From a restaurant discovery website to one of the biggest names in India’s internet economy, Zomato has come a long way. With over 100 million app downloads and a presence across 1,000+ Indian cities, Zomato is no longer just a food delivery app — it’s a tech-driven food ecosystem.
Founded in 2008 by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah, Zomato started as Foodiebay, helping users browse restaurant menus online. Today, it’s a household name, offering everything from food delivery and restaurant reviews to quick commerce and cloud kitchens.
🧭 A Decade of Disruption
Zomato’s journey is a classic startup success story. It started in a small office in Gurugram where Deepinder Goyal, then an employee at Bain & Company, noticed colleagues queuing up to view restaurant menus. That simple insight sparked the idea.
By 2012, Zomato had expanded beyond India to the UAE, Sri Lanka, the UK, and more. The startup raised multiple rounds of funding from Info Edge, Sequoia Capital, and Ant Financial, setting the foundation for its aggressive growth.
📱 India’s Hunger for Delivery
While restaurant listings and user reviews remained Zomato’s backbone, the company made a bold move into online food delivery in 2015, directly competing with rivals like Swiggy. The timing was perfect. India’s smartphone and internet penetration was exploding.
With its signature live order tracking, discount offers, and restaurant partnerships, Zomato quickly gained ground.
Today, Zomato works with over 300,000 delivery partners, restaurant partners across 1,000+ cities, and delivers millions of meals every month.
🏦 Going Public: A Historic IPO
In July 2021, Zomato became one of India’s first consumer tech startups to go public. The ₹9,375 crore IPO was oversubscribed 38 times and marked a defining moment in India’s startup landscape.
Investors — both institutional and retail — saw it as a validation of India’s digital consumer economy.
🚀 Beyond Food: Blinkit & Quick Commerce
In 2022, Zomato acquired Blinkit (formerly Grofers) for around ₹4,447 crore, entering the high-speed world of 10-minute grocery delivery.
The move turned Zomato into a multi-pronged platform — not just a food aggregator, but a player in instant commerce, hyperlocal delivery, and logistics tech.
Zomato also acquired a stake in Shiprocket and Magicpin, and launched initiatives like Zomato Instant and Zomato Pay.
🌱 Feeding India & Sustainability
Zomato is also recognized for its CSR initiative Feeding India, which aims to eliminate hunger by rescuing surplus food and feeding underserved communities. As of 2025, the initiative has distributed over 10 crore meals nationwide.
The company is also investing in sustainable packaging, EV fleets, and carbon neutrality, reflecting its commitment to responsible growth.
💬 Founder’s Vision
In a recent interview, CEO Deepinder Goyal said,
“We’re building not just a food app, but a lifestyle platform that makes eating better, faster, safer, and more sustainable for everyone.”
🧠 Key Takeaways from Zomato’s Journey
- Adaptability wins: From menus to meals to instant grocery — Zomato has evolved with consumer needs.
- Tech-first mindset: Real-time tracking, AI-driven delivery estimates, and personalization are part of its DNA.
- Global ambition: Even while doubling down on India, Zomato is eyeing select international markets again.
- Vision beyond business: Through Feeding India and eco-friendly operations, Zomato balances profit and purpose.
Zomato India’s Food Delivery Giant
