Naptapgo, a rising pod hotel startup transforming the affordable hospitality landscape, has raised ₹2 crore in a Pre-Seed funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures. The fresh capital will be utilized to fuel the company’s expansion in key areas such as franchise development, marketing, technology upgrades, and innovation in customer experience.
Targeting Urban and Religious Hubs for Expansion
Focused on redefining short-stay accommodations, Naptapgo is aggressively expanding beyond the NCR business segment to religious destinations including Katra and Amritsar in FY26. The startup has set a goal of operating 20 properties by FY27. Its distinctive hospitality model emphasizes clean, cost-effective, and flexible lodging in high-demand areas, catering to modern travelers seeking comfort without high costs.
Disrupting Hospitality with Affordable Luxury and Smart Operations
Naptapgo’s value proposition centers around compact, efficient rooms paired with luxury amenities and flexibility. Features such as hourly stays, flexible check-ins, and tech-enabled experiences distinguish it from traditional hospitality providers. The company has achieved 65% of its bookings directly via its website and WhatsApp channel, highlighting its operational agility and digital-first approach.
Strong Leadership Backed by Deep Industry Expertise
Founded by Nitin Malhotra and Himanshu Shukla, Naptapgo is driven by leadership with strong entrepreneurial and hospitality credentials. Nitin, an MBA from Symbiosis and an IIM Lucknow incubatee, previously led 247around (later acquired) and held senior roles at Texas Instruments and ST Microelectronics. Himanshu, also incubated at IIML and a graduate of IHM Lucknow, brings on-ground operational expertise from his work with Chaayos, Taj, and Jaypee Resorts.
Recognition and Strategic Backing Boost Credibility
Naptapgo’s innovative approach has earned significant industry recognition, including the “Franchisable Concept of the Year 2024” and “Best Booth of the Year 2024” awards. The startup has also received investment from Government of India PSU Balmer Lawrie and has been endorsed by industry leaders like Anand Mahindra, signaling strong market validation.
Capitalizing on a Growing $30 Billion Indian Hospitality Market
With the Indian hotel industry projected to grow from $30 billion to $55 billion by 2030, and a global market opportunity of $1,300 billion, Naptapgo is strategically positioned to tap into the surging demand for affordable, tech-enabled hospitality. The company’s sustainability-driven operations and franchise-first model promise scalability while maintaining high service standards.
Naptapgo’s disruptive model continues to gain momentum as it redefines budget travel for the modern consumerone pod at a time.
Vinay Bansal, Founder & CEO, IPV, says ‘The hospitality industry is at its peak with globalisation and digital connectivity, yet customer satisfaction has not kept pace. Over the time, hotel prices have surged while service standards have remained stagnant. NapTapGo is changing this by offering an innovative pod-hotel experience at an economical price without compromising on quality. Its accessibility and affordability for luxury spaces connects with millions of travelers seeking short-stay accommodations. At IPV, we believe NapTapGo is poised to tap into a massive market of travelers looking for smart, cost-effective lodging solutions”
Nitin Malhotra & Himanshu Shukla, Co-Founders of NapTapGo, says, “We have had an incredible journey with the IPV team, receiving constructive feedback that has strengthened our business framework. At Naptapgo, our goal is to be a significant player in the $1300 billion global hotel market, starting with India, and to redefine the perception of the Indian affordable hotel segment. Customer experience remains our key differentiator as we strive to create value for both our franchises and shareholders.”
