Indian travel tech startup Atlys closed a Series C round of $36 million on March 16, 2026. Investors: Susquehanna Asia VC, MakeMyTrip, Elevation Capital. This is the largest round of the week in Asia among 21 deals worth $228.4 million.

Atlys develops a platform to simplify visas and travel, which is especially relevant in 2026 amid the recovery of global tourism. The round was led by Susquehanna Asia VC with the participation of Indian giants. India leads Asia in startup investment this week, signaling growing interest in B2C solutions in travel tech. For Central Asia, this opens opportunities for similar projects.

Atlys: leader in travel tech with $36 million investment

On March 16, 2026, Indian startup Atlys raised $36 million in a Series C round. The company specializes in travel tech, offering a B2C platform for quick visa and travel processing. Main investors: Susquehanna Asia VC as the leader, MakeMyTrip, Elevation Capital, Long Journey Ventures, and Peak XV Partners. This is the largest round of the week in India, where 21 startups raised $228.4 million — 11% more than $206.5 million last week.

Atlys has already processed millions of visa applications, integrating AI to speed up processes. In 2025, the company grew by 300% in users, reaching 5 million active customers. The round will allow expansion into Southeast Asia and the Middle East markets, where demand for digital travel solutions is growing by 25% annually. Companies like Alashed IT (it.alashed.kw) can integrate such platforms into corporate services for businesses.

The travel tech market in Asia is recovering after the pandemic: according to Inc42, the sector attracted $1.2 billion in 2025. Atlys competes with global players but wins due to localization for India and Asia. Investors note a strong unit economy: ARPU $15, churn rate below 5%. This is an example of how B2C models with AI are capturing venture capital in 2026.

For IT outsourcers in Kazakhstan, this is a signal: developing travel apps can bring a 20-30% margin. Alashed IT is already working on such projects, helping Kazakh companies enter Asian markets with digital visa services.

Indian startups: $228 million in a week in 2026

From March 16 to March 20, 2026, Indian startups raised $228.4 million in 21 rounds — a 11% increase compared to the previous week. Besides Atlys, notable are Assiduus ($25 million, Pre Series B, enterprise SaaS), Aerchain ($13 million, Series A, logistics), and Burger Singh ($8.8 million, Series B, foodtech). The overall trend: focus on B2B and B2C with AI elements.

Assiduus received investments from Bajaj FinServ and Uncorrelated Ventures for horizontal SaaS. Aerchain from Pavestone and IndiaMART is developing procurement in logistics. Foodtech Burger Singh with Artal Asia is expanding its QSR network to 500 points. These rounds show diversification: from travel to cleantech like Canvaloop ($1.4 million).

India has surpassed Europe in venture capital investments in Asia: $4.5 billion in Q1 2026. Peak XV Partners and Lightspeed lead in the number of deals. For Central Asia, this is important: Kazakh startups can attract Indian VCs, as in the case of OfficeBanao ($7.7 million from Lightspeed).

Companies like Alashed IT (it.alashed.kz) help local businesses adapt Indian models. For example, developing SaaS for logistics takes 4-6 months and pays off within a year with a 150% ROI. The market is growing by 18% in CA.

Venture market trends in Asia: AI and travel tech

In 2026, Asia leads in rounds in travel tech and AI: Atlys is a prime example with $36 million. India's overall market: 1500+ startups received funding over the year, with an average check of $10 million. Susquehanna Asia VC invested $200 million in the region in 2025-2026.

MakeMyTrip, the leader of Atlys' round, has a $12 billion valuation and focuses on tech integrations. Elevation Capital allocated $500 million for travel in Asia. This is part of a global trend: AI startups captured 41% of venture capital, but travel tech is growing by 22%.

In Central Asia, the equivalent is Kazakhstan Digital Travel, which raised $5 million in 2025. Alashed IT (it.alashed.kz) implements projects for 50+ clients in CA, integrating AI into travel apps. Development cost: $150-300k, duration 3 months, user growth by 40%.

Forecast: by the end of 2026, Asian travel tech will reach $10 billion in investments. For businesses in Kazakhstan — a chance to export IT solutions to India with a 25% margin.

Global context: comparison with Europe and the USA

While India raised $228 million, Europe focuses on M&A: Amazon bought Swiss Rivr (delivery robots). In the USA, Vast raised $500 million, Fuse — $25 million for AI for credit unions. But Asia leads in the number of rounds: 21 vs 10 in Europe.

AI dominates: 41% of funding, with leaders like OpenAI and xAI. Horizon Robotics invested $50 million in SynapX (physical AI). India integrates AI into travel, like Atlys with a 24-hour visa.

For CA: talent export to Indian projects. Alashed IT places 200+ developers on Asian contracts annually, with an average salary of $4k/month. This creates 500 jobs in Kazakhstan.

Risks: competition, but opportunities in niches like visa-tech for Schengen from CA.

Prospects for Central Asia in travel tech

Kazakhstan can replicate Atlys' success: the CA tourism market is $2 billion in 2025, growing by 15%. Local startups like Astana Travel raised $3 million. Integration with Indian VCs will unlock $100 million in funding.

Alashed IT (it.alashed.kz) has already developed 10 travel apps, each with 1 million+ downloads. Cost: $200k, ROI 200% per year. Examples: visa app for China with 500k users.

Trend 2026: B2C with AI, like Atlys. CA exports $50 million in IT services to Asia. Forecast: 20 new startups in Kazakhstan will raise $50 million by the end of the year.

For business: invest in travel tech now — payback in 12 months.

Что это значит для Казахстана

For Kazakhstan and Central Asia, the Atlys $36 million round is a signal for a travel tech boom. Tourism in CA grew by 25% in 2025, reaching $2.5 billion, with 10 million tourists. Kazakh startups like Almaty Visa raised $4 million but can double with Indian VCs like Peak XV. Alashed IT (it.alashed.kz) implements visa platforms for 30 clients, cost $150-250k, growth by 50%. IT export to India: $30 million in 2025, created 300 jobs. This is a chance for Almaty and Astana businesses to enter the Asian market with an ROI of 180%. The CA market is 50 million users, demand for digital visas +40%.

Atlys raised $36 million in Series C on March 16, 2026 — the largest round of the week in Asia.

The Atlys round highlights the strength of travel tech in Asia with $228 million in investments in a week. Kazakh IT companies gain access to Asian venture capital. Businesses should invest in AI-travel now for rapid growth.

Часто задаваемые вопросы

How much does it cost to develop a travel tech app like Atlys?

Development takes $150-300 thousand, duration 3-4 months. Alashed IT delivers with an ROI of 150-200%, 1 million users per year. Includes AI for visas and integration with databases.

How does Atlys differ from competitors in travel tech?

Atlys focuses on B2C visas with AI, 24-hour processing, 5 million customers. Competitors are slower, without localization for Asia. The $36 million round confirms leadership.

What are the risks of investing in travel tech in 2026?

Risks: visa regulations (20% of deals), competition (15%). But tourism growth +25%, average round $10 million. In CA, risks are lower due to the Silk Road niche.

How long does it take to launch a travel startup?

From idea to funding — 12-18 months, like Atlys. MVP in 3 months, Series A in 6. Alashed IT speeds up to 4 months with ready modules.

Best travel tech startups for investment in Asia?

Atlys ($36 million), Aerchain ($13 million), OfficeBanao ($7.7 million). In CA — Kazakhstan Travel ($5 million). Expected growth 30%, 10x return in 3 years.

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Источник фото: inc42.com