Introduction
After nearly 15 years as a system integrator working with large scale AV setups across India, Willis Desai decided to build a tangible product that could scale globally. This shift in mindset marked the beginning of Cantata’s product journey.
India however, posed its own challenges. Willis Desai realised early on that the domestic market did not yet offer enough traction for niche, hardware based consumer products. This pushed him to look outward, eventually identifying Western markets, particularly Europe, as a better fit for early adoption. A leisure trip to Europe further validated this idea, leading him to explore startup ecosystems there.
Founded in France
The name Haptique is rooted in what the product fundamentally does and it refers to sensory feedback or anything that communicates through touch. The French spelling, Haptique, aligned naturally once the company was incorporated in France through the La French Tech ecosystem, an open program that supports global entrepreneurs building startups in the country.
The Problem with Modern Smart Homes
Modern homes are smart but not simple. As TVs, projectors, sound systems, streaming devices, and smart appliances pile up, users often find themselves juggling multiple remotes, apps, and interfaces. While smartphones act as central control points, they come with their own set of compatibility issues
Willis Desai observed this problem repeatedly while working with customers who invested heavily in home entertainment systems. Despite spending extensively on hardware, the user experience in terms of control was always poor.
What the Haptique RS90 Actually Does
The Haptique RS90 was built as a solution to a niche problem. At its core, it is a universal smart remote that combines the familiarity of traditional buttons with the flexibility of a smartphone interface. Running on Android, the device supports popular streaming apps while also providing the opportunity to build custom controls that resemble a remote. The idea was clear, to build a single device that is as powerful as a smartphone but as simple as a remote control.
User Driven Design
Initially, the product was built for users who enjoy configuring and customising their setups. But feedback from early users made it clear that accessibility had to be a priority. Today, the system allows configuration through a companion mobile app, enabling tech savvy family members to set everything up remotely for others.
Rooms, devices, and even commands like “Watch YouTube” or “Turn Everything Off” can be pre-programmed. For senior citizens or non-technical users, this removes the learning curve almost entirely.
Compatibility with Old and New Devices
One of the RS90’s strongest advantages is its compatibility with older, non-smart devices. Since most appliances still rely on infrared remotes, Haptique supports them seamlessly. Even devices bought eight to ten years ago can be controlled without requiring Bluetooth or Wi-Fi compatibility.
For homes where infrared signals don’t reach every corner, an extender device bridges the gap. Plugged into a power socket, it relays commands so users no longer need to point the remote directly at appliances.
An Unconventional Funding Path
Rather than traditional venture funding, Haptique took the crowdfunding route. After encouragement from fellow founders and exposure at IFA Berlin, the team launched a campaign that resonated strongly with early adopters. Over 2,200 backers supported the product globally, validating both the idea and the execution. The RS90 is no longer a concept. It is a functional product with over 800 active users worldwide and more units in the pipeline. A second model is already designed and backed by pre-orders.
Cantata was part of the Panasonic Ignition 3.0 cohort and emerged as one of the winners announced at the Demo Day held on December 19th, 2025. The three month programme enabled the team to engage closely with key ecosystem players, including venture capitalists and CFOs. They were recognised as a winner and this has opened up a significant opportunity to build business collaborations with Panasonic, both in India and globally. Cantata was guided into the cohort by its advisor, Dr. Aloknath De, former CTO of Samsung India Research, whose mentorship played a key role in this journey.
Lessons from the Founder’s Journey
Willis Desai’s journey has been far from linear but what kept him going was conviction in his ability and a problem solving mindset. For founders seeking funding today, his advice is clear: understand your market deeply, build a community before chasing capital, and ensure that someone is willing to believe in what you are building. Validation matters, but belief is where it starts.
Interview By: Khevna Reddy
