AI-powered experiential travel platform GydeXP raises funding at Rs 15 crore valuation

By Admin

30 May, 2025

Redefining the future of travel with AI, community, and authenticity.

In a significant stride for the experiential travel industry, GydeXP, an AI-powered travel platform, has secured an undisclosed amount in a pre-seed funding round from Rukam Sitara, an Indian early-stage venture capital firm. The round has placed the platform’s valuation at ₹15 crore, marking a promising beginning for a travel-tech startup that blends innovation with emotional connectivity.

Transforming Travel with AI and Human Connection

Founded with a bold vision to bridge the gap between travellers and local experts, GydeXP aims to deliver authentic, personalised, and safe travel adventures. It addresses three long-standing issues plaguing modern travel—fragmented planning, superficial interactions, and the fading of travel memories post-trip.

At the heart of the platform is “Travel Studio”, a proprietary AI engine that powers smart travel planning. This is fused with creator-led trip curation and an in-built feature for seamless memory capture, delivering an all-in-one app experience. By empowering local guides and travel creators, GydeXP is curating journeys that are not just well-planned but emotionally enriching.

“Travel without people is just sight-seeing,” says Aakarshan Saxena, Co-Founder & CEO of GydeXP. “Our early communities of founders, creators, and travellers don’t want another booking platform; they want meaningful connections and timeless memories.”

Purpose Behind the Fundraise

The fresh capital infusion will be strategically channelled toward:

• Enhancing AI-driven product capabilities
  
  

• Onboarding top travel creators to grow the community ecosystem
  
  

• Expanding operations in high-potential destinations such as Goa, Dalhousie, and Bali
  
  

This vision resonates deeply with Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner at Rukam Capital, who shared:

“India’s travel economy is growing exponentially, but travellers are always on the lookout for authentic experiences. When we met GydeXP for the first time at Startup Table with AJ, we realised that this platform is helping bridge an important gap in the industry that is backed by a strategic and passionate founder vision.”

Early Traction and Market Opportunity

GydeXP is already making its mark, having generated ₹40 lakh in net sales and served over 1,000 travellers during MahaKumbh 2025. The startup empowers travel creators to monetize their skills through thoughtfully curated getaways, while AI ensures itineraries are smart, engaging, and personalised.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. According to a McKinsey and Skift report, the global personalised travel and experiences segment is projected to hit $447.3 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 17.8%. In India alone, the travel and tourism market is expected to grow to $492 billion by 2028.

What’s even more telling is the shift in traveller motivation. Recent industry insights reveal that “meeting new people” now outranks traditional drivers like freedom and flexibility—signalling a growing demand for community-based, emotion-rich travel.

Conclusion

GydeXP isn’t just building a travel app; it’s crafting a movement that champions authenticity, human connection, and cutting-edge technology. With strong investor backing and a clear vision, GydeXP is poised to become a game-changer in the global travel ecosystem.