Whatfix co-founder and CEO Khadim Batti passed away on 1 September after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, sending shockwaves through India's SaaS and startup ecosystem. The Bengaluru-headquartered enterprise software company confirmed his death in an official statement, calling it an unexpected and devastating loss for the organisation.

Whatfix's Official Statement

'It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the unexpected passing of our beloved co-founder and CEO, Khadim Batti, who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest today,' the company said. Whatfix described Batti as a visionary leader whose passion, clarity and conviction shaped both the company and the lives of everyone who worked alongside him. The company also urged the media and the public to respect the privacy of Batti's family during this difficult period.

'His legacy lies in the resilient organisation and deeply committed leadership team he built,' Whatfix added, affirming that its leadership team remained steadfast in carrying forward his vision and values.

Building Whatfix Into a Global Platform

Batti co-founded Whatfix with Vara Kumar Namburu in 2014. The company developed a digital adoption platform designed to help enterprises improve how employees use software and navigate complex digital tools. Under Batti's stewardship, Whatfix grew from an Indian startup into a globally recognised enterprise software company with a presence across international markets.

His entrepreneurial journey began in 2010. Before launching Whatfix, he served as Delivery Head for DPI & BI Solutions at Huawei Technologies India and later co-founded SearchEnabler, where he served as CEO. He brought more than two decades of experience in software development, product innovation, and business leadership to every venture he undertook.

His Role in India's SaaS and AI Communities

Batti's influence extended well beyond Whatfix. He was a member of the governing council of SaaSBoomi and among the founding members of AIBoomi, a community dedicated to building India's AI-first product ecosystem. His active participation in both communities made him a respected voice among founders and industry peers across the country.

Avinash Raghava, CEO and founding volunteer at SaaSBoomi and a key member of the AIBoomi community, expressed shock and grief at the news. Raghava recalled Batti as someone who was 'always willing to share his experience and time' and remembered him as 'a wonderful friend' and 'a generous mentor' who consistently made himself available to founders and members of the startup community.

Background and Education

Batti held a Master's degree in Information Technology from the International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore, and a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Bombay. His academic grounding in engineering and technology underpinned a career that spanned enterprise software, product leadership, and community building at the highest levels of India's tech industry.

As tributes pour in from across the startup and SaaS world, Whatfix's leadership team faces the immediate challenge of steadying the organisation while honouring the culture and ambition that Batti spent over a decade building.