TRAVCLAN

INTRODUCTION

TravClan is a B2B travel platform that provides travel agents and agencies with a one-stop
solution for booking flights, hotels, and holiday packages. They also offer a variety of other
services, such as visa assistance, travel insurance, and foreign exchange. TravClan is
headquartered in New Delhi, India, with offices in Dubai, Singapore, and other locations.
TravClan is a great option for travel agents and agencies looking for a one-stop shop for all
their travel needs. They offer a wide range of products and services, competitive rates, and
excellent customer service.
TravClan has received funding from some of the leading venture capital firms in the
world, such as The Ventures and Leo Capital.
They have been recognized by a number of industry awards, including the "Best B2B Travel
Platform" award from the Indian Travel Awards.

They are committed to using technology to make travel easier and more efficient for their
clients.

Founded in 2016, TravClan has grown rapidly to become one of the leading B2B travel
platforms in India.

They have a wide range of products and services to meet the needs of travel agents and
agencies of all sizes.

Their platform is easy to use and makes it simple for travel agents to book travel for their
clients.

They offer competitive rates on flights, hotels, and holiday packages.

They have a strong commitment to customer service and provide 24/7 support to their clients.

This is just a glimpse into the exciting world of Indian startups. As the ecosystem continues
to evolve, stay tuned for even more disruptive innovations and game-changing ideas
emerging from the land of incredible potential.
BIOGRAPHY OF TRAVCLAN

TravClan's story isn't just about a company, it's about revolutionizing the B2B travel
landscape. Born in 2018, this brainchild of three passionate professionals - Ashish Kumar,
Biren Shah, and Varun Gupta - aimed to bridge the gap between travel agents and travel
suppliers.

Early Footsteps: Building the Bridge

The initial days were about laying the foundation. The trio's extensive experience in
technology and travel proved invaluable. Ashish, a seasoned tech leader, brought his
expertise in building successful startups like Cars24 and FabFurnish. Biren, a travel industry
veteran, understood the pain points of travel agents. Varun, a skilled product strategist,
ensured the platform's user-friendliness.

Growth and Recognition: Scaling New Heights

TravClan's growth trajectory has been nothing short of phenomenal. Within a year of launch,
they onboarded over 7,000 travel agents and suppliers. Their focus on personalized travel
experiences and cutting-edge technology resonated with the industry.
Accolades followed suit. Forbes India featured TravClan among their 30 Under 30 list in
2019, recognizing their entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. The company also secured
funding from marquee investors like Mayfield India and Matrix Partners, propelling them
towards further expansion.

Beyond Bookings: Empowering Travel Agents

TravClan's vision extends beyond just bookings. They strive to empower travel agents by
providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive in the digital age. Their
platform offers marketing support, travel news updates, and video guides, enabling agents to
stay informed and competitive.

Factors influencing TRAVCLAN to start a Venture

Market trends and opportunities:

  Emerging travel niches: Travclan might identify a new and underserved niche in the
travel market, such as solo female travel, sustainable travel, or luxury adventure
travel.
 Technological advancements: New technologies like virtual reality or artificial
intelligence could open up new possibilities for travel experiences, prompting
Travclan to develop new ventures.
 Changing consumer preferences: Travelers are becoming more conscious of their
environmental impact, seeking authentic experiences, and demanding personalization.
Travclan might adapt to these changing preferences by launching new ventures.

Internal factors:
 Entrepreneurial spirit: The founders or leadership of Travclan might have a strong
entrepreneurial drive and desire to expand their business through new ventures.
 Available resources: Travclan might have the financial resources, human capital, and
brand recognition to successfully launch a new venture.
 Risk tolerance: Starting a new venture always involves risk. Travclan's decision will
depend on its risk tolerance and appetite for growth.

Competitive landscape:
 Competition: Travclan might launch a new venture to stay ahead of its competitors or
enter a new market segment.
 Collaboration: Travclan might partner with other companies to combine resources and
expertise for a new venture.

External factors:
 Economic conditions: A strong economy might give Travclan the confidence to invest
in new ventures. Conversely, an economic downturn could make them more cautious.
 Political and regulatory environment: Government policies and regulations can impact
the travel industry and influence Travclan's decision to launch new ventures.

To understand the specific factors influencing Travclan's decision to start a new venture, I
would need more information about the company, its current offerings, and the specific
venture it is considering.
SOURCES OF FINANCE
Travclan has secured funding through various sources throughout its journey, including:
Venture Capital:
 Pre-Series A:
o $4.7 million raised in July 2021, led by Hashed Emergent Fund and several
angel investors.
o $2.2 million raised in August 2019, led by TheVentures and Leo Capital.
 Seed Round:
o $1 million raised in October 2018.
Angel Investors:
 Nick Talwar (CEO of Circle Up)
 Aayush Phumbra (former cofounder of Chegg)
 Travis Katz (former cofounder of Trip.com)
 Pritesh Gupta (former cofounder of Zipgo)
 Vikram Chopra and Mehul Agrawal (cofounders of Cars24)
Other Potential Sources:
 Debt financing: Travclan might consider taking out loans from banks or other
financial institutions to fund its growth.
 Revenue-based financing: Platforms like Clearbanc or Pipe might offer financing
based on Travclan's future revenue.
 Strategic partnerships: Travclan could partner with larger travel companies to access
funding and resources.

COMPETITORS
TravClan, a B2B travel technology platform, faces competition from various
established and emerging players in the travel industry. Here are some of the key
competitors in different segments:
Large Global Travel Management Companies (TMCs):
 CWT (Carlson Wagonlit Travel): A leading global TMC with a strong presence
in corporate travel management.
 American Express Global Business Travel (GBT): Another major player in
corporate travel, known for its robust technology and service offerings.
 Egencia: A subsidiary of Expedia Group, focusing on online travel booking
and expense management for businesses.
Travel Technology Providers:
 TravelPerk: A rising star in the corporate travel space, offering a user-friendly
platform and competitive pricing.
 Deem: Specializes in travel and expense management software for large
enterprises.
 Jurny: Provides a hospitality platform that connects businesses with travel
suppliers and distributors.
Regional B2B Travel Platforms:
 Nezasa: A Zurich-based B2B travel platform with a focus on the European
market.
 Fareportal: A New York City-based travel company operating multiple brands
like CheapOair and Travelocity.
 MakeMyTrip: A leading online travel agency in India, offering B2B solutions
for travel businesses.
Open-Source Travel Booking Systems:
 PHP Travel: A popular open-source travel booking system used by many
small and medium travel businesses.
 RezMagic: Another open-source booking system known for its flexibility and
customization options.

The specific competitors TravClan faces will depend on its target market and niche.
For example, it may compete more directly with CWT and Egencia in the corporate
travel space, while facing Fareportal and MakeMyTrip in the leisure travel market.
TravClan can differentiate itself by focusing on its strengths, such as its innovative
technology, competitive pricing, and focus on emerging markets. By understanding
its competitors and their offerings, TravClan can develop strategies to attract and
retain customers and achieve its business goals.

INVESTORS
TravClan has raised a total of $5.7 million in funding across two rounds. Here's a
breakdown of their investors:
Institutional Investors:
 Leo Capital: A venture capital firm focused on early-stage technology
companies in India.
 TheVentures: A Korea and Singapore-based venture capital firm.
 Hashed Emergent: A venture capital firm focused on early-stage technology
startups in India.
Angel Investors:
  Vikram Chopra: Co-founder and CEO of Cars24.
 Travis Katz: Former co-founder of Trip.com.
 Pritesh Gupta: Former co-founder of Zipgo.
 Nick Talwar: CEO of Circle Up.
 Rajul Garg: Ex Co-Founder at PineLabs & Global Logic.
 Mohan Lakkamraju: Co-Founder, CEO at Great Learniing.
 Aayush Phumbra: Former co-founder of Chegg.
 Mehul Agrawal: Co-founder of Cars24.
 Angad: Co-Founder, CEO at Citymall.
 Archana Priyadarshini: General Partner at PointOne Capital.
 Ryan Valles: And more.

CHALLENGES FACED IN THE MARKET

While TravClan offers valuable solutions for travel agents, they do face some
challenges in the market:
Competition: The travel tech space is crowded with established players like
MakeMyTrip and Yatra, along with other B2B platforms like Goibibo and SOTC.
TravClan needs to differentiate itself effectively and showcase its unique value
proposition to attract and retain users.
Shifting Travel Landscape: Post-pandemic travel trends continue to evolve, with
preferences for domestic trips, shorter itineraries, and outdoor activities. TravClan
needs to adapt its offerings and marketing strategies to stay relevant in this dynamic
environment.
Reliance on Travel Agents: TravClan's success is directly tied to the number of
travel agents using its platform. Building trust and encouraging adoption among this
audience, especially those hesitant to shift online, is crucial.
Technological Advancements: Keeping up with the latest technological
advancements in the travel and online business space is essential. Investing in R&D
and continuously improving their platform features will be key to maintaining a
competitive edge.
Financial Sustainability: While TravClan has secured funding, achieving long-term
financial sustainability is crucial. This may involve exploring diverse revenue streams
beyond commissions, diversifying their market reach, and optimizing their operating
costs.
Brand Awareness: As a relatively new player, TravClan needs to build stronger
brand awareness, especially among potential travel agent users and investors.
Effective marketing campaigns and positive brand storytelling will be important in this
regard.
Adapting to Market Regulations: The travel industry is subject to various
regulations and compliances. Ensuring adherence to these regulations while
navigating complex legal aspects can be challenging for a growing company like
TravClan.
Building a Strong Team: With ambitious goals, TravClan needs to attract and retain
a talented team with expertise in travel technology, business development, and
marketing. Building a strong company culture can be key to attracting and retaining
top talent.

7’P OF TRAVCLAN
Product:

Tours and packages: TravelClan offers a wide variety of tours and packages to cater to
different interests and budgets. These include adventure tours, cultural tours, wildlife tours,
beach vacations, and more. They also offer customized tours and packages to suit individual
needs.

Activities and experiences: In addition to tours, TravelClan also offers a wide range of
activities and experiences, such as cooking classes, hiking, biking, diving, and cultural shows.
This allows travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture and have a more authentic
travel experience.

Price:

Competitive pricing: TravelClan offers competitive prices on its tours and packages. They
often have discounts and promotions available, making them an affordable option for budget-
conscious travelers.

Value for money: TravelClan strives to provide good value for money by offering high-
quality tours and experiences at a reasonable price. They focus on providing inclusions that
matter to travelers, such as accommodation, transportation, meals, and activities.

Place:

Strong online presence: TravelClan has a strong online presence with a user-friendly website
and booking platform. This makes it easy for travelers to research and book tours and
packages.

Global reach: TravelClan operates in a number of countries around the world, making it a
convenient option for travelers from all over the globe.

Promotion:
Digital marketing: TravelClan uses a variety of digital marketing channels to reach potential
customers, such as search engine marketing, social media marketing, and email marketing.

Content marketing: TravelClan creates informative and engaging content, such as blog posts,
articles, and videos, to inspire travelers and educate them about the destinations they offer.

Partnerships: TravelClan partners with other travel companies and tourism boards to promote
their tours and packages.

People:

Knowledgeable staff: TravelClan has a team of knowledgeable and experienced staff who are
passionate about travel. They are able to provide travelers with expert advice and
recommendations.

Excellent customer service: TravelClan is committed to providing excellent customer service.

They are available to answer questions, address concerns, and ensure that travelers have a
smooth and enjoyable experience.

Process:

Easy booking process: TravelClan's booking process is simple and easy to follow. Travelers
can book tours and packages online or by phone.

Seamless travel experience: TravelClan takes care of all the logistics, such as transportation,
accommodation, and activities, so that travelers can relax and enjoy their trip.

Physical evidence:

Professional website and marketing materials: TravelClan has a professional website and
marketing materials that give a positive impression of the company.

Positive online reviews: TravelClan has a good reputation online, with many positive reviews
from satisfied customers.

TravelClan's 7Ps are well-aligned and create a strong value proposition for travelers. They
offer a wide variety of high-quality tours and packages at competitive prices, and they make
it easy for travelers to book and enjoy their trips.

7’C OF TRAVCLAN

The 7 Cs of travel can be a helpful framework for planning a successful and

fulfilling trip. These elements go beyond the typical logistics and delve into the
deeper aspects of the travel experience. Here's a detailed breakdown of each C:

1. Clarity
Knowing your purpose: What do you hope to achieve with this trip? Is it
relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, personal growth, or a combination?
Having a clear purpose will guide your decision-making throughout the
planning process.

Defining your travel style: Do you prefer solo expeditions, group tours,
luxurious pampering, or budget backpacking? Understanding your preferences
will help you choose the right destinations, activities, and accommodation.

Setting realistic expectations: Be honest about your limitations and priorities.

Don't try to cram too much into your itinerary or expect everything to be
perfect. Embrace the unexpected and be flexible.

2. Connection:

Engaging with locals: Make an effort to connect with the people who live in the
places you visit. Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, try the local
cuisine, and participate in cultural activities. This will enrich your experience
and give you a deeper understanding of the destination.

Building meaningful relationships: Whether it's striking up conversations with

fellow travelers or forming bonds with locals, travel provides opportunities for
meaningful connections. These relationships can add a new dimension to your
trip and create lasting memories.

Connecting with yourself: Use travel as a time for introspection and self-
discovery. Reflect on your experiences, challenge your assumptions, and step
outside your comfort zone. Travel can be a powerful tool for personal growth.

3. Community:

Supporting local businesses: Choose to patronize locally-owned restaurants,

shops, and accommodations whenever possible. This will help inject your
tourism dollars into the local economy and support the community.

Respecting cultural norms: Be mindful of local customs and traditions. Dress

appropriately, avoid offensive behavior, and ask permission before taking
photos.

Giving back: Consider volunteering your time or donating to a worthy cause

while on your travels. This is a great way to make a positive impact and connect
with the community on a deeper level.
4. Contentment:

Practicing gratitude: Take the time to appreciate the beauty and wonder that
surrounds you. Be grateful for the opportunity to travel and experience new
things.

Living in the moment: Don't get caught up in documenting every experience for
social media. Put your phone away and focus on being present in the moment.

Embracing simplicity: Travel can be a time to strip away the clutter of your
everyday life and focus on what truly matters. Enjoy the simple pleasures like
good food, good company, and beautiful scenery.

5. Challenge:

Stepping outside your comfort zone: Don't be afraid to try new things and push
your boundaries. This could involve anything from trying a new food to
tackling a physical challenge.

Overcoming obstacles:Travel inevitably involves unexpected challenges.

Embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth and resilience.

Learning from your mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes, especially when

traveling. Don't beat yourself up if things don't go according to plan. Learn from
your mistakes and use them as opportunities to grow.

6. Contribution:

Minimizing your environmental impact: Be mindful of your ecological

footprint. Choose eco-friendly transportation options, avoid littering, and
conserve water and energy.

Supporting sustainable tourism Choose responsible tour operators who are

committed to protecting the environment and supporting local communities.

Sharing your experiences: When you return home, share your stories and photos
with others. Inspire them to travel and make a positive impact on the world.

7. Contemplation:
Reflecting on your experiences: Take some time after your trip to reflect on
what you learned and experienced. What surprised you? What challenged you?
What did you enjoy the most?

Integrating your learnings: How can you incorporate the lessons you learned
from your travels into your everyday life?

Planning your next adventure: Travel is a lifelong journey. Use your

experiences to fuel your wanderlust and start planning your next adventure.