Atlys expands to UK with predictive visa technology

Atlys, a company in the digital visa processing industry, has announced its expansion into the UK market with the introduction of predictive visa approval technology.

In conjunction with its UK launch, Atlys has acquired Artionis, a UK-based visa services company, and intends to increase its UK workforce from 40 to 80 employees. This move aims to cater primarily to the 36% of the UK population who are non-UK passport holders, as well as individuals who prefer to undertake visa applications independently.

Mohak Nahta, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Atlys, explained the motivation behind the expansion: "Expanding to the UK represents more than just market growth – it's about creating a more equitable travel ecosystem. Our platform is designed to make international travel accessible to everyone, regardless of their passport strength, and the UK's strategic position will help us extend this impact across Europe."

Since its inception in 2021, Atlys has processed over two million visas, using automation to streamline a traditionally complicated process. The platform's predictive engine offers precise visa approval timelines, backed by refund guarantees if applications are delayed or rejected. Users can complete applications in under five minutes and upload documents a single time to become ready for visas to more than 100 countries.

In its rapid growth phase, Atlys became the largest visa processor in India within half a year of its launch and subsequently expanded into the UAE, where it has established a significant presence, catering to the needs of expatriates seeking efficient visa solutions.

Real-life examples include a user named George, who, upon realising his UAE visa had expired just before a flight to visit his sick mother, was able to secure a fresh visa in 30 minutes with Atlys's assistance. Additionally, a businessman named Muhammad, whose initial European visa application was denied, successfully obtained approval after Atlys guided him in strengthening his application.

The platform originated from Nahta's own experiences with cumbersome visa processes while working at Pinterest. Faced with the tedium of repetitive document submissions for multiple visa applications, Nahta envisioned a system that would allow travellers to upload documents once for multi-destination readiness. This idea quickly gained traction, propelled by word-of-mouth among his peer group.

Nahta's unique approach to marketing included visiting San Francisco's international airport to assist travellers with visa inquiries, which eventually led to security curtailments. However, his tactics and the platform's inherent need led to a decision to dedicate his efforts to Atlys full-time.

Peak XV's Principal, Shraeyansh Thakur, provided insight on Atlys's growth: "Since our initial investment, Atlys has demonstrated exceptional growth, processing over two million visas while maintaining strong user satisfaction. Their data-driven approach and focus on user experience set them apart. The UK expansion represents a significant step toward becoming the definitive platform for global travel enablement."

The travel sector is currently valued at nearly USD $9 trillion, with expectations of over 1.8 billion international arrivals by the end of the decade according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. Atlys aims to further expand its services, including eSIMs, foreign exchange, travel insurance, and eventually curated experiences.

With new funding, Atlys seeks to drive product innovation and broaden its reach, enabling more people to explore the world with confidence, irrespective of their passport's perceived strength.