Simona Mohan, Founder, Raho
Entrepreneurship is a dream for many, but few possess the necessary skills and gumption to make it a reality. What inspired you to pursue your entrepreneurial dream?
While traveling with my co-founders, we saw the same glaring issue in nonurban vacation destinations like Coorg, Hampi, and Gokarna- places full of natural beauty but lacking the hospitality to match. Mid-budget travelers often have to settle for mediocre stays and experiences - poorly maintained rooms, unhygienic conditions, and a lack of service. This inspired us to build Raho, we set out to redefine travel experiences to make great travel experiences accessible, memorable, and culturally immersive for mid-budget leisure travelers. The excitement of solving this problem is what pushed me into entrepreneurship.
What makes this journey even more rewarding is its ripple effect.
While crafting unforgettable stays for our guests, we’re also uplifting local communities - providing skill training, creating jobs, and empowering women to become local entrepreneurs.
Raho is more than a hospitality brand; it’s about transformation, both for our travelers and the communities we touch. This inspires me each new day.
The Indian startup ecosystem is thriving, but perfection is still a work in progress. What is one change you would suggest in the immediate future?
The Indian startup ecosystem is brimming with potential, but representation still lags. Women entrepreneurs often find themselves as the “only one in the room”—on panels, in boardrooms, or at networking events. This needs to change. When women see others leading, it lights the spark of possibility. The ecosystem must actively showcase the stories of women founders, celebrating their achievements and valuing their ideas for their innovation, not through a gendered lens. This visibility will normalize women in leadership roles, inspire more to leap and foster a culture that embraces diverse perspectives. True progress will come when women in entrepreneurship are no longer the exception, but the norm.
