Top 10 TravelTech Startups in India
Overview of the Startup Ecosystem
India’s startup ecosystem has seen exponential growth over the past decade, positioning the country as one of the leading startup hubs globally. With over 60,000 startups registered by 2021, India is now home to the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, following the US and China These startups are leveraging technology to enhance the travel experience, offering everything from budget accommodations and adventure travel to personalized trip planning and real-time support.
MakeMyTrip: Founded in 2000 by Deep Kalra, MakeMyTrip is one of India’s leading online travel companies. It offers a comprehensive range of services including flight bookings, hotel reservations, holiday packages, and more. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface and personalized travel experiences.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | MakeMyTrip |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Founder | Deep Kalra |
| Headquarters | Gurugram, Haryana, India |
| Services Offered | Online travel services including flight bookings, hotel reservations, holiday packages, train and bus tickets, cab services, and travel insurance |
| Website | MakeMyTrip |
| Major Milestones | 2010: Listed on NASDAQ2017: Merged with Ibibo Group, a subsidiary of Naspers2020: Introduced new safety protocols post-COVID-19 pandemic |
| Key Investors | Alibaba Group, Naspers, Ctrip (now Trip.com Group), SAIF Partners, Helion Venture Partners |
| Market Presence | Operates in India and has a significant presence in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the United States |
| Acquisitions | 2002: Acquired ticketvala.com2010: Acquired Luxury Tours and Travel Private Limited2012: Acquired Hotel Travel Group and ITC Group |
| Revenue | Approximately $400 million (as of 2020) |
| Employees | Over 3,000 |
| Key Differentiators | User-friendly platformWide range of travel servicesStrong customer supportCustomized travel solutionsInnovative marketing strategies |
MakeMyTrip continues to be a pioneer in the Indian travel industry, leveraging technology and innovation to provide comprehensive travel solutions to its users.
Services: Offers comprehensive travel services including flight bookings, hotel reservations, holiday packages, and bus and train tickets.
Impact: Revolutionized travel planning and booking in India with its user-friendly platform, providing convenience and personalized experiences for users
OYO Rooms: Established in 2013 by Ritesh Agarwal, OYO Rooms has revolutionized budget accommodations in India. It offers affordable and standardized rooms by partnering with existing hotels. OYO operates in over 800 cities across 80 countries.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | MakeMyTrip |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Founder | Deep Kalra |
| Headquarters | Gurugram, Haryana, India |
| Services Offered | Online travel services including flight bookings, hotel reservations, holiday packages, train and bus tickets, cab services, and travel insurance |
| Website | MakeMyTrip |
| Major Milestones | 2010: Listed on NASDAQ2017: Merged with Ibibo Group, a subsidiary of Naspers2020: Introduced new safety protocols post-COVID-19 pandemic |
| Key Investors | Alibaba Group, Naspers, Ctrip (now Trip.com Group), SAIF Partners, Helion Venture Partners |
| Market Presence | Operates in India and has a significant presence in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the United States |
| Acquisitions | 2002: Acquired ticketvala.com2010: Acquired Luxury Tours and Travel Private Limited2012: Acquired Hotel Travel Group and ITC Group |
| Revenue | Approximately $400 million (as of 2020) |
| Employees | Over 3,000 |
| Key Differentiators | User-friendly platform Wide range of travel services Strong customer support Customized travel solutions Innovative marketing strategies |
TravelTriangle: Founded in 2011 by Sankalp Agarwal, Sanchit Garg, and Prabhat Gupta, TravelTriangle is an online marketplace that connects travelers with local travel agents to customize and book their trips. It leverages a SaaS-based CRM platform to manage customer interactions and data.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | TravelTriangle |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founders | Sankalp Agarwal, Sanchit Garg, Prabhat Gupta |
| Headquarters | Gurugram, Haryana, India |
| Business Model | Online marketplace connecting travelers with local travel agents |
| Key Features | Custom vacation packages, personalized holiday experiences, SaaS-based CRM platform for managing customer interactions |
| Employees | Approximately 450+ |
| Funding | $47.9 million from investors like SAIF Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, RB Investments【5†source】【6†source】【7†source】 |
TravelTriangle provides a versatile platform for travelers to connect with local experts to plan and book customized travel packages, enhancing the overall travel experience with tailored services.
Services: Online marketplace connecting travelers with local travel agents for customized trip planning and booking.
Impact: Simplifies trip planning with a SaaS-based CRM platform, offering personalized travel experiences and extensive customer support
Pickyourtrail: Launched in 2014 by Hari Ganapathy and Srinath Shankar, Pickyourtrail allows users to plan, customize, and book international vacations using advanced technology. It also offers real-time updates and on-trip support.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Pickyourtrail |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founders | Hari Ganapathy, Srinath Shankar |
| Headquarters | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Business Model | Online platform for planning and booking personalized international vacations |
| Key Features | Customizable itineraries, real-time updates on bookings, flight and weather updates, restaurant recommendations, on-trip chat support |
| Technology | Uses deep tech to consider over 40 variables like travel time, ratings, and more to build personalized itineraries |
| App Features | Monitor bookings, get continuous updates, restaurant recommendations, on-trip support |
| Funding | Not specified in sources【6†source】【7†source】 |
Pickyourtrail leverages advanced technology to help travelers plan and customize their vacations, providing real-time updates and support to ensure a seamless travel experience.
Services: Enables users to plan, customize, and book international vacations using advanced technology. Also offers real-time updates and on-trip support.
Impact: Provides a seamless vacation planning experience, allowing extensive customization and ensuring travelers have up-to-date information and support during their trips.
Thrillophilia: Founded in 2011 by Chitra Gurnani and Abhishek Daga, Thrillophilia specializes in adventure travel, offering handpicked experiences like water rafting, snorkeling, and skydiving. It caters to travelers looking for unique and off-the-beaten-path activities.
Thrillophilia Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founders | Anirudh Gupta, Michael Lyngdoh |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, Delhi, India |
| Industry | Travel Community Platform |
| Key Services | User-generated travel content, travel itineraries, travel bookings, community interactions |
| Funding | Raised $3.6 million in 2023; total funding around $6.8 million from investors like IDG Ventures, Orchid India, Chiratae Ventures, and others |
| Valuation | Not publicly disclosed |
| Market Position | One of the leading travel community platforms in India with over 6 million monthly active users |
| Business Model | Combines content and commerce; revenue from advertising, travel bookings, and B2B services for travel agents |
| Key Executive Team | Anirudh Gupta (CEO), Michael Lyngdoh (Co-Founder) |
| Recent Strategic Moves | Focus on vernacular content, short video, and influencer commerce; developing proprietary CRM for travel agents |
| Competitors | Thrillophilia, Pickyourtrail, MakeMyTrip, Goibibo |
| Subsidiaries | None |
| User Base | Over 2 million travel itineraries created; social media reach of 50 million users per month |
| Target Audience | Young travelers, adventure seekers, community-oriented travelers |
Thrillophilia has grown rapidly by leveraging user-generated content and integrating a comprehensive travel marketplace, making it a significant player in the Indian travel-tech industry【47†source】【48†source】.
Services: Specializes in adventure travel, offering curated experiences such as water rafting, snorkeling, skydiving, and more.
Impact: Caters to thrill-seekers and adventure travelers with unique and memorable travel experiences across various destinations
ixigo: Launched in 2007 by Aloke Bajpai and Rajnish Kumar, ixigo is a travel search engine that helps users find the best deals on flights, hotels, and travel packages by comparing prices across various platforms. It also provides real-time updates and personalized recommendations.
Ixigo Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founders | Aloke Bajpai, Rajnish Kumar |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Gurgaon, Haryana, India |
| Industry | Online Travel Aggregator |
| Key Services | Flight bookings, hotel bookings, train bookings, bus bookings, trip planning |
| Funding | Raised $72 million in total funding; investors include Elevation Capital, Sequoia Capital India, GIC, and Fosun RZ Capital【21†source】【22†source】 |
| Valuation | Not publicly disclosed |
| Revenue | Over ₹500 crore in 2023 from operations【21†source】 |
| Net Profit | ₹65.81 crore in 2023【19†source】 |
| IPO | Launched an IPO in June 2024, aiming to raise ₹740 crore【19†source】 |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 250 |
| Key Products | PLAN (AI-powered travel planner), bhAI (Bluetooth headset for travelers), PNR status updates, price alerts |
| User Base | 83 million monthly active users; 6 million daily active users【21†source】 |
| Target Audience | Budget-conscious travelers, tech-savvy users |
| Competitors | MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, Yatra, EaseMyTrip |
| Parent Company | Le Travenues Technology Limited |
| Recent Developments | Post-pandemic recovery with a 5x growth; targeting 40% revenue increase for FY2024【21†source】【22†source】 |
| Future Goals | Expanding service offerings, improving technology, increasing market share |
Ixigo has carved out a significant presence in the Indian travel market by focusing on providing budget-friendly, technology-driven travel solutions【19†source】【21†source】【22†source】.
Services: Travel search engine aggregating and comparing prices for flights, hotels, and travel packages. Also offers real-time updates and recommendations.
Impact: Empowers travelers by providing comprehensive information and helping them find the best deals, making travel planning easier and more cost-effective
Cleartrip: Founded in 2006 by Hrush Bhatt, Stuart Crighton, and Matthew Spacie, Cleartrip offers a seamless booking experience for flights, hotels, and trains. It is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive travel planning tools.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Flight Booking | Allows users to search and book flights across various airlines. |
| Hotel Booking | Provides options for booking hotels globally, with various filters and options. |
| Train Booking | Offers online booking for train tickets in India. |
| Bus Booking | Enables booking of bus tickets for intercity and interstate travel. |
| Activities & Experiences | Allows users to book tours, activities, and experiences at destinations. |
| Holiday Packages | Offers curated holiday packages including flights, hotels, and activities. |
| Travel Insurance | Provides options to purchase travel insurance for trips. |
| Travel Planning Tools | Includes tools for itinerary planning and trip management. |
| Mobile App | Mobile application available for convenient booking and management on the go. |
| Customer Support | Access to customer support for assistance with bookings and inquiries. |
Cleartrip is known for its user-friendly interface, comprehensive booking options, and customer-centric approach in the travel booking industry.
Services: Simplifies bookings for flights, hotels, and trains with a user-friendly interface.
Impact: Known for providing a hassle-free booking experience, Cleartrip has made travel planning more accessible and efficient for users across India
Goibibo: Established in 2007 by Ashish Kashyap, Goibibo is a popular online travel booking platform offering services such as flight bookings, hotel reservations, bus tickets, and holiday packages. It attracts customers with competitive pricing and loyalty programs.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Flight Booking | Search and book domestic and international flights with multiple airline options. |
| Hotel Booking | Offers a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and accommodations worldwide. |
| Train Booking | Online booking for train tickets across India, including IRCTC integration. |
| Bus Booking | Allows booking of bus tickets for various routes and operators in India. |
| Car Rentals | Provides options to book rental cars for local transportation needs. |
| Holiday Packages | Curated holiday packages including flights, hotels, and activities. |
| Travel Deals | Special offers and discounts on flights, hotels, and packages. |
| Rewards Program | Loyalty program offering points for bookings that can be redeemed for discounts. |
| GoStays | Verified budget accommodations with standardized amenities. |
| Mobile App | Mobile application available for booking and managing travel plans on the go. |
| Customer Support | Access to 24/7 customer support for assistance with bookings and inquiries. |
Goibibo is known for its competitive pricing, extensive range of travel services, and user-friendly platforms, making it popular among travelers in India and beyond.
Tripoto: Founded in 2013 by Anirudh Gupta and Michael Lyngdoh, Tripoto is a travel community platform where users can share their travel experiences, itineraries, and tips. It aims to be the largest source of user-generated travel content.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Travel Guides | Curated travel guides and itineraries created by travelers and experts. |
| Travel Stories | User-generated travel stories and experiences shared in a blog-like format. |
| Travel Forums | Community forums for travelers to discuss destinations, tips, and advice. |
| Trip Planning Tools | Tools and resources to plan trips, including itinerary planners and tips. |
| Photography Tips | Tips and guides for travel photography enthusiasts. |
| Travel Deals | Offers and discounts on travel packages, hotels, and activities. |
| Travel Community | A platform for travelers to connect, share experiences, and collaborate. |
| Travel Blogging | Opportunities for users to publish their travel blogs and gain visibility. |
| Mobile App | Mobile application for accessing travel content and community features. |
| Social Media Integration | Integration with social media platforms for sharing travel experiences. |
Tripoto distinguishes itself by focusing on user-generated content and community interaction, providing a platform for travelers to share and discover unique travel experiences and insights.
Founded: 2013 by Anirudh Gupta and Michael Lyngdoh
Services: Travel community platform allowing users to share travel experiences, itineraries, and tips. Impact: Aims to be the largest source of user-generated travel content, fostering a community where travelers can find inspiration and share knowledge
ScoutMyTrip: Launched in 2016 by Vineet Rajan and Deepak Ananth, ScoutMyTrip is a road trip planning platform that uses artificial intelligence to help users create customized itineraries. It includes information on gas stations, restrooms, restaurants, and points of interest along the route.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Road Trip Planner | Tools for planning road trips, including route mapping and itinerary creation. |
| Destination Discovery | Information and guides for popular destinations and road trip routes. |
| Points of Interest | Highlights of attractions, landmarks, and pit stops along the route. |
| Accommodation Booking | Options to book accommodations along the planned route. |
| Local Experiences | Suggestions for local experiences and activities at various stops. |
| Road Trip Tips | Tips and advice for planning and enjoying road trips. |
| Travel Blog | Insights and stories related to road trips and travel experiences. |
| Community Forum | Platform for users to share tips, ask questions, and connect with other travelers. |
| Mobile App | Mobile application for accessing road trip planning tools and information. |
| Customer Support | Assistance and support for users during trip planning and execution. |
ScoutMyTrip is designed to cater specifically to road trip enthusiasts, providing comprehensive tools and resources to plan and enhance the road trip experience.
Services: Road trip planning platform using AI to create customized itineraries with details about gas stations, restrooms, restaurants, and points of interest.
Impact: Combines human insight with AI to personalize road trip plans, catering to various types of trips from weekend getaways to long excursions
