Any Indian traveling abroad is familiar with the nightmarish experience of navigating through complex visa processes. These processes vary from region to region, and information on the web is often cluttered, making it even more difficult for the millions of Indians who travel every year.
Even though there are a few services available, including legacy firms like VFS Global, there is always room for simplification. Mumbai-based LeSo aims to address this challenge precisely by providing a platform that is simple to use, leverages automation, and, more importantly, offers travelers the necessary guidance.
We spoke to Vivek Anandan, co-founder of LeSo, to learn more about his startup, how it works, and what is the roadmap ahead. Here are the edited excerpts:
How did you come up with the idea of starting a startup in the Visa-support sector?
LeSo’s inception stemmed from a profound realization of the challenges faced by Indian international travelers in navigating complex visa processes. We identified the significant gap in leveraging technology to simplify legal services. While exploring various legal service avenues, we recognized the immense potential in the visa and international travel services market. Witnessing the booming Indian international tourism sector and the existing complexities in visa applications, I and my cofounder Abbas strategically pivoted to focus on addressing these challenges through LeSo.
Please help understand how LeSo works.
LeSo’s platform operates as a user-friendly interface, streamlining the visa application process for travelers. Upon accessing the platform, users select their desired destination and are guided through a series of steps to input required information, upload necessary documents, and submit their application. LeSo’s platform facilitates seamless communication with relevant authorities and provides regular updates on the application status to users, ensuring transparency and efficiency throughout the process.
How has your startup performed since inception?
Since its inception, LeSo has witnessed significant traction in the market, attracting a growing number of users and customers. Within the initial 20 days of launch, LeSo successfully onboarded multiple paid customers, indicating a strong demand for its services. The platform continues to garner interest from travelers and stakeholders, with a steady increase in user engagement and satisfaction.
What are your short-term and long term goals in terms of product and business expansion and diversification?
In the short term, LeSo aims to expand its user base, enhance platform features, and solidify its position as a trusted online visa marketplace. Long-term goals include diversifying offerings, expanding into new markets, and establishing LeSo as a leading global player in the travel services industry. By continuously innovating and evolving, LeSo strives to meet the evolving needs of travelers worldwide and become a comprehensive solution provider for all travel-related services.
