The Rise of Whatfix: How Two Founders Changed the SaaS Game
In the world of SaaS, India has produced some standout names—and Whatfix is one of them. Behind this powerful digital adoption platform are two visionary founders: Khadim Batti and Vara Kumar. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to navigate enterprise software, their innovation might have already saved your day!
Let’s dive into their story—one of bold moves, global impact, and practical lessons for entrepreneurs.
Who Are Khadim Batti & Vara Kumar?
Before Whatfix, both Khadim and Vara were tech professionals solving real-world enterprise problems. While working together at Huawei, they noticed a recurring issue: employees struggled to adopt new software tools effectively.
Instead of ignoring the problem, they saw an opportunity.
“We wanted to create something that actually made life easier for people using software every day,” said Khadim in an interview.
And just like that, Whatfix was born.
Whatfix: The Solution That Stuck
Whatfix started as a tool to simplify user onboarding. But it quickly evolved into a full-fledged digital adoption platform used by Fortune 500 companies around the world.
What Does Whatfix Do?
In simple terms, it:
- Offers step-by-step guides inside apps
- Reduces training time and support tickets
- Boosts employee productivity
And here’s the kicker: You don’t need to be a tech expert to use it. That accessibility is part of what makes Whatfix so popular today.
From Bootstrapped to Funded: A Startup Dream Come True
Like many founders, Khadim and Vara bootstrapped in the early days. They believed in their idea, even when funding wasn’t pouring in. Their persistence paid off.
In 2024, Whatfix raised $125 million in Series E funding led by Warburg Pincus and SoftBank Vision Fund 2. This round brought their valuation to over $700 million, cementing their status as a top-tier global SaaS brand.
🧭 Pro Tip: If you’re a startup founder, take a page out of their book—validate your idea with real users first, then scale.
Real Impact, Real Customers
Today, Whatfix is used by companies like:
- Cisco
- Wipro
- Honeywell
- Microsoft
These aren’t just logos—they’re proof that an Indian startup can build world-class enterprise tech.
At VentureLinkUp.com, we often highlight such stories to show what’s possible when vision meets execution. You’ll find plenty of examples where grit, timing, and smart tech converge just like this.
Lessons for Founders
If you’re building your own SaaS startup, here’s what you can learn from Whatfix:
1. Solve Real Pain Points
Don’t build for hype—build for utility. Whatfix succeeded because it tackled a daily frustration for millions.
2. Don’t Wait for Perfect
The first version wasn’t perfect, but it worked. They improved it with feedback. Start with a Minimum Lovable Product (MLP) and iterate.
3. Invest in Global-Ready Infrastructure Early
From day one, Whatfix was designed with scalability in mind. This helped them land global clients smoothly.
4. Culture Matters
Khadim and Vara built a culture of ownership. Teams were empowered to solve problems without red tape.
Ready to Build Your Own Whatfix?
Inspired? Want to take your SaaS idea global like Khadim and Vara did?
You can start by surrounding yourself with the right community. That’s what we’re building at VentureLinkUp.com – a hub for founders, investors, and builders shaping the next ₹100Cr brands.
Join us to:
- Read more success stories
- Access fundraising strategies
- Get connected to growth mentors
Whether you’re bootstrapping or chasing your Series A, your startup deserves a fighting chance—just like Whatfix had.
