Unicorn India Ventures’ Post

StampMyVisa, an AI-powered platform aiming to transform the B2B travel sector, has raised Rs 6.6 crore (or US$782,000) in a pre-Series A funding round from Unicorn India Ventures. The startup plans to use the raised capital to support its rapid expansion, enhance its AI capabilities, and introduce innovative services that will redefine how businesses manage international travel and visa processes for Indians travelling abroad. What does StampMyVisa do? StampMyVisa operates an AI-powered platform that simplifies the complex visa application process for businesses. Specialising in B2B travel, the platform helps corporates, travel agents, MICE companies, and OTAs streamline and automate visa processing, ensuring faster approvals, reduced errors, and enhanced global compliance. It claims to have achieved impressive growth, scaling 7X. Additionally, the startup is on track to hit a million visas annually in the next 12–18 months. Expanding geographical footprint StampMyVisa will also focus on its geographical footprint across India, enhance its AI-driven technology, and launch next-generation products, including SMV Protect Insurance (a unique offering that refunds visa fees in case of rejection) and Travel eSIMs, providing further value to the platform's customers. “The travel sector is on the cusp of a major shift. We’re seeing a rapidly growing middle class in India with an increasing appetite for global experiences. AI will revolutionise the way Indians manage visas while helping businesses scale effortlessly and empowering millions of new travellers to explore the world. We’re not just building a platform for today’s needs; we’re creating the infrastructure that will support the next wave of global travel," said Rahul Borude, Co-founder & CEO of StampMyVisa. Global e-Visa market growth potential The global e-Visa market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.1% from $1,030.5 million in 2024 to $2,395.2 million by 2032. With its innovative use of AI to automate visa submissions, enhance compliance, and reduce processing errors, StampMyVisa aims to capture significant a market share in this growing market.  Bhaskar | Kamlesh | Anil | Arvind| Bikram Mahajan| Shreya |Rohan | Madhur | Satwadhi |Laveena | Mithun Sacheti #stampmyvisanews #visatech #startupnews #latestfunding

Unicorn India Ventures backs B2B Visa platform StampMyVisa: Business-to-business (B2B) visa platform, StampMyVisa, has secured Rs 6.6 crore in a pre-Series A funding round led by Unicorn India Ventures. The fresh funds will be used to support rapid expansion, enhance AI capabilities, and enable the company to introduce innovative services that redefine how businesses manage international travel and visa processes for Indians traveling abroad, according to a press release from StampMyVisa. Launched by Rahul Borude and Pravin Wadekar, StampMyVisa is an AI-powered platform that simplifies the complex visa application process for businesses. Specializing in B2B travel, the platform assists corporates, travel agents, MICE companies, and OTAs in streamlining and automating visa processing, ensuring faster approvals, reduced errors, and enhanced global compliance. With its scalable and user-friendly technology, StampMyVisa aims to transform how businesses manage international travel documentation, empowering them to scale globally with ease. According to market research, the global e-Visa market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.1%, from $1,030.5 million in 2024 to $2,395.2 million by 2032. StampMyVisa claims to have grown more than sevenfold, handling hundreds of visas daily while ensuring complete compliance with global regulations over the last 12 months. The company also plans to introduce new offerings that will enhance the customer experience, positioning it as a one-stop solution for all international travel needs, from visa processing to travel insurance and eSIMs. StampMyVisa aims to reach one million visas processed annually within the next 12–18 months. Unicorn India Ventures has previously backed companies such as SmartCoin, Open Bank, Sequretek, and Pharmarack. Its current Rs 1,000 crore Fund III aims to support the next generation of innovative digital platforms. #startupnews #startups

Bengaluru-based fintech startup Niyo Solutions Inc. is taking a major leap into the travel sector by launching an integrated flight booking and visa application service within its app. The company has unveiled an in-house flight booking platform offering domestic and international flights with zero convenience fees. Additionally, NiYO has introduced a streamlined visa booking product designed to simplify the visa application process for travelers. This expansion is expected to boost the average customer spend on the platform by 50%, with NiYO aiming to reduce visa processing times significantly. Founded in 2015 by Vinay Bagri and Virender Bisht, NiYO is renowned for its zero-forex markup debit and credit cards, developed in partnership with banks. CEO Vinay Bagri highlighted that the new services align with the startup’s ambition to enhance its footprint in the travel-banking sector. “Our flight booking platform offers the best international and domestic fares, complemented by Niyo Coins on every transaction. Our visa services address the critical need for timely visa processing, featuring a 99.4% approval rate and punctual delivery, along with Niyo Coins rewards. These coins can be used for substantial discounts on future bookings,” Bagri said. NiYO’s entry into travel tech comes as the global tourism market is set to expand at a CAGR of 5.4%, reaching $16.9 trillion by 2030. The move places NiYO in competition with startups like EaseMyTrip, ixigo, and Atlys. In October of last year, NiYO secured funding from Spring Marketing Capital, following a $30 million investment from Multiples Alternate Asset Management in 2022 to further its brand and product expansion. #NiYO #FinTech #BengaluruStartup #Neobanking #TravelTech #FlightBooking #VisaServices #TravelSolutions #DigitalBanking #TravelExpansion #InnovationInTravel #TravelIndustry #TechStartups #GlobalTravel #TravelFinance #AllBoutCorps

Wakanow Group Launches New Website and Fintech Solutions to Transform African Travel. African travel and fintech company Wakanow Group has launched its new website and several product subsidiaries aimed at streamlining and enhancing the travel experience for every traveller on the African continent. Adenike Macaulay, MBA, the CEO of Wakanow, detailed the upgrades made to the website, including the ability for customers to book and pay for flight tickets in various currencies, enabling seamless transactions from different locations. To enhance efficiency and streamline the booking process, Wakanow has integrated an AI chatbot named Amina into the platform. Ludovic Philippo, the COO of Wakanow, stated that Amina will assist customers throughout their booking journey, providing real-time support and ensuring a hassle-free experience. Wakanow has also introduced RoomDe, its new accommodation booking platform that goes beyond hotels to include shortlets, guesthouses, beach houses, and villas. Furthermore, Wakanow's fintech subsidiary, Kalabash, unveiled three products: the Kalabash App, Kalabash Wallet, and Kalabash Naira, all aimed at transforming how individuals manage their finances. 'Ladi Ojuri, the CEO of Kalabash Technology Solutions Limited, emphasized the unique experience the company brings by combining its expertise in travel and payments. One standout feature of Kalabash is the "Pay Small Small" product, which allows customers to pay for their flights, hotels, and other activities in installments, ranging from 24 hours up to six months. Ojuri explained that this flexible payment option is designed to make it easier for travellers to manage their expenses, with transparent service charges that vary from 0.5 percent to 12 percent, depending on the tenure chosen by the customer. #Fintech #Africa #Travel #Innovation #Tech #Payments Photo: Wakanow Leadership Team | Courtesy

Ex-Pinterest engineer Mohak Nahta's visa processing startup, Atlys For Travel Agents, raised $20 million in Series B funding led by Peak XV Partners and Elevation Capital. The firm intends to use the funds to enhance operations, product, and engineering capabilities, establish a robust leadership team, and target the Middle East as their next focus market. Atlys' platform reduces visa processing time to 55 seconds for over 150 locations, decreasing rejection rates. Since its inception, Atlys has processed over a million visas and aims to capitalize on the growing international travel market, predicted to increase at a 10.5% CAGR over the next ten years. ATLYS is a prominent visa platform, renowned for its exceptional on-time delivery record of 99.5%, catering to over 150 destinations worldwide. Since its establishment in 2021 by Nahta, a former Pinterest engineer, ATLYS has been dedicated to streamlining the visa processing experience for travelers. By leveraging advanced technology, ATLYS can reduce the average visa processing time to merely 55 seconds, significantly decreasing rejection rates. This innovative platform has managed to raise $20 million in a Series-B funding round, led by existing investors such as Peak XV Partners and Elevation Capital. The funds will be utilized to expand the company's reach, improve product and engineering capabilities, establish a robust leadership team, and strengthen global operations. With eyes set on the Middle East as their next target market, ATLYS aims to continue its rapid growth trajectory, both domestically and internationally. Factacy.ai Congratulates and wishes them well. #innovation #management #digitalmarketing #technology #creativity #futurism #startups

🛫 Niyo Forays into Flight Booking & Visa Application Verticals. Niyo, a leading fintech company, has ventured into the flight booking and visa application sectors. This strategic move aims to enhance Niyo's service offerings and provide a seamless travel experience for its users. 🔹 New Offerings: - Flight Booking: Users can now book flights directly through the Niyo app. - Visa Application: The app will also facilitate visa application processes, making international travel planning easier. 🔍 Background: - Company Overview: Niyo specializes in providing digital banking solutions, focusing on travel-related financial services. - Market Expansion: This expansion into travel services aligns with Niyo's goal to become a one-stop solution for travelers. 🚀 Strategic Plans: - User Convenience: Integrating these services aims to offer Niyo users a more comprehensive and convenient travel experience. - Market Differentiation: By adding these verticals, Niyo sets itself apart from other fintech players, broadening its appeal. 📈 Market Potential: - Travel Sector Growth: With the rebound in travel post-pandemic, there is a significant market opportunity for integrated travel services. - User Base Expansion: These new services are expected to attract more users to the Niyo platform, driving growth. 🌐 Future Outlook: - Service Enhancements: Niyo plans to continually enhance these new offerings based on user feedback and market trends. - Strategic Partnerships: Potential collaborations with airlines and visa service providers to optimize the new verticals. Niyo's entry into the flight booking and visa application markets marks a significant step in its growth strategy, aiming to provide a holistic travel experience for its users. #Niyo #FlightBooking #VisaApplication #Fintech #StartupNews #BusinessNews #MicroShots #NewsUpdates

Revolutionizing travel, one visa at a time! 🌎✈️ Congratulations to Mohak Nahta and the Atlys team on securing $20M in Series B funding! 🚀 As someone who's experienced the headache of last-minute business trips, I can't overstate how game-changing Atlys is. Imagine applying for a visa in just 55 seconds(!) instead of spending days stressed about paperwork. Many real-world scenarios are built by Atlys. It helps a startup founder who nearly missed a crucial investor meeting in Dubai. Atlys approved her visa in hours, saving a potential multi-million dollar deal. My digital nomad friend effortlessly hops between 20+ countries a year, all thanks to Atlys streamlining his visa applications. Atlys isn't just a tool; it's unlocking global opportunities and making the world more accessible. Kudos to Priyanka Koyur at World Startup News for this insightful piece.( Blog in the comments). It's inspiring to see fellow entrepreneurs tackle real pain points and scale rapidly. Where do you think travel tech is headed next? Share your thoughts below! #StartupSuccess #TravelTech #VisaInnovation #GlobalMobility #atlys #funding #news

Exciting News! Africa’s leading travel tech conglomerate, Wakanow Group, embraces virtual payments with Outpayce from Amadeus! This innovative approach, facilitated by the Group’s fintech subsidiary, Kalabash Technology Solutions Limited allows us to pay providers like airlines, hotels, and transfer companies with a wide range of virtual cards, improving reconciliation, reducing fraud, and generating incremental revenues Wakanow.com, one of Africa’s largest travel sellers, offers a one-stop-shop booking portal, helping travelers research, plan, and book attractive trips, including flights, accommodations, transfers, and holiday packages. With the leadership of Bayo Adedeji, Group CEO, Wakanow, 'Ladi Ojuri, CEO, Kalabash, and Claudio Santos, Head of Commercial, Travel Sellers, Outpayce, this transformation enhances payment processes and boost efficiency, security, and value for partners and customers. Virtual cards offer a one-to-one relationship with each payment, eliminating the need for complex reconciliations and providing fraud resistance. Let's embrace the future of travel payments together! Read more via the link: https://lnkd.in/dwdt2icn #Flight #Travel #TravelTech #VirtualPayments #Innovation #Wakanow #Kalabash #Outpayce #TravelIndustry #DigitalTransformation #B2BPayments #SecurePayments

Singapore FinTech Festival was a hectic 3 days! I was fortunate to witness the future of travel payments unfold at SFF - from Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) officials shaping regional payment policies, to Visa executives reimagining 50-year-old payment systems, to fintech upstarts like YouTrip transforming how we spend abroad. 📝 Here’s my latest write-up, on 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜... Summarizing key insights I digested from industry leaders at SFF on how travel and finance are reshaping each other: ✦  Every traveler is a fintech customer in waiting – they just don't know it yet. Caecilia Chu mentions YouTrip's playbook always intended to focus on the highest and most frequent use case for travelers, i.e. payments. When Booking.com also decided to double down on fintech offerings, they saw a ~3-5% improvement in their bottom line. ✦  Asia's Project Nexus isn't just connecting payment systems – it's erasing financial borders across nations. The challenge isn't just technical — it's about building a system that's profitable for businesses, affordable for users, accessible to startups, and still secure enough for governments. ✦  The future is multimodal: cards coexisting with QR codes, e-wallets alongside bank transfers. But the real challenge? Getting merchants and customers to adopt new systems when they're comfortable with the old. ✦  We've been punching in 16-digit numbers for 50 years – an analog solution in a digital age. With each online payment taking 2 minutes and 20 seconds, the holy grail of solutions: reduce friction without comprising security. Read more on my Substack: https://lnkd.in/giP-Ze_s Happy Monday ✨

⏫The fast way how #technology is changing the #customerservice can be easily explained with the new emerging terms such as uberization. 🧳 The latter means different things for different people. It helps people, to get service on-demand through smartphones based on real-time data. The phenomenon has affected the #travel and #hospitality industry the same way it has affected taxi drivers. ✈️ Edisjon Zoga Ertigen Zoga Roksana Gjopalaj Burim Bilali Ardit Torba Ralf Zoga Euro Com CX Jurgen Ranxha invest-in-albania.org Elton Uliu #outsourcing #bpo #cx #customerexperience #nearshore #travel #gbs #contactcenter #customercare #multilingual #hospitality #offshore #technology #startup