How a trade industry insider built a data-driven platform to make global import-export intelligence accessible to businesses of all sizes.
In the complex world of global trade, information is power. For exporters, importers, and trade professionals, access to accurate and timely data can determine success or failure. Yet, for years, reliable trade intelligence remained limited to large corporations with deep pockets, leaving small and mid-sized businesses to rely on guesswork.
This gap is exactly what Khushal Walia, Founder of Happily Trade Exim Pvt. Ltd., set out to solve.
Founded in May 2019, Happily Trade Exim is the company behind Welexo, a multi-featured online trade data platform designed to democratize access to global import and export intelligence. With over 12 years of hands-on experience in international trade, Khushal is now building what he envisions as one of the world’s leading trade data platforms.
This is the story of Welexo—a startup born from industry insight, tested during a global pandemic, and driven by a vision to empower businesses of every size.
Khushal Walia’s entrepreneurial journey did not begin with a startup idea. It began on the ground, inside the real world of import and export operations.
After completing his MBA in International Business, Khushal started his career in sales within the import-export industry. Over the next decade, he worked closely with exporters, importers, CHAs, and international partners, gaining firsthand exposure to how global trade actually functions.
“I was deeply involved in managing export and import operations, handling clients, and driving business growth,” Khushal shares. “That experience helped me understand the real challenges businesses face in global trade.”
Across his 12-plus years in the industry, one issue kept repeating itself. Businesses struggled to access reliable trade data. Many relied on incomplete information, outdated sources, or expensive providers that were inaccessible to smaller players.
This persistent problem planted the seed for what would later become Welexo.
The inspiration to start Happily Trade Exim Pvt. Ltd. came directly from Khushal’s professional experience.
He observed that businesses needed more than just contacts or logistics support. They needed data-driven insights to identify markets, track competitors, evaluate demand, and reduce risk.
“There was a strong need among businesses for dependable trade data that could support smarter decision-making,” Khushal explains.
Instead of building a traditional trading company, he decided to create a trade intelligence solution. The goal was simple but ambitious—to build a platform that provides unlimited, accurate, and easy-to-use import-export data for businesses across the globe.
That idea became the foundation of Happily Trade Exim and its flagship product, Welexo.
Like most early-stage startups, validation mattered more than vision.
Welexo’s first major breakthrough came when Khushal pitched the platform’s import-export data services to Bluechip Company.
“Their management immediately saw the value,” Khushal recalls. “They showed keen interest in using our data to strengthen their operations.”
This early success was not just about revenue. It confirmed that the problem Welexo aimed to solve was real, urgent, and worth paying for.
That first paying client gave Khushal confidence, market validation, and momentum to scale the platform further.
Welexo is a multi-featured online trade data portal designed to provide actionable insights into global import and export markets.
The platform serves a wide range of users, including exporters, importers, customs house agents, government agencies, analysts, and researchers.
At its core, Welexo offers:
Unlike traditional data providers that limit access or charge heavily per report, Welexo is built to offer unlimited and reliable data access through a user-friendly digital platform.
This approach allows users to move from intuition-based decisions to data-driven trade strategies.
The trade data space already has established players, but Welexo differentiates itself in several key ways.
First is accessibility. We small and medium exporters and importers who are often ignored by traditional data providers.
Second is usability. The platform simplifies complex data, enabling users to analyze trends and insights without needing technical expertise.
Third is reliability. Welexo focuses on delivering accurate and dependable trade data, critical in an industry where wrong information can lead to costly decisions.
Khushal emphasizes that data should empower, not overwhelm. This philosophy drives Welexo’s product design and feature roadmap.
Like countless businesses worldwide, Happily Trade Exim faced its toughest challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Global trade slowed dramatically. Supply chains were disrupted. Many clients struggled to survive, and workflows across the industry declined.
“There was a significant slowdown in business,” Khushal admits. “Our clients were under pressure, and uncertainty was everywhere.”
Instead of retreating, the team chose to adapt by maintaining strong communication with clients, offering flexible solutions, and reworking internal processes to stay resilient.
During the pandemic, Khushal faced a defining moment.
“With everything slowing down, there was a point where we questioned our path,” he says.
Rather than giving up, the team launched Welexo’s Advanced Data Portal, enabling clients to access import-export data entirely online.
This decision transformed Welexo from a service-based data provider into a technology-driven platform offering scalability, efficiency, and global reach.
Behind the scenes, personal support also played a crucial role. Khushal credits the unwavering support of his wife during this difficult phase as a major source of strength.
One misconception Khushal strongly disagrees with is the belief that small importers and exporters do not need detailed trade data.
In reality, smaller businesses need accurate data just as much as large enterprises. Data helps them identify profitable markets, avoid risky trade decisions, compete with larger players, and grow sustainably.
Welexo’s mission is to level the playing field by empowering businesses of all sizes with the same quality of insights.
Launching the Advanced Data Portal early reshaped the company’s future.
This move positioned Welexo as a technology-first trade intelligence platform rather than a traditional data service provider. It improved customer experience, increased scalability, and strengthened trust in the brand.
Most importantly, it aligned the company with its long-term vision of becoming a global leader in trade data.
While revenue and growth are important, Khushal measures success through meaningful milestones.
Key achievements include:
For Khushal, the team’s dedication remains the foundation of the company’s progress.
Khushal’s vision for Welexo is ambitious and global.
“We want Welexo to become the leading global trade data platform, not just in India but worldwide.”
Over the next five years, the company aims to expand globally, continuously innovate data tools, set new benchmarks in trade intelligence, and become one of the most trusted names in the industry.
The long-term goal is clear—empower every stakeholder in global trade with reliable, unlimited, and actionable data.
According to Khushal, the biggest gap in the market today is the lack of accurate and accessible trade data.
Welexo addresses this gap by offering 100 percent reliable import-export data, advanced analytical tools, and easy access through a single platform—enabling precise, informed decision-making in an increasingly competitive global market.
“Build a strong and aligned team. Always listen to your customers. Keep improving your services consistently.”
Khushal believes long-term success comes from focus, resilience, and customer-centric thinking.
Company Name: Happily Trade Exim Pvt. Ltd.
Product: Welexo
Founded: May 2019
Founder: Mr. Khushal Walia
Website:https://www.happilytrade.com/
LinkedIn:https://in.linkedin.com/in/khushal-walia-5bb438b4
Mirza Ali Danyal, co-founder of **Startup Times**, brings energy, vision, and a wealth of experience to the world of media. With a Master's degree and a deep understanding of the industry, Danyal leads his team in crafting authentic, dynamic content that empowers startups. His innovative leadership drives the agency’s success, inspiring creativity and growth at every turn.
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