Originating from Japan, pod-style hotels have recently gained popularity in India’s hospitality sector due to their efficiency, affordability, and space-saving accommodations—especially among budget travelers. One Indian capsule hotel startup, NapTapGo, has raised $500,000 in pre-seed funding, with support from startup studio T9L Qube.
The Indian budget hotel market is growing at a CAGR of 13-15%. NapTapGo aims to democratise budget travel by providing hygienic, tech-driven stays at a fraction of the price. T9L believes that investing in such innovations can strengthen the rapidly growing hospitality industry in the country.
NapTapGo is targeting the $20 billion budget hotel market in India. These compact, capsule-like pod hotels are designed for short-stay travellers with all basic amenities.
Fahad Moti Khan and Gaurav Gaggar, co-founders of T9L Qube, said in a statement, “These accommodations are ideal for guests looking to rest for a few hours, offering an affordable and luxurious option, even for solo travelers. The growing demand for accommodations near religious sites is significant, and we believe that these pods will be a game changer in meeting the needs of religious travelers by providing clean, hygienic, and comfortable stays at an affordable price.”
Nitin Malhotra and Himanshu Shukla, co-founders of , NapTapGo said in a statement, “Our vision is to be the most preferred option in the affordable hotel segment by offering flexible stays and a superior customer experience. Our accommodations are ideal for solo travellers, working professionals, and frequent flyers aged 25 to 60 who seek convenient, affordable, and high-quality stays near IT hubs and religious locations. Our partnership with India’s leading venture studio, T9L Qube, will provide incubation support and mentorship, driving innovation in the hospitality sector.”
