In an era where travel is evolving faster than ever, Shubham Pille, founder of Stay Ukiyo, is positioning his company at the forefront of India’s hospitality revolution. At just 29, Shubham has created a platform that combines technology, curation, and human touch, offering verified stays across India. Launching at 26 with ₹50 lakh in capital, Stay Ukiyo has grown to a GMV of ₹18 crores in just three years, and its future promises even greater transformation.
Shubham’s vision stems from observing how traveler preferences are shifting. People now value personalized experiences, flexibility, and authenticity over standardized hotel accommodations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these trends accelerated, highlighting a gap in the market. Travelers needed spaces that felt safe, homely, and curated, and Stay Ukiyo was created to meet this need.
The platform’s approach is both innovative and scalable. Properties are categorized as Classic, Luxe, and Elite, ensuring transparency and tailored experiences. Every property is Ukiyo-verified, guaranteeing quality from design and amenities to food and ambiance. Guests enjoy curated services, including chefs, chauffeurs, and local experiences, all designed to make stays memorable and seamless. Partnerships with brands like Stay Elivaas, Saffron Stay, and Jalanta Stays expand offerings and provide reliability across locations.
Looking ahead, Shubham envisions a fully AI-integrated booking ecosystem, where travelers can seamlessly book stays, add services, and plan activities through a unified platform. Post-booking, human support continues to enhance the experience, ensuring that guests feel cared for and connected. This forward-thinking approach positions Stay Ukiyo not only as a hospitality provider but as a full-fledged lifestyle brand.
Shubham’s entrepreneurial journey has been shaped by challenges, from operational hurdles to personal loss. The passing of his father strengthened his resolve to create a lasting legacy. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and learning from every experience. His leadership philosophy combines gratitude, patience, and relentless curiosity, fostering a culture of excellence within the company.
The platform also addresses a broader societal need. By empowering property owners and boosting tourism in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, Stay Ukiyo contributes to local economies and job creation, making it an agent of social impact as well as commercial success.
Shubham’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: gain experience, embrace technology, focus on quality, and treat challenges as opportunities. He believes AI and automation are not threats but tools to enhance the human-centric aspects of hospitality, enabling personalized, flawless experiences at scale.
In essence, Stay Ukiyo represents the future of hospitality in India: a blend of verification, personalization, and technological innovation. Through Shubham Pille’s vision, travelers can enjoy trusted, unforgettable stays, property owners gain exposure and revenue, and the hospitality industry moves toward a more professional, structured, and customer-focused ecosystem. With innovation and empathy at its core, Stay Ukiyo is redefining what it means to feel at home while traveling.
