Antony Sebastian, a Kochi-based entrepreneur, transformed a ₹1.79 lakh theft at his restaurant into a groundbreaking startup idea. His brainchild, Kaamhai, is now reshaping how India’s hospitality sector hires and manages staff, earning accolades from industry leaders like the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI).
From Crisis to Innovation
After 15 years in the restaurant business, Antony faced rampant inefficiencies in hiring cooks, baristas, and service staff. Reliance on WhatsApp groups and unverified candidates led to poaching, fake IDs, and skill mismatches. A theft incident at his cafe became the final push to launch Kaamhai—a platform that brings legitimacy to hiring in India’s unorganized workforce sector.
How Kaamhai Works
Kaamhai’s AI-powered platform tackles hiring challenges with:
- Aadhaar-Verified Profiles: Ensures the authenticity of candidates.
- Skill Validation: Employers can confirm past work experience directly.
- Management Tools: Track attendance, salaries, and leaves seamlessly.
Businesses post jobs for free and pay ₹499 to access verified applicants. Job seekers gain a trusted space to showcase skills and secure stable employment.
NRAI Recognition & Growth
Kaamhai’s recent showcase at an NRAI event drew praise from top hospitality players. With 7,000+ users and $75,000 in funding, the platform is reducing attrition and streamlining operations for small businesses.
What’s Next?
While Kaamhai currently serves the hospitality sector, plans are underway to expand into other unorganized industries. By bridging trust gaps between employers and workers, Antony’s startup is setting a new standard for workforce management in India.