ixigo Company Profile

Background

Overview

ixigo, officially known as Le Travenues Technology Limited, is an Indian technology company specializing in online travel services. Founded in 2007 by Aloke Bajpai and Rajnish Kumar, the company is headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana. ixigo offers a comprehensive platform for travelers to plan, book, and manage trips across various modes of transportation, including trains, flights, buses, and hotels. The platform leverages artificial intelligence and data science to provide users with real-time information, price comparisons, and booking options.

Mission and Vision

ixigo's mission is to empower Indian travelers by simplifying the travel booking process and offering affordable, transparent, and user-friendly options. The company's vision is to be the most customer-centric travel company, providing exceptional experiences through technological innovation and a deep understanding of the diverse needs of travelers across India.

Industry Significance

As a leading online travel agency (OTA) in India, ixigo has significantly contributed to the digitalization of the travel industry. By focusing on the "next billion users," particularly in tier-II and tier-III cities, ixigo has expanded access to travel services for a broader demographic, thereby playing a pivotal role in the growth of India's online travel market.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

User-Centric Approach: Developing intuitive and accessible platforms tailored to the needs of diverse traveler segments, especially those from smaller cities.

Technological Innovation: Utilizing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science to enhance user experience, provide personalized recommendations, and improve operational efficiency.

Market Expansion: Strengthening presence in underserved markets, particularly in tier-II and tier-III cities, to tap into the growing base of digital travelers.

Areas of Specialization

Train Ticketing: As an authorized partner of IRCTC, ixigo offers comprehensive train booking services, including real-time PNR status, seat availability, and delay predictions.

Flight and Bus Bookings: Providing a wide range of options for domestic and international flights, as well as bus services, catering to various budgets and preferences.

Hotel Reservations: Offering a curated selection of accommodations, from budget to luxury, with user reviews and ratings to assist in decision-making.

Key Technologies Utilized

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Implementing AI-driven features like personalized travel recommendations, predictive analytics for train delays, and dynamic pricing models.

Machine Learning (ML): Employing ML algorithms to analyze user behavior, optimize search results, and enhance customer support through chatbots.

Data Science: Leveraging big data to provide insights into travel trends, user preferences, and market dynamics, enabling informed business decisions.

Primary Markets Targeted

Tier-II and Tier-III Cities: Focusing on expanding access to travel services for users in smaller cities, where digital adoption is rapidly increasing.

Budget-Conscious Travelers: Catering to cost-sensitive users seeking affordable travel options without compromising on quality.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

August 2011: Raised $18.5 million from SAIF Partners and MakeMyTrip.

June 2015: Received an undisclosed investment from Micromax Informatics.

March 2017: Secured $15 million in Series B funding from Sequoia Capital India and Fosun RZ Capital.

July 2021: Raised $53 million in a pre-IPO round led by GIC, with participation from Orios Venture Partners, Trifecta Capital, and Info Edge Ventures.

Initial Public Offering (IPO)

June 2024: Listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), raising ₹740 crore through the issuance of 79,580,899 equity shares.

Financial Performance

Fiscal Year 2024: Reported a profit after tax (PAT) of ₹73.1 crore, marking a 212.3% year-on-year growth.

Pipeline Development

Key Developments

Acquisitions:

ConfirmTkt: Acquired in February 2021 to enhance train discovery and ticketing capabilities.

AbhiBus: Acquired in August 2021 to strengthen bus ticket booking and fleet management services.

Product Launches:

ixigo Assured Flex: Introduced to offer flexible cancellation policies for flight and train bookings.

ixigo PLAN: Launched as a generative AI-based trip planner to assist travelers in planning their journeys.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

TARA: A multilingual travel assistant powered by AI, providing real-time information and assistance to users.

AR Coach Position: An augmented reality feature that helps train passengers locate their coach positions at over 7,000 railway stations.

Significant Scientific Methods

Predictive Analytics: Utilized for forecasting train delays and seat availability, enhancing user experience.

Dynamic Pricing Models: Implemented to offer competitive pricing based on demand and user behavior.

Leadership Team

Aloke Bajpai: Chairman, Managing Director, and Group CEO. Holds a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kanpur and an MBA from INSEAD. Prior to co-founding ixigo, worked at Amadeus in France.

Rajnish Kumar: Director and Group Co-CEO. Holds a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Kanpur. Also worked at Amadeus before co-founding ixigo.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The Indian online travel market is highly competitive, with key players such as MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, and Yatra. In FY23, ixigo was the second-largest OTA in India by revenue, with a market share of approximately 7%, compared to MakeMyTrip's 65%.

Competitor Analysis

MakeMyTrip: Market leader with a diverse portfolio, including Goibibo and RedBus.

EaseMyTrip: Focuses on budget-conscious travelers, with a significant presence in the air ticketing segment.

Yatra: Emphasizes corporate travel and holiday packages, with a growing footprint in the OTA space.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Prosus Investment: In October 2025, Dutch technology investor Prosus acquired a 10.1% stake in ixigo for ₹12.96 billion, reflecting confidence in ixigo's growth prospects.

Operational Insights

ixigo's focus on the "next billion users" has enabled it to capture a significant share of the underserved market in tier-II and tier-III cities. The company's user-centric approach, combined with technological innovations, has led to high engagement and customer satisfaction. In FY25, ixigo grew its booking value by 34%, outpacing its peers.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Market Expansion: Further penetration into tier-II and tier-III cities to tap into the growing base of digital travelers.

Product Diversification: Introduction of new value-added services and features to enhance user experience and increase monetization.

Technological Advancements: Continued investment in AI and machine learning to offer personalized travel solutions and improve operational efficiency.