Naptapgo Bags ₹2 Crore Funding from Inflection Point Ventures

New Delhi, May 15, 2025: Naptapgo, a pod hotel start-up redefining affordable hospitality, has secured INR 2 crore funding in a pre-seed round from Inflection Point Ventures (IPV).

The funds will drive growth across key areas like franchise development, marketing, technology enhancements and developing innovative techniques to enhance customer experience.

This strategic investment will accelerate Naptapgo’s expansion across urban and religious hubs, strengthening its commitment to offering clean, affordable, and flexible accommodations at an affordable price.

Naptapgo is pioneering a new hospitality model by providing affordable luxury through compact, efficient spaces. The start-up operates in the NCR business city vertical and will expand to religious cities like Katra and Amritsar in FY26, aiming to reach 20 properties by FY27. Its innovative approach, including flexible check-ins, hourly stays and sustainability-driven operations, sets it apart in the competitive hospitality market.

Founded by Nitin Malhotra (CEO) and Himanshu Shukla (VP – Operations), Naptapgo is backed by their extensive industry experience. Malhotra, an MBA from Symbiosis and incubated at IIML, had founded 247around (acquired) and held leadership roles at Texas Instruments and ST Microelectronics.

Shukla, also incubated at IIML, brings deep hospitality expertise from his tenure at Chaayos, Taj and Jaypee Resorts, supported by his hotel management background from IHM Lucknow. Together, they aim to disrupt the hospitality industry with innovative, guest-centric solutions.

“The hospitality industry is at its peak with globalisation and digital connectivity. Yet customer satisfaction has not kept pace. Over time, hotel prices have surged while service standards have remained stagnant,” says Vinay Bansal, Founder and CEO, IPV.

“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 connect with millions of travellers seeking short-stay accommodations. At IPV, we believe NapTapGo is poised to tap into a massive market of travellers looking for smart, cost-effective lodging solutions.”

Naptapgo’s rapid expansion is fuelled by its unique operational model. Active in NCR, the start-up plans to launch properties in Gurugram, Bangalore, Mumbai, Katra and Amritsar with a goal of 20 properties by FY27.

The company’s ability to achieve 65 per cent direct bookings through its website and WhatsApp channel underscores its customer-centric approach and operational efficiency.

A key strength of Naptapgo lies in its affordable luxury model, combining strategic location focus, compact efficiency and flexible stay options through strong technology plugins.

The company’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence ensures an optimised guest experience while maintaining cost efficiency. This innovative model has earned Naptapgo accolades such as ‘Franchisable Concept of the Year 2024’ and ‘Best Booth of the Year 2024’.

“We have had an incredible journey with the IPV team, receiving constructive feedback that has strengthened our business framework,” says Malhotra and Shukla.

“At Naptapgo, our goal is to be a significant player in the $1,300 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.”

Naptapgo has garnered significant industry recognition, including a strategic investment from PSU Balmer Lawrie and a notable endorsement from Anand Mahindra, who highlighted how the start-up addresses the affordable hospitality challenge.

The hotel industry is valued at $30 billion and is projected to grow to $55 billion by 2030 with an annual growth rate of 10.8 per cent.