 8,000 properties in the next 3-5 years. Their biggest market is Indonesia, and they operate in the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand. To achieve the company's mission of becoming the region's leading aggregator of hotel bookings, Amit shared they aim to go public in around 2027. Read the full story on Nikkei Asia: https://lnkd.in/gvYpiuWZ #500Global #500SoutheastAsia #500Strong #startups #technology #innovation #venturecapital #asia #southeastasia #singapore #hospitality #tourism Photo credit: RedDoorz