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Pune Entrepreneurs Prefer Hiring Rural Candidates Over IIM-IIT grads; Clock ₹ 52 Lakh Monthly By Giving AI Services To Travel Companies

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If you have been to an IIM or know someone who is an alumnus – you know the shared, common dream that ties everyone together.

The dream of living a corporate life. Wake up in the morning, dress up, attend a fancy office with endless coffee and cookies, do work that leaves a tangible impact, and come home feeling fulfilled and tired, but in a good way.

But if you’ve ever come across students who have passed out of rural colleges and institutions, you’ll see this same dream in their eyes. Except that they know it’s out of their reach.

A fancy office with an elevator and coffee? No.

Just a job would do, honestly.

But two people, Yogesh Chaudhari and Komal Ghare, decided to turn things around.

They knew that there is, in fact, unlimited talent in rural India, just no one to properly train and utilize it.

They knew that they could bring the corporate life to these rural freshers.

“Right from the beginning, ever since Yogesh and I collaborated for small-scale client projects in the field of technology, we have been driven with an unwavering mission of helping rural people realize their potential and make a salary that justifies it,” Komal Ghare, co-founder of Zeal Connect, tells Startup Pedia in an exclusive interview.

Founded in 2024 and based in Dawadi, Pune, Zeal Connect is a global travel automation platform that streamlines and enhances travel operations for travel companies. 

Currently, in 2025, it clocks a monthly revenue of 52 lakh.

Zeal Connect Dawadi Office

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HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Hailing from the Jalgaon village in Maharashtra, Yogesh Chaudhari completed his education in the village itself.

“I always wanted to grow up and work in tech. But my parents, despite believing in the power of education, thought that this wasn’t possible,” Yogesh Chaudhari shares.

Right after completing his engineering degree, he moved to the city of Pune.

But a shock awaited him…

There was a clear gap between the kind of skills his rural college had made him absorb and the skills corporate employers were looking for.

“Right from speaking to organizing and actively initiating things, I discovered that the corporate world has a set way to do everything. I spent eighteen months in Pune just learning these skills and improving my knowledge in the tech realm,” Yogesh tells Startup Pedia.

He finally landed roles in corporates and worked as a Software Engineer and Technical Lead.

For Komal Ghare, the initial days were more or less similar. Hailing from a rural village called Dawadi in Pune, she completed her engineering degree from the Savitribai Phule Pune University.

“I wanted to stay in Pune after college, but didn’t have enough money to get accommodation there. So I undertook a local teaching job in my village, saved money, and ultimately moved to Pune. Next, I did a CDAC course that led me to secure my first job as a software engineer,” Komal Ghare explains.

Yogesh and Komal met in Pune – they immediately connected over their common journeys and the challenges they had to navigate to transition from village life to the corporate corridors.

They were each doing their own jobs when they started freelancing in tech and automation on the side.

In 2024, they received a small-scale project from a client. This project needed more than two pairs of hands.

“We knew it was time to start building our own team. But instead of going through the conventional route of hiring freshers from urban colleges, we decided to help other rural youngsters who might be going through the same plight that we had in our initial days,” entrepreneur Yogesh Chaudhari says.

Almost immediately, Yogesh and Komal decided to set up a small office space in Komal’s village in Dawadi, Pune. This office space was set up in Komal’s house itself.

The mission was simple: bridge the rural-urban divide and ensure that rural talent was utilized.

“Talent does not have a PIN code. This became almost a sacred mantra for us,” Komal mentions.

Zeal Connect Team

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EARLY JOURNEY AND CHALLENGES

In the beginning, Yogesh and Komal barely had enough resources. So they decided to make do with what they had and got an Internet connection from a town 14 kilometres away from Komal’s home.

A small office was set up. Close to 15 roles were designed. And hiring calls were made.

What happened next blew their minds – more than 1,200 applications came in for these 15 roles.

“We knew that we had made the right decision. The gap we had discovered was real. The problem was real. And now, we knew that our solution would leave an impact,” startup founder Komal Ghare says.

Initially, they hired 26 people to take on these roles. Komal and Yogesh began training them in communication, technical skills, and overall industry know-how.

With time, they started taking part in the founders’ tech projects, and things began falling into place.

Eventually, Yogesh and Komal converted the latter’s house into an office.

“We spent almost all the money that we would earn through client tech projects and gigs on the office construction and our workforce salaries. We didn’t mind it, also, because we knew we were building for the long-term,” startup founder Komal Ghare says.

While working with numerous clients, Komal and Yogesh also got in touch with global travel companies for a project here, a gig there.

But a larger issue surfaced: travel companies were doing a lot of manual operations that were leading to inefficiencies, a rise in costs, and a loss of business.

Together, Komal Ghare and Yogesh Chaudhari decided to utilize their tech background and build a platform that could automate repetitive travel processes and introduce speed to them. Here, they envisioned connecting rural talent with artificial intelligence and smart agents.

This was the beginning of Zeal Connect in 2024.

Later, in 2025, Pranav Kale joined Yogesh and Komal as co-founder and CTO to lead all tech initiatives.

Komal Ghare with her Team

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ZEAL CONNECT: ADDING AI TO TRAVEL OPERATIONS

Startup founders Yogesh Chaudhari and Komal Ghare, along with their team, have built an AI-based solution that directly helps travel companies like agents, tour operators, and online travel platforms.

“These travel companies have a lot of stuff to do every single day – dealing with hotel staff, customers, vendors, and managing hundreds of hotel and flight bookings. What they used to do manually is now automated and made 10x efficient through Zeal Connect,” entrepreneur Yogesh Chaudhari tells Startup Pedia.

Zeal Connect directly creates a unified system for travel companies and agents that seamlessly blends with their existing tools. It automates complex workflow processes and offers real-time insights (like cost leaks, SLA breaches) to optimize the business.

The global travel automation platform’s features include, but are not limited to:

  1. Automatically reconfirms hotel bookings with the hotel staff.
  2. Efficiently redirects a travel inquiry to the right team equipped to handle it.

  3. Automates travel quotes to send to the customer.

  4. Automatically suggests add-ons to the customer, like travel insurance, guided tours, and airport pickups.

  5. Offers travel companies a conversational AI that can handle WhatsApp chats, calls, email, and SMS communication.

As a global travel automation platform, Zeal Connect promises a 40% cost reduction, a whopping 90% automation rate, a 100% completion rate, and 24/7 global coverage.

In just one year, the platform has automated more than 5,00,000 hotel confirmations and saved several crores in operational costs for numerous travel companies.

“Our clients tell us that Zeal Connect has literally eased the daily headaches that travel companies have to grapple with,” Yogesh says.

“We are especially proud of this achievement because it was made possible by rural people, who otherwise would’ve probably never had the opportunity to develop tech like this and leave a tangible impact,” Komal adds.

Zeal Connect Pune Office

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GROWTH

Today, Komal’s house in Dawadi runs as a fully functioning corporate office. The founders also have an office in Pimpri Chinchwad and are currently hiring for various positions for their soon-to-open office in Ahilyanagar (previously Ahmednagar).

“We are proud to announce the opening of our third branch in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra. This marks a significant milestone in Zeal Connect’s mission to bring meaningful employment and world-class tech opportunities to rural India,” says Yogesh.

Presently, more than 100 people work at Zeal Connect, and all of them come from rural backgrounds with no fancy IIM or IIT degrees, but just raw passion and potential that Yogesh Chadhari and Komal Ghare unwaveringly believe in.

While the platform has not disclosed its revenue for FY24, it has mentioned to Startup Pedia that Zeal Connect is clocking Rs 52 lakh of monthly revenue since April 2025.

“Rural youngsters often grow up with a lot of insecurities about their education and employment potential. At Zeal Connect, we are helping dismantle these very insecurities and exposing our rural talent to endless opportunities. We’d pick someone from a village over an IIT grad anyday. And while we are at it, we continue revolutionizing travel operations in India and abroad,” Komal Ghare signs off.

FAQ

When was Zeal Connect founded?

Zeal Connect was founded in 2024.

Who is the founder of Zeal Connect?

Yogesh Chaudhari and Komal Ghare are the founders of Zeal Connect. In 2025, Pranav Kale joined them as a co-founder and CTO.

What does Zeal Connect do?

Zeal Connect is a global travel automation platform that streamlines and enhances travel operations for travel companies.

What is the revenue of Zeal Connect?

Zeal Connect is clocking Rs 52 lakh of monthly revenue since April 2025.





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AI in Travel

Ansett brand being relaunched to usher in an era of AI travel era

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You might trust AI to quietly do your job, but would you trust it with your holiday – and would using a service named after a twice-bankrupt Australian airline help seal the deal?

Melbourne-based digital marketing strategist Constantine Frantzeskos believes it should. The entrepreneur is reviving the Ansett Australia brand – formerly Australia’s second-largest airline – as an AI-powered online travel agent called Ansett.Travel.

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AI in Travel

How the Galaxy AI Features on Galaxy Z Fold7 Redefine Wanderlust – Samsung Newsroom Malaysia

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Buckle up! You’re flying to Seoul, South Korea, to watch your favorite K-pop group’s first full-squad comeback. Concert tickets? Secured. Flights? Booked. Bags? Packed. But before you start snapping that first airport selfie, you’ve got some planning to lock down.

 

Unfold Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 — your ultimate travel companion with multimodal capability for smoother, and smarter travel.

 

As the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold series device yet, its pro-level cameras and AI features make it the ideal travel buddy. Translation: zero travel stress, max fandom vibes.

 

 

 

Before You Go: Unfold Your Travel Planner

You’re about to witness a once-in-a-lifetime reunion show, and it’s also your first time visiting Seoul. Relax. Galaxy Z Fold7 will handle the details.

 

Press and hold the side button to activate Gemini. Drop your concert date, hotel address and wish-list spots, then tell it:

 

“Recommend a 4-day, 3-night itinerary including a K-pop concert and save it to Samsung Notes.”

 

Gemini generates a custom itinerary, complete with must-visit fan cafés and your personal favorite’s trainee-era hangouts, fueling your ultimate K-pop pilgrimage.

 

“Should I pack this T-shirt or a hoodie?”

 

Don’t know what to pack? Let Gemini suggest for you. Activate camera sharing on Gemini Live to hold up your outfit options and just ask Gemini what works best to get real-time advice. It will consider Seoul’s weather and the kind of exploring you’ll be doing. No more overpacking so you’ll have more room in your luggage to bring home all that concert swag.

 

When the jet-set countdown starts, Now Brief has you covered. It shows your boarding pass details, Seoul’s current weather and real-time exchange rates front and center — so you can check what matters at a glance, before your trip.

 

 

Gate to Stage: AI Navigates Your Tour

You land at Incheon International Airport and the clock is ticking. So you ask:

 

“What’s the fastest and most affordable route to my hotel carrying two suitcases?”

 

In no time, Gemini displays side-by-side cards for airport express trains, buses and taxis, complete with fares, travel times and transfer counts all laid out.

 

 

Seoul Highlights, From Tradition to Modernity

 

After leaving your luggage at the hotel, day one kicks off at Bukchon Hanok Village, the perfect “Hello, Korea” setting for your vlog. Rest the Galaxy Z Fold7 on a ledge — Flex Mode lets you shoot easily, no tripod needed, while capturing the full Hanok backdrop.

 

But wait. Those unwanted photobombers in your pictures? Gone. Galaxy AI’s Photo Assist understands the whole scene, and Suggest Erases automatically detects and removes them with one tap. All done without post-editing hassle. Plus, with Side-by-Side Editing and Show Original, you can instantly compare the before-and-after images on the unfolded screen.

 

 

Next stop: K-beauty heaven. Aisles and aisles of products, but when you pick one up to read the label, it’s all in Korean. No worries. Camera sharing on Gemini Live can translate the ingredient labels listed in Korean, sprinkling in emojis for context to help you know what you’re buying. Still overwhelmed? Ask Gemini:

 

“Recommend one for sensitive skin.

 

Gemini cross-checks the ingredients and suggests a top 3 recommendation list tailored to you. You can check out like a skincare pro, not a confused tourist.

 

 

Main Stage Moment: Your Favorite Idol Up Close

 

It’s finally the big day. Your lightstick is charged, your phone is fully juiced and the stadium is crowded with fans. You might be stuck in the nosebleeds, but Galaxy Z Fold7’s 200MP camera captures your personal favorite up close with crystal-clear detail. Moreover, thanks to the 10 MP 100° front camera, you can squeeze all your new friends into one frame and still grab the boys on stage too. When the arena goes dark, Nightography kicks in, turning a sea of flickering lightsticks into sharp, balanced footage you’ll replay on a loop after the encore.

 

 

Final Encore: Edit and Elevate

 

Say goodbye, Seoul — hello airborne edit bay. Plane rides are perfect for some creativity. With Galaxy Z Fold7’s expansive screen, editing your travel vlog is easier than ever. Use the upgraded Audio Eraser to reduce the sound of the crowd’s background noise so your favorite member’s vocals shine.

 

 

Z Fold7: The Perfect Travel Companion

Galaxy Z Fold7 isn’t just another travel gadget — it’s the backstage pass, stylist, translator, map and editing tool that elevates your creativity to the next level. It’s no longer the smartphone era; welcome to the age of the AI sidekick. Skip the endless search bars and just talk. Unfold your phone, and half your trip is already handled. So go ahead, live your best wanderlust life. GalaxyZ Fold7’s got your back from takeoff to touchdown.

 

 

Unfold your Galaxy Z Series devices with these promotions and rebates today!

Until 31st August 2025, purchase the latest Galaxy Z Series devices to enjoy launch rebates and promotions worth up to RM2,209![1]

Model RAM + Memory Colour RRP Rebates & Promotions
Galaxy Z Fold7 12+256GB Silver Shadow RM 7,799 ·        Double storage upgrade worth RM600

 

·        Samsung Reservation+ Voucher worth RM210

 

·        Samsung Care+ worth up to RM999

 

·        CIMB Rebate worth RM400

 

·        Enhanced Trade-In worth RM500

Blue Shadow RM 7,799
Jetblack RM 7,799
Mint (Online Exclusive) RM 7,799
12+512GB Silver Shadow RM 8,399
Blue Shadow RM 8,399
Jetblack RM 8,399
Mint (Online Exclusive) RM 8,399
16GB + 1TB Blue Shadow RM9,899
Jetblack RM 9,899
Galaxy Z Flip7 12+256GB Blue Shadow RM 4,999
Coral Red RM 4,999
Jetblack RM 4,999
Mint (Online Exclusive) RM 4,999
12+512GB Blue Shadow RM 5,599
Coral Red RM 5,599
Jetblack RM 5,599
Mint (Online Exclusive) RM 5,599
Galaxy Z Flip7 FE (Online Exclusive) 8+128GB Black RM 3,999
White RM 3,999
8+256GB Black RM 4,299
White RM 4,299

 

Grab the all new Galaxy Watch Series with these rebates as well to expand your Galaxy ecosystem:

Model Connectivity Colour RRP Rebates
Galaxy Watch8 (44mm) Bluetooth Graphite RM1,399 ·  Fabric Band M/L worth RM159

 

OR

 

·  Fabric Band S/M worth RM159

·  Enhanced trade-in Rebate up to RM200

Silver RM1,399
Bluetooth + LTE Graphite RM1,699
Silver RM1,699
Galaxy Watch8 (40mm) Bluetooth Graphite RM1,299
Silver RM1,299
Bluetooth + LTE Graphite RM1,599
Silver RM1,599
Galaxy Watch8 Classic (46mm) Bluetooth Black RM1,799 ·  Sport Band M/L worth RM159

·  Enhanced trade-in Rebate up to RM200

White RM1,799
Bluetooth + LTE Black RM2,099
White RM2,099
Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) Bluetooth + LTE Titanium Blue RM3,399 ·  Trail Band worth RM399

·  Galaxy SmartTag2 worth RM149

·  15W Power Adapter without Cable worth RM59

·  10,000mAh Battery Pack worth Rm159

·  Enhanced Trade-in Rebate up to RM200

Titanium Gray RM3,399
Titanium Silver RM3,399
Titanium White RM3,399

 

To purchase Samsung’s latest devices, please visit the following sites:

 

 

 

 

[1] Terms and conditions apply.



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AI in Travel

Edo Govt Denies PDP’s N3.51bn Travel Claim as ‘AI Fabricatio

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The Edo State Government and the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party Caretaker Committee on Sunday clashed over an alleged N3.51bn incurred by the government on travel expenses.

The PDP said it was outraged by the revelation that the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration “squandered the huge amount on travel in just the first half of 2025.”

The government, however, dismissed the claim as “AI-generated,” noting that since his assumption of office, Okpebholo had not embarked on any frivolous voyage.

It maintained that every kobo spent on official engagements, both local and international, was “strategically aimed at forging partnerships, attracting investments, and securing opportunities that will yield long-term benefits for Edo people.”

A statement on Sunday by the PDP Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, said, “The Peoples Democratic Party, Edo State chapter, is outraged by the disgraceful revelation that the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration squandered an alarming N3.51bn on travel in just the first half of 2025.

“This waste comes at a time when the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Capital Importation Report confirms that Edo State failed to attract a single kobo in foreign investment, while states like Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kaduna, Kano, and even Ekiti made the list.

“The contrast is both embarrassing and telling. Other states are opening their doors to capital, Edo’s leaders are opening their wallets for endless trips.

“This reckless expenditure is an insult to the good people of Edo State who continue to endure poor roads, inadequate healthcare facilities, decaying schools, delays in salary payments and epileptic power supply.”

Responding, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, in a statement, said, “The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to yet another baseless, ill-informed, and laughable press statement by the moribund Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State, signed by its ever-noisy but chronically uninformed, self-imposed mouthpiece, Chris Osa Nehikhare.

“It is ironic, if not downright insulting, that the PDP, a party whose years of misrule, monumental corruption, and gross incompetence left Edo State in ruins, now attempts to lecture the people on governance, accountability, and prudent spending.

“The same PDP that had every opportunity to transform Edo but instead chose to plunder its resources, destroy public trust, and mortgage the future of our people now pretends to be the conscience of the state. Edo people are neither fooled nor interested.”

The government dismissed the claims as false, adding that the governor had been forging alliances since assuming office to develop the state.

“Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration is a government of action, purpose, and vision. The AI-generated claims by the moribund PDP are false.

“Since he assumed office, Governor Okpebholo has not embarked on any frivolous voyage.

“Every kobo spent on official engagements: local or international, is strategically aimed at forging partnerships, attracting investments, and securing opportunities that will yield long-term benefits for Edo people.”

The governor’s aide carpeted Nehikhare, adding that he was the least qualified to talk about accountability, prudence or governance.

“As for Nehikhare, he is the least qualified person in Edo State to talk about accountability, prudence, or governance.

“His political resume reads like a manual on failure: years spent defending corruption, whitewashing incompetence, and parroting lies to keep his stomach full while Edo people suffered.

“The PDP’s talk of ‘crumbling infrastructure’ is the height of hypocrisy. It was under their watch that Edo’s schools rotted, our roads collapsed, hospitals became death traps, and investments fled in droves,” the statement added.



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