AI-powered e-commerce startup GoKwik has raised $13 million to expand its WhatsApp-led shopping platform across global markets. The investment round was led by RTP Global, with support from Peak XV Partners, Z47, and Think Investments. The company will use the funds to scale in the UK and Europe and enhance its AI stack for commerce. GoKwik is reimagining how consumers shop online by blending conversational commerce with data-driven intelligence. Its latest move positions WhatsApp as a key digital storefront for brands trying to reduce friction and increase sales.
Building a Smarter Retail Funnel for Brands
GoKwik was founded in 2020 to solve critical problems across the online shopping journey, starting with Indian-specific checkout issues. Cash-on-delivery fraud, poor conversions, and high return rates pushed the founding team to build a better solution. Co-founders Chirag Taneja, Ankush Talwar, and Vivek Bajpai used their ML and engineering backgrounds to shape GoKwik’s product direction. They designed a modular suite that improves customer retention, reduces drop-offs, and strengthens checkout experiences.
Their approach proved relevant across markets, not just India, helping over 12,000 brands scale up quickly. GoKwik now handles more than $3 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) annually through its tools and integrations. The company previously raised $35 million in 2022, bringing its total funding to $68 million to date. Recent acquisitions, including Return Prime and Tellephant, helped expand its product stack and international presence.
WhatsApp Commerce and Global Rollout Challenges
GoKwik’s latest product innovation focuses on conversational commerce via WhatsApp Business. It allows brands to talk directly to customers, guide purchases, and offer support, all within a familiar app. In the UK, 86% of adults use WhatsApp, making it an ideal platform for building customer relationships. Despite strong tech, GoKwik faced local challenges, like adapting to European buying habits and establishing merchant trust.
“We had to understand the region and earn brand trust patiently,” said Abhishek Chandra, GoKwik’s Chief Revenue Officer. To solve this, GoKwik built local teams and focused on merchant support and ecosystem partnerships. Over 100 brands now use their UK-facing tools, including names like Blaupunkt, Jacques of London, and Levi’s. Their core product, KwikEngage, is already helping brands reduce returns and increase conversion rates.
Scaling Intelligently with AI and Data
GoKwik’s platform doesn’t just automate, it learns. Its AI tools provide brands with insights to make smarter decisions around customer experience and sales strategy. With inbox fatigue rising, WhatsApp provides a more personal and efficient way to connect with shoppers.
GoKwik’s KwikChat solution, powered by Tellephant’s stack, makes these interactions feel seamless and relevant. “Shopping should feel human, even online,” said Chandra. “We want to replicate the best parts of offline retail digitally.” Their goal is to give every D2C brand a better shot at growth using scalable, empathetic commerce tools.
GoKwik’s WhatsApp Bet Reshapes E-Commerce Abroad
The $13 million boost strengthens GoKwik’s global ambitions and positions WhatsApp as a new digital high street. As it scales, GoKwik aims to remain merchant-focused, prioritising trust, performance, and local insight. “We’re not just launching,” said Chandra.
“We’re partnering. Growth comes from solving real problems, not just deploying tech.” Investor RTP Global echoed the confidence, praising GoKwik’s market instincts and deep brand understanding. With this expansion, GoKwik is betting that conversations, not clicks, will define the next chapter of global e-commerce.
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