From Delivery Rider to ₹70 Lakh Startup: How Manoj Protim Bora Built Travysys Against All Odds

In a world where startup success stories often begin in big cities and elite institutions, the journey of Manoj Protim Bora stands out as a powerful reminder that dreams can take shape anywhere even in the smallest of towns. From Gohpur, a quiet town in Assam, to building Travysys, an AI-powered travel tech platform, his story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless belief.

A Dream Born in Simplicity

Manoj’s journey began in Gohpur, located nearly 300 kilometers from Guwahati. Like many students, he dreamt of becoming an engineer during his school days. Between 2009 and 2010, he appeared for major entrance exams like IIT-JEE, AIEEE, and CEE. With limited resources and no access to coaching or the internet, he prepared on his own.

Despite his efforts, he couldn’t clear these exams. Financial constraints made it impossible for him to take a drop year. With a heavy heart but a practical mindset, he chose to pursue a B.Sc. in Physics his first lesson in adapting to circumstances.

An Unexpected Turn: The Indian Navy

While studying, Manoj appeared for the Indian Navy entrance exam. Clearing the written, physical, and medical rounds, he joined the Navy in 2012 as a sailor without fully understanding what the role entailed.

His decision was driven by two things: financial responsibility and his passion for sports. Coming from a family facing economic challenges, he wanted to support his parents. At the same time, the opportunity to pursue sports within the Navy excited him.

However, a defining moment came early in his training when he saw officers in uniform and realized the distinction between sailors and officers. That day, he made a promise to himself to either become an officer or eventually carve a different path.

Serving the Nation, Shaping Perspective

After training, Manoj was posted to INS Mysore in Mumbai, one of India’s prestigious warships. His time in the Navy exposed him to discipline, teamwork, and real-world challenges.

He was part of significant missions, including Operation Kapela in 2014, where Indian citizens were evacuated from Iraq during a crisis, and another mission supporting stability during the Maldives Presidential Election.

These experiences broadened his worldview and instilled a sense of responsibility and courage that would later define his entrepreneurial journey.

A New Dream Takes Shape

While in Mumbai, Manoj often found himself fascinated by the fast-paced city life. Luxury cars, ambitious professionals, and the energy of the city sparked a new aspiration. Since becoming an officer was no longer an option, he set his sights on pursuing an MBA from a top institute like IIM.

In 2015, with his family’s financial condition improving, he made a bold decision to resign from the Navy and return to Assam. With his father’s support, he began preparing for the CAT exam while pursuing a degree in Economics.

The UPSC Phase: Persistence and Patience

Though he attempted CAT twice, success remained elusive. In 2017, inspired by a fellow aspirant who cleared UPSC, Manoj shifted his focus toward civil services.

From 2017 to 2021, he dedicated himself to UPSC preparation, appearing four times and even reaching interview stages in state civil services. During this time, he also worked as a consultant with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), where he developed an interest in agriculture and business.

Despite his efforts, UPSC didn’t materialize into a final selection. But this phase taught him discipline, analytical thinking, and resilience skills that would later prove invaluable.

The Turning Point: Discovering Startups

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought Manoj back to his hometown. While helping his father in the family’s departmental store, he realized he wanted to build something of his own rather than continue in traditional business.

In 2021, a simple YouTube video changed everything. Watching content about entrepreneurship and shows like Shark Tank opened his eyes to the world of startups, venture capital, and innovation.

For the first time, he understood that building a company wasn’t limited to big business families, it was possible for anyone with determination and vision.

That realization became his turning point.

The First Leap—and the Fall

In 2022, Manoj took his first step into entrepreneurship. He planned to start a momo business and even secured a ₹1 lakh loan. However, his partner backed out at the last moment, leaving him alone in a new city with mounting expenses.

He pivoted to a dropshipping business, selling Rajasthani artwork internationally. Though he managed to earn around $2000, logistical challenges forced him to shut it down.

What followed was a phase of survival. Manoj worked multiple jobs, telecaller, swimming coach, and tutor, while constantly brainstorming startup ideas. From laundry services to bike taxis, he explored multiple concepts, but none gained traction.

Failures That Built Strength

In 2023, Manoj launched a non-alcoholic beverage idea called “Caneras.” He traveled to Gujarat, developed prototypes, and tested the market. But when an investor backed out, the venture collapsed.

He then tried a food outlet, followed by a real estate tech startup both of which failed within months. Each setback drained his finances but strengthened his resolve.

Rather than giving up, Manoj kept moving forward.

The Birth of Travysys

The idea that would eventually become Travysys emerged from his love for travel. Initially conceptualized as a platform for daycations and hourly tours under the name “AhaMemories,” it later evolved into something much bigger.

In early 2024, despite severe financial struggles, Manoj’s idea got incubated under Assam Startup. This support gave him access to resources and validation.

To survive, he worked as a delivery rider for platforms like Zomato, Domino’s, and Rapido balancing hustle with hope. There were days when he sold personal belongings and survived on minimal food.

Then came the breakthrough.

In September 2024, Manoj received ₹2 lakh in government funding aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs. He used this opportunity to build his team, develop the platform, and rebrand his idea as Travysys—an AI-powered, personalized travel ecosystem integrating multiple services into one seamless experience.

On 7th October 2024, Travysys officially launched and soon after, it got its first customer.

Growth Without Limits: A Remarkable Milestone

What makes Manoj’s journey even more inspiring is what followed after the launch. Starting from zero money in his account, Travysys has grown steadily through pure determination and customer trust.

Without spending on any marketing budget, the company has achieved an impressive milestone—crossing over ₹70 lakhs in gross revenue organically since its launch in October 2024.

This achievement highlights the strength of the product, the clarity of vision, and the power of word-of-mouth growth in today’s digital-first ecosystem.

The Power of the Right Partnership

A crucial turning point in Manoj’s journey was the arrival of Priyanshu Sarmah as CXO and Head of Tour Operations. With years of experience in customer operations, Priyanshu brought stability, expertise, and leadership.

His presence transformed Travysys internally streamlining operations, improving customer experience, and allowing Manoj to focus on growth and vision. Together, they built a strong foundation for the startup.

Where the Journey Stands Today

Today, Travysys is steadily growing, fueled by passion, persistence, and a clear vision. Manoj has moved beyond survival mode and is now focused on scaling his dream.

From a small-town boy to a Navy sailor, from UPSC aspirant to delivery rider, and finally to a startup founder his journey is a testament to the power of resilience.

A Story of Never Giving Up

Manoj Protim Bora’s journey teaches one powerful lesson:

Failures are not the end of the story they are the preparation for what truly matters.

In a world obsessed with instant success, his story reminds us that real success is built over time, through struggle, courage, and an unshakable belief in one’s dreams.