Introducing REV by WebEngage Startup Program, an all-in-one platform with exclusive benefits from partners to REV up your growth.
The Journey From 2021 to Today
In 2021, we began a journey with a simple yet powerful idea: retention is more than just a tactic—it’s a mindset. For founders facing countless operational challenges, understanding repeat customer behavior is crucial. It’s not just about choosing the right channels or products; it’s about identifying promising customer segments, scaling efficiently, and maintaining a balanced CAC/CLV ratio.
Over the past three years, we’ve evaluated over 3,000 applications and worked with 400+ consumer startups, 30% of which secured follow-on funding. This experience taught us what it takes to survive as a startup. The WebEngage team decided to share their insights, mentor founders, and expand their market potential to ensure not just survival, but growth. Recognizing the common challenges fast-growing startups face—especially operational hurdles—we’re committed to helping others avoid these pitfalls.
This realization led to the inception of the WebEngage Startup Program (WSP), with a vision to enable the startup ecosystem by focusing on retention-led growth. Startups like Perfora, RangDe, Growth School, House of X, 1% Club, and Phool have been part of this journey.
Our Focus: Empowering Early-Stage Startups to Become Enduring Businesses
Why focus on long-term growth? The startup landscape is full of companies that grew rapidly only to falter soon after. True success lies in building a foundation for sustained growth and resilience. By emphasizing retention, we help startups move beyond short-term wins to establish themselves as lasting, impactful businesses.
The impact has been significant: Perfora saw an 8X jump in conversions, Bummer and Wright Research experienced over 80% increases in click-through revenue, and Clapingo enjoyed a 59% boost—underscoring the value of a retention-driven approach.
Despite the program’s success, we realized startups need more to truly scale. Feedback from early-stage founders, VCs, and the broader ecosystem revealed this need, leading to the launch of our Startup Demo Day in 2023, which significantly increased engagement and applications.
Building on these insights, we recognized the importance of thoroughly preparing startups for Demo Days and providing a comprehensive suite of curated perks and benefits from the entire ecosystem. This led us to launch REV.
Introducing REV: A Game Changer for Startups
REV by WebEngage Startup Program is designed to be a one-stop platform that brings everything together for the top 30 selected startups in each cohort—all at no cost! Unlike other programs, REV offers more than just free access to the
WebEngage platform—it provides dedicated guidance and a carefully curated suite of benefits to REV up your growth.
The 30 selected startups will receive cutting-edge retention consulting from WebEngage and benefit from our strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Rize by RazorPay, The D2C Folks, GrowthX, Recur Club, Pedalstart, and more, all designed to help accelerate their growth journey.
By uniting the strengths of our VCs, Ecosystem and Community partners, REV serves as a catalyst for startups to achieve scalable and sustainable growth, all in one place.
We realized that growth and scalability are most achievable when startups have access to the right ecosystem—one where various partners come together to offer the necessary benefits and perks.
Our goal with REV is to provide dedicated support and engagement over a continuous six-month period, enhancing the commitment of the startups we work with. Through REV, we’re not just offering resources—we’re making it easier for startups to use them effectively, setting them up for long-term success.
“WebEngage Startup Program is extremely happy to introduce partner benefits for the new cohort through its unique positioning REV – Retain, Engage, and Value Deliver. The top 30 selected startups will not only get state-of-the-art Retention Consulting from WebEngage but also benefit from our strategic partnerships such as Rize by RazorPay, The D2C Folks, GrowthX and many others, that will help the startups to REV UP towards growth.”, says Nitya Shah, Lead at WebEngage Startup Program.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Perks from WebEngage
- Get free access to the WebEngage Retention Stack for six months and $25,000 worth of free platform credits to jumpstart your engagement and retention plans.
- Additionally, get dedicated success managers to reduce your learning curves, and implement retention strategies and scale.
Here’s how our strategic partnerships will support startups joining the REV cohort:
Exclusive Opportunities & Support from Our VCs, Ecosystem, and Community Partners
Perks from VC Partners: Unlocking expert guidance for Startups
One of the most critical challenges for startups is securing the right funding at the right time. Through REV, you gain exclusive access to a network of leading Venture Capitalists (VCs) who are not just potential investors but also strategic partners. This means you’ll have unique opportunities to:
- Network with Top VCs: Get connected with VCs who understand your industry and can provide strategic insights, and valuable connections that can propel your startup forward. These exclusive networking opportunities allow you to build relationships with investors who can offer more than just funding—they bring experience, industry knowledge, and the potential to open doors to future opportunities.
- Receive Tailored Mentorship: Benefit from one-on-one mentorship from seasoned investors who can offer guidance on refining your business model, scaling your operations, and preparing for future funding rounds. This mentorship can be pivotal in navigating the fundraising landscape, helping you better position your startup for long-term success.
- Obtain Real-Time Feedback: Present your pitch, product, or business plan to VCs and receive actionable feedback. This real-time input from industry experts can help you iterate quickly, avoid common pitfalls, and align your strategy with market expectations. The ability to refine your approach based on expert advice is a powerful tool for staying ahead of the competition.
Perks from Ecosystem Partners: Bringing the best growth & tech deals
In today’s fast-paced startup environment, having access to the right technology can be a game-changer. REV offers top growth and tech deals from ecosystem partners, ensuring that you have the tools and resources needed to scale efficiently. Here’s how it benefits your startup:
- Kickstart Your Growth: Leverage significant discounts and credits on essential tech and growth services, from cloud hosting to analytics and marketing tools. These savings can free up critical budget space, allowing you to invest more in other areas of your business like product development or customer acquisition. By reducing overhead costs, you can accelerate your growth trajectory without compromising on quality.
- Curated Masterclasses & L&D Sessions: Participate in workshops and training sessions led by in-house experts and our ecosystem partners. These sessions are specifically designed to help you streamline your retention strategies, optimize your tech stack, and scale your operations. The hands-on learning experiences will equip your team with the skills and knowledge needed to implement best practices in tech utilization, setting the stage for sustainable growth.
Perks from Community Partners: Build your network and amplify your brand
A strong network and visibility within the startup ecosystem can be just as valuable as funding and technology. REV’s Community Partners offer you the chance to:
- Join Invite-Only Networking Sessions: Access highly curated, invite-only events where you can connect with like-minded founders, industry leaders, and potential collaborators. These sessions are designed to foster meaningful relationships that can lead to partnerships, collaborations, and new business opportunities. The power of a strong, supportive network cannot be overstated in the startup world—having the right connections can accelerate your journey from startup to scale-up.
- Gain Visibility in the Ecosystem: Benefit from enhanced visibility through participation in exclusive events, showcase your brand and get event spotlights. These opportunities not only increase your brand’s reach but also position your startup as a key player in the ecosystem. The exposure you gain can attract potential customers, partners, and even future investors, all of which are crucial for scaling your business.
Here’s What Our Alumni Has To Say:
Join Us in Revolutionizing Growth
Are you ready to elevate your startup and make a significant impact? Whether you’re in the early stages or gearing up for growth, REV is your gateway to unparalleled resources and opportunities. Don’t miss out—hit the Apply Now button and become part of a transformative journey with REV.
Apply for the REV Cohort 1.0 of 2024-2025 now! Application Window Closes On 22 September 2024
We are excited to be an enabler in Revving your startup’s growth!
Surya Panicker
Gaurav Patil
Vanhishikha Bhargava
