When frustration leads to innovation, it can change lives. For Yash Kumar, that frustration came from not being able to find authentic, affordable homestays in India that offered
When frustration leads to innovation, it can change lives. For Yash Kumar, that frustration came from not being able to find authentic, affordable homestays in India that offered the kind of experience he enjoyed while living in the United States. What started as a personal struggle soon turned into a business idea—one that’s now shaping the future of travel and tourism in India.
Yash left a comfortable life abroad, where he was earning over Rs 2 crore annually, to build Homeyhuts, India’s first zero-commission homestay platform. His mission? To give homestay owners the tools they need to thrive and travelers the experiences they deserve.
Yash’s story is a blend of ambition, wanderlust, and a desire to create impact. Born and raised in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Yash pursued engineering before moving to the United States in 2012. Over the next decade, he built a successful career in software development, owning multiple properties and enjoying what many describe as the “American Dream.”
But the allure of corporate success couldn’t keep the entrepreneurial itch at bay. In 2018, a road trip through South India opened his eyes to something deeper. He saw family-run cottages, scenic villas, and homestays tucked away in picturesque locations—but most were struggling to reach travelers. The platforms they relied on were expensive, complicated, and disconnected from local realities.
“I wanted to build something meaningful, something that could connect with my roots and genuinely help people,” Yash explained.
India’s tourism sector is booming, yet the homestay segment remains highly fragmented. Many owners are not tech-savvy, often managing their properties through word of mouth or outdated methods. Language barriers, limited digital presence, and high commission fees from global booking platforms make it harder for them to grow.
Some of the biggest challenges Yash observed include:
This gap between the demand for authentic local stays and the supply of under-supported hosts became Yash’s inspiration.
Launched in Hyderabad, Homeyhuts is Yash’s bold attempt to reshape the homestay industry in India. His approach is simple but effective:
Instead of charging a percentage per booking, Homeyhuts operates on a subscription model. Homestay owners pay a flat fee to access the platform’s tools and services without worrying about losing a chunk of their earnings.
The platform offers an intuitive mobile and web app that simplifies property listing, bookings, and payments. Hosts can easily manage reservations, communicate with guests, and track earnings—all in one place.
Homeyhuts provides technology-driven solutions to help hosts improve pricing strategies, manage availability, and even recommend property enhancements based on guest preferences.
Recognizing that many owners face language barriers, the platform is designed to be user-friendly and offers support in multiple regional languages, making it easier for owners to onboard and manage their listings.
Yash began prototyping Homeyhuts in 2023 while still living in the United States. By 2024, he and his wife made the life-changing decision to sell their properties, resign from their jobs, and return to India to fully commit to the venture.
The transition wasn’t easy. Starting from scratch required adapting to local challenges, building trust with homestay owners, and ensuring the platform’s features met real-world needs. But Yash’s passion and personal connection to the problem made the work worthwhile.
Today, Homeyhuts is helping hundreds of hosts bring their properties online, attract more guests, and run profitable homestay businesses without getting bogged down by commission structures or technical hurdles.
The homestay market in India is growing rapidly, fueled by domestic tourism and increased interest in unique, personalized stays. Yet, without proper tools and support, many hosts are left out of this growth.
Homeyhuts’s model offers multiple benefits:
As the platform grows, Yash and his team plan to expand their offerings, including better analytics, marketing tools, and integrations with local services. They’re also working on partnerships with regional tourism boards to bring more support and visibility to rural hosts.
For Yash, this journey is about more than just building a successful startup—it’s about making an impact, reconnecting with his roots, and helping people thrive in a changing tourism landscape.
Yash Kumar’s story is a testament to how passion, purpose, and perseverance can turn frustration into opportunity. By leaving a high-paying job and investing in a problem close to his heart, he’s creating a platform that benefits both hosts and travelers across India.
Homeyhuts isn’t just another startup—it’s a movement to bring authenticity back to travel, empower communities, and redefine how people experience India’s hidden gems.
