Origins and Inspiration
Vighnesh: What inspired the creation of Mappls KOGO, and how have your adventurous biking exploits influenced its inception?
Praveer: As an avid traveller and motorcyclist, the inspiration for Mappls KOGO struck during a Himalayan ride. The struggle to find a familiar tea shop at 11,000 ft. sparked the realization that discovery and planning were major pain points. This prompted the genesis of KOGO as a solution to simplify travel exploration.
Vighnesh: Could you share some insights into the early challenges faced and how they were surmounted?
Praveer: The biggest challenge we faced was COVID within a month of launching KOGO. It’s difficult for a startup to take off in travel with the whole world shut for a year. So we decided to explore B2B partnerships and license our platform to build social travel communities for Auto OEMs and that worked out really well. We today have 3 of the top 4 motorcycle brands in India using the KOGO platform to reach more than 5 million users.
AI-Driven Offerings
Vighnesh: Can you elucidate on how the AI Trip Maker and Kogonaut enhance the travel planning experience for users?
Praveer: The AI Trip Maker crafts personalized itineraries, while the Kogonaut serves as a personal AI travel guide you can talk to. These features save time and enable easy access to rich travel information on your fingertips. Offering users instant and bookable travel recommendations, making the entire travel planning process seamless and efficient.
Vighnesh: Praveer, you mentioned achieving a milestone with the confluence of Geo-Intelligence, real-time data, and Generative AI. How do these technologies drive the personalized bookable recommendations on Mappls KOGO?
Praveer: The convergence of Geo-Intelligence, real-time data, and Generative AI powers personalized bookable recommendations. This technology allows KOGO to understand individual preferences, anticipate user needs, and offer tailored travel suggestions, ensuring a highly personalized and efficient travel planning experience.
Technology and Innovation
Vighnesh: How does Mappls KOGO’s AI stack, backed by a global travel ecosystem, streamline the travel planning process for users, especially in generating expert recommendations?
Praveer: Mappls KOGO’s AI stack utilizes a vast global travel ecosystem, covering flights, hotels, experiences, itineraries, and routes. This ensures users receive expert recommendations that are not only personalized but also bookable, simplifying the travel planning process significantly.
Vighnesh: What are the core AI technologies and real-time data analytics employed by Mappls KOGO to revolutionize travel and hyper-local experiences?
Praveer: Mappls KOGO employs advanced AI technologies, including Generative AI, real-time data analytics, and
Geo-Intelligence. These technologies contribute to the platform’s ability to curate exceptional travel recommendations based on individual preferences and enhance hyper-local experiences.
Market Impact and User Engagement
Vighnesh: With a user base of over 20 lakh and an expansive global travel ecosystem, how has Mappls KOGO been received by the market?
Praveer: Mappls KOGO has received a positive market response with over 5 million users through our B2B2C and B2C stacks. The integration of gamified travel, outdoors, and hyper-local content enhances user engagement, providing a unique and enriching travel experience.
Vighnesh: How does the integration of gamified travel, outdoors, and hyper-local content foster user engagement and enhance the travel experience?
Praveer: The integration of gamified travel, outdoors, and hyper-local content fosters user engagement by offering an interactive and immersive travel experience. Users can explore unique content, share experiences, and participate in gamified activities, enhancing their overall journey.
Funding and Growth
Vighnesh: The recent funding rounds from MapMyIndia have been significant. How have these funds propelled Mappls KOGO’s AI capabilities and data refinement to new horizons?
Praveer: Recent funding from MapMyIndia has significantly boosted Mappls KOGO’s AI capabilities and refined data processes. These funds have facilitated technological advancements, allowing the platform to offer enhanced AI-driven travel solutions.
Vighnesh: How have collaborations with MapMyIndia and the integration into MapmyIndia’s Mappls brand amplified the offerings and user engagement on Mappls KOGO?
Praveer: Collaborations with MapMyIndia and integration into the Mappls brand have amplified Mappls KOGO’s offerings and user engagement. The synergy between the platforms enhances the travel experience by providing access to comprehensive mapping and location-based services.
Future Endeavors
Vighnesh: What are the upcoming features or technological advancements users can anticipate on Mappls KOGO?
Praveer: Our goal is to make the entire travel experience frictionless. The introduction of voice capabilities to the Kogonaut is the first step. Future plans involve leveraging AI and geospatial intelligence to redefine travel planning, making the AI travel expert ubiquitous.
Vighnesh: How do you envision leveraging AI and geospatial intelligence to further redefine travel planning and hyper-local experiences in the future?
Praveer: We envision leveraging AI and geospatial intelligence to redefine travel planning by making the AI travel expert ubiquitous. The integration of voice capabilities into the Kogonaut is a step toward a frictionless travel experience, with continuous advancements on the horizon.
Community Building and Collaborations
Vighnesh: How does Mappls KOGO plan on fostering a community of travelers and adventure enthusiasts?
Praveer: We plan to foster a community through partnering with existing travel communities and helping them plan and share their travel experiences using Mappls KOGO. These initiatives aim to engage with travel, motoring, and biking communities, providing preferential pricing on KOGO X.
Vighnesh: Are there any partnerships or collaborations in the pipeline that aim to enhance the Mappls KOGO platform further?
Praveer: We are actively engaging in partnerships and collaborations to enhance the platform further. The focus includes collaborations with influencers, community outreach in various cities, and tie-ups with events and festivals to increase brand awareness and drive adoption. We are also adding a lot of B2B partners to expand our offering into rentals, local experiences and even aggregating villas, homestays and B&Bs.
Personal Reflections
Vighnesh: As co-founders, what have been your most rewarding experiences in the journey of Mappls KOGO so far?
Praveer: The most rewarding experiences as co-founders include overcoming challenges in the early stages, witnessing the platform’s evolution through different phases, and solidifying partnerships with renowned brands. The journey’s milestones, from conception to becoming an ultimate AI travel expert, contribute to the rewarding experience.
Vighnesh: How do you keep pace with the rapidly evolving tech trends to ensure Mappls KOGO stays at the forefront of AI-driven travel solutions?
Praveer: The world is changing fast. With the advent of generative AI, travel will change and we feel that we are at the forefront of that change. And in the coming months, we will showcase globally industry-leading technologies that will pave the way for a frictionless travel experience.
Advice and Industry Foresight
Vighnesh: What advice would you offer to budding entrepreneurs aspiring to innovate in the AI and travel tech domain?
Praveer: For budding entrepreneurs in the AI and travel tech domain, the advice is to focus on creating solutions that address real challenges. Prioritize user experience, leverage emerging technologies, and build a strong community around your product. Stay agile, adapt to market dynamics, and maintain a long-term vision.
Vighnesh: How do you envision the evolution of AI in transforming the travel industry, and what role do you see Mappls KOGO playing in this landscape?
Praveer: The evolution of AI is transforming the travel industry by simplifying complex processes and enhancing user experiences. Mappls KOGO aims to play a pivotal role by continuing to innovate, making the AI travel expert ubiquitous, and redefining how people plan and experience their journeys.
In closing, the journey of Mappls KOGO has been a thrilling adventure, fueled by a passion for travel and a commitment to revolutionize the way we explore the world. As we continue to evolve and push boundaries, we invite you to embark on this journey with us. Experience the ultimate AI travel expert who simplifies planning, enhances experiences, and makes your travel dreams a reality. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time traveler, Mappls KOGO is here to guide you.
Ready to step into a world of personalized and bookable travel recommendations? Download the Mappls KOGO app now and visit our website to explore the future of travel at your fingertips.
Download the Mappls KOGO App:
Android: Mappls KOGO on Play Store
IOS: Mappls KOGO on IOS
Visit Mappls KOGO Website
