In Bengaluru during the early 2000s, a software professional named Suresh Sambandam was embarking on a journey that would defy convention and redefine the boundaries of software development.
Employed at HP, Sambandam ventured into the nascent field of rule-based computing, a precursor to what we now recognise as ‘artificial intelligence’. This journey was not marked by formal technical training but by a relentless curiosity and a vision for the future.
“It was then the crude version of ‘artificial intelligence,” Sambandam recalls. His work on rule engines, designed to simplify rule definitions for business users, revealed a paradox: these tools, intended to streamline processes, were inherently complex and demanded significant intervention from software engineers. This insight planted the seed for a more accessible, user-friendly solution, bridging the gap between business users and software developers.
By this vision, Sambandam launched Orangescape in 2003, a visual-based platform-as-a-service. The revolutionary idea was to empower people with no programming background to build applications for their businesses. Orangescape’s no-code, low-code platform allowed users to create applications with simple drag-and-drop interfaces instead of writing complex codes.
While this concept is poised to dominate global development today, contributing close to 70 percent by 2026, it was virtually unheard of in the early 2000s. The initial failure of PaaS did not deter Sambandam; instead, it pushed him back to the drawing board.
This persistence led to the birth of Kissflow. Sambandam envisioned a rule engine free from the complexities that plagued its predecessors. He aimed to create a platform with all the necessary scaffolding, enabling business users to develop software without extensive programming knowledge.
This seemingly simple idea could revolutionise business rule implementation and management. However, the path to success was fraught with challenges.
“There were days I would wonder if we could make the monthly salaries. We had quit our jobs and begun the company. We were sure of the problem statement we had. But in those days, the idea of a startup or raising funding didn’t exist. I had to sell a few of my assets to keep the company afloat in those early days,” Sambandam recollected.
The turning point came when Accenture acquired the company Sambandam was working with but failed to retain the employees. Sensing an opportunity, Sambandam and his team began offering high-rate consulting services to generate initial funds, eventually raising half a million dollars in nine months. Charging consulting fees of $100—an impressive amount in India in 2013—helped keep the business afloat, with a primary focus on international markets.
“I was sure there was a market for our product, but more demand in the US kept us going. However, soon, we raised half a million dollars. This capital was crucial in kickstarting our venture,” said Sambandam.
The initial product was built on a client-server architecture with a Silverlight front end. However, this setup quickly proved unscalable.
“Realising the need for a more robust solution, we pivoted to a cloud architecture. This transition was not without its challenges, but it was necessary to ensure the product’s scalability and reliability. We continued to innovate, eventually adopting a Kubernetes-based microservices architecture. This move significantly enhanced Kissflow’s scalability and reliability, laying a solid foundation for future growth,” explained Sambandam.
“Customer feedback was crucial in the development of Kissflow. The cloud-based approach meant that any changes made to the product would immediately impact all customers, necessitating continuous improvement. I recall an incident where a developer accidentally deleted a production database, causing significant disruption. This experience underscored the importance of robust processes and effective communication with customers,” said Sambandam
From the outset, Kissflow had a global market in mind. Initially, they reached customers in over 60 countries through digital marketing and online sales. The company soon began to have a physical presence in key markets, prompting Kissflow to expand to the Philippines, the US, and the Middle East.
“The Middle East, in particular, was a priority due to its cultural proximity to India and high respect for Indian tech talent. Kissflow established an office in Dubai Internet City, which received a positive response. With several hundred regional customers, the company plans to double its presence in Dubai next year. This strategic expansion is driven by the region’s potential and favourable business environment,” said Sambandam.
Sambandam is particularly excited about the transformative potential of Kissflow.
“The integration of Generative AI capabilities can revolutionise how businesses build and use software, making sophisticated applications accessible to everyone. The company’s focus on citizen development and continuous innovation positions Kissflow as a key player in the next wave of digital transformation. The journey has been challenging, but the potential to create a significant impact and drive the next wave of digital transformation keeps the team motivated and excited about the future,” said Sambandam.
The journey of Kissflow is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and a clear vision. Despite numerous challenges and uncertainties, Suresh Sambandam’s unwavering commitment to his vision has propelled Kissflow to the forefront of the no-code, low-code revolution. As the company continues to grow and evolve, it remains poised to impact the global software development landscape significantly.
