Pune-based Entrepreneurs Launch Hospitality Tech Startup Using AI, Making Guest Interactions Seamless And Personalised

• 05 May 2025
• Akriti Singh

In 2024, a team of four dynamic entrepreneurs from Pune—Akshay Dekate, Kajal Makhija, Neelaksh Gupta, and Rajat Maheshwari—joined forces to launch Guestara, a groundbreaking AI-powered platform poised to transform the hospitality industry. With a vision to elevate guest experiences and streamline operations, Guestara is redefining how hotels engage with their guests.

A Smarter Way to Host

Guestara uses artificial intelligence to deliver hyper-personalised guest experiences across the hospitality spectrum. By analyzing data points such as guest history, preferences, reviews, and real-time interactions, the platform enables hotels to tailor services to individual needs. Whether it’s recommending the perfect room temperature, offering curated dining suggestions, or anticipating check-in preferences, Guestara makes every guest feel seen and valued.

From Pain Points to Personalized Touchpoints

The idea for Guestara was born out of the founders’ shared observation: while many hotels invest in lavish amenities, they often fall short in delivering truly customized service. “We realized that the hospitality industry had the potential to harness data in a more meaningful way,” says co-founder Kajal Makhija. “Guestara is our answer to that gap—technology that enhances the human element.”

The platform integrates seamlessly with Property Management Systems (PMS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, and front-desk operations, enabling hotel staff to focus on what matters most: building meaningful relationships with guests. It automates routine tasks while surfacing actionable insights, leading to greater efficiency and improved satisfaction scores.

Founders With a Shared Passion

Each founder brings a unique skill set to the table. Akshay Dekate, a tech enthusiast with deep experience in SaaS products, oversees product vision and AI development. Kajal Makhija, with her background in hospitality and brand strategy, leads user experience and partner relations. Neelaksh Gupta handles operations and scalability, while Rajat Maheshwari drives growth, marketing, and investor relations.

Together, they form a powerhouse team united by their commitment to innovation and guest-centricity.

A Promising Future

Still in its early stages, Guestara has already begun onboarding boutique hotels and premium resorts across India. Early adopters report increased guest satisfaction and improved staff productivity—a testament to the platform’s potential to become an essential tool for modern hospitality.

As travel rebounds post-pandemic, the demand for personalized experiences has surged. Guestara stands at the forefront of this shift, empowering hotels to deliver service that feels intuitive, memorable, and personal.

In the words of co-founder Neelaksh Gupta: “Hospitality is all about creating moments. With Guestara, we’re giving hotels the tools to make every moment count.”