Hyderabad’s Velvet Seats creates invite-only experiences to foster meaningful connections

Hyderabad-based Velvet Seats is redefining social gatherings with invite-only, curated experiences. Founded by Sri Varsha Kasam, the club organises intimate events including drives, workshops and shared meals to help strangers build meaningful connections through carefully designed interactions.

Hyderabad: As large social gatherings and networking events become increasingly common, a Hyderabad-based invite-only club is taking a different approach by focusing on smaller, curated experiences designed to encourage conversations and new connections.

Velvet Seats, founded by 29-year-old Sri Varsha Kasam, organises intimate experiences ranging from drives and workshops to shared meals and activities. The idea stemmed from a desire to create meaningful interactions in a city where social spaces are plentiful but genuine connections can often feel elusive.

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“I started Velvet Seatsbecause I saw a gap where real connections are missing with the right people. There are many clubs in the city for anyone to join, but this is an invite-only club that brings the right people together,” Varsha said.

Entry is not open to everyone, with participants selected through an application process and limited seats available for every event. The invite-only format is intended to preserve a sense of mystery and excitement while ensuring each gathering feels distinct from a regular social event.

The club’s first event, scheduled for Sunday, is designed exclusively for women. The concept was inspired by the perception that road trips and long drives are often associated with men, despite more women now actively embracing driving and travel experiences.

“The experience begins with a sunrise drive before participants make their way to Golkonda Resorts for the ‘Golden Trail’, a treasure hunt-style activity that will eventually lead them to a shared breakfast table spread,” Varsha said.

What sets the experience apart is that participants arrive as complete strangers. Rather than random grouping, attendees are curated to bring together different personalities and perspectives that encourage conversation and natural interaction.

“We keep limited seats for each event and only the selected ones can experience it. We also have ice-breaker rounds built into the experience to help participants feel comfortable and start conversations naturally. They come as strangers but leave with new friendships,” she said.

Participation in the event comes with a fee, which varies depending on the experience. The Sunday edition is priced at around ₹2,300.

While this first gathering is exclusively for women, future experiences may include mixed groups or couples depending on the concept. Group sizes will remain intentionally small, with attendance capped below 30 participants, while Sunday’s inaugural event will host just 12 women.