Leadsales, a rising startup based in Querétaro, Mexico, is making waves by transforming how small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) manage their sales processes through WhatsApp. With a multichannel platform, powerful AI tools, and a strategic partnership with Meta, Leadsales is on a mission to expand across Latin America and the United States.
CEO Roberto Peñacastro shared the company’s remarkable journey—from its 2020 foundation to being named one of Forbes’ 30 Business Promises of 2024. In just a few years, the company has achieved exponential growth and continues to redefine conversational commerce.
Unstoppable Growth
Founded in 2020, Leadsales grew from 1,300 clients in 2023 to more than double that figure just a year later. A key turning point came with a $3.7 million seed round, which fueled its development and positioned Leadsales as the first Meta Business Partner in Latin America focused on SMEs.
One of its most innovative features is WhatsApp “coexistence,” which allows businesses to use both the mobile app and the API simultaneously—without disrupting operational continuity.
Tangible Results for Clients
The company’s multichannel CRM platform has helped customers increase their sales fivefold in just three months. This success stems from Leadsales’ strategic approach to conversational commerce: combining click-to-WhatsApp ads with a response system that improves reply times by up to 300%.
A Strategic Alliance with Meta
Leadsales’ measurable impact has led to a strategic collaboration with Meta. Its clients now see up to 4x returns on Facebook ads. In response, Leadsales redesigned its platform to cover the full customer lifecycle—including ad campaign management, all in one place.
Focused on High-Touch Industries
Leadsales finds strong traction in industries that depend on human interactions, such as education, automotive, real estate, legal, and financial services. These businesses often require flexible CRM systems, and Leadsales provides a more agile alternative to traditional platforms.
Challenges That Create Opportunities
Two major hurdles for SMEs are adopting structured follow-up systems and moving away from informal communication through personal phone numbers. Leadsales addresses both issues with tools that centralize customer interaction, ensure transparency, and enhance client retention.
Custom Funnels and AI Copilot
The CRM functions like a professional version of WhatsApp Web. It includes dynamic quick replies, sales funnels, and customer segmentation. Soon, Leadsales will also offer an AI-powered copilot that can summarize conversations, suggest replies, and boost agent productivity.
Built-In Security
Security is a core principle at Leadsales. Conversations are protected with end-to-end encryption, and each account’s data remains completely isolated. Custom permissions also allow businesses to restrict access to sensitive information.
Trends Shaping the Future
Nearly half of Leadsales’ users prioritize AI-powered lead scoring. There’s also rising demand for behavior-triggered automation, such as cart abandonment reminders. While WhatsApp remains the dominant channel, Leadsales is preparing to add new platforms like TikTok.
AI Empowers, Not Replaces
Leadsales sees generative AI as a productivity enhancer, not a replacement. By integrating tools like Amazon Bedrock and SageMaker, the company empowers small teams to perform at the level of large sales departments.
Omnichannel Strategy with a Local Focus
While omnichannel engagement is the long-term goal, Leadsales acknowledges that WhatsApp reigns supreme in Latin America. The biggest challenge isn’t technical but cultural: mastering the most-used channel before branching out.
Next Stop: More Mexico, More USA
Rather than launching in Brazil, Leadsales has chosen to deepen its presence in Mexico and expand further into the U.S., especially among Latino-owned businesses already using WhatsApp for sales. The company is now targeting a jump from $4 million to $10 million in annual revenue within the next 12 months.
Leadsales continues to prove that combining localized strategy, advanced technology, and a deep understanding of human-centered sales can unlock massive growth—especially in regions where WhatsApp is more than just a messaging app; it’s a business lifeline.