Saastra Software to raise $10 mn

Bangalore-based startup in talks with VCs.

Saastra Software, a Bangalore-based software startup focused on solutions for the hospitality industry, is looking to raise around $10 million through venture capital.

The company recently announced the commercial launch of its product, which facilitates the automation of a hotel's internal business processes like reservations, guest service operations and corporate client management.

Vishnu Murali Konduru, founder-CEO of Saastra Software, said he was in talks with a couple of venture capitalists and also a strategic player in the Asian region.

Saastra is delivered as software as a service and its architecture makes it possible for the users to expose their automated inventory to the consumers, eliminating the need for third party intermediaries.

"Consumers also now have the added comfort of booking directly from the source/owners, without the doubts and uncertainties that arise from booking via intermediaries. Every single Saastra customer therefore gets access to an advanced customer portal from where they can interact in real-time with their customers," he added.

This software is delivered as a service to the property owners who have to pay a monthly rental.

Additionally, Saastra provides the owners access to a free online payment gateway that ensures that owners get paid for the service they provide and consumers get guaranteed bookings.

Explaining the model, Konduru said due to a relatively high capital expenditure many hotels have not automated their systems and hence rely on third party agents to clear their inventory.

"The so-called unorganised segments of the accommodation business (like service apartments and home stays) can join their mainstream cousins (hotels and resorts) in getting completely automated, provide better access to their consumers, in getting and managing corporate customers and operating their business in a more professional manner," the CEO said.