Quick commerce unicorn Zepto is now offering 10-minute returns and exchanges for certain product categories. The firm posted on LinkedIn, “Now, return or exchange your Zepto orders in just 10 minutes.” The majority of Zepto’s categories are covered by its return policy, with the exception of stock keeping units (SKUs) for items like utilities, disposables, and innerwear.
According to a company spokeswoman, returns are accepted in the majority of categories, with a few exceptions made for safety, health, or legal reasons. Innerwear, gold and silver coins, pooja necessities like dhoop, diya, and pooja cloth, accessories like socks, disposables like tissues, and practical items like water filters are all non-returnable.
More Details of the Newly Formed Zepto’s Return Policy
Customers can inspect the products upon arrival and initiate an exchange or refund with the necessary proofs on the platform, if accessible, according to the startup’s terms of usage. Zepto will provide coupons or vouchers equal to the refund amount for items paid for with cash on delivery. “After returns are validated, refunds are started right away, though bank processing times may affect how long it takes for money to appear in a user’s account. We provide coupons or vouchers equal to the return amount for COD orders,” Zepto stated.
Zepto is not the first player in rapid commerce to provide instant rewards, though. Rival Blinkit launched a return policy for apparel and footwear last year in a few cities, including Hyderabad, Pune, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR. Zepto’s action coincides with growing rivalry in the fast commerce market. While incumbents Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart are attracting customers with discounts and a broad range of products, newcomer Flipkart Minutes has turned up the heat by offering free deliveries.
Recent Developments at Zepto
Nevertheless, Zepto has launched the new offering as it prepares to list on Indian bourses in the near future. A few days ago, the company’s chief financial officer (CFO), Ramesh Bafna, announced that the unicorn of quick commerce had moved its headquarters from Singapore to India, reportedly seeking to increase the size of its initial public offering (IPO) from the $800 million previously planned to $1 billion.
The Aadit Palicha-led company is expected to file its draft IPO papers with market regulator SEBI by March or April. In terms of finances, Zepto’s operating revenue more than doubled to INR 4,454.52 Cr in the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24) from INR 2,025.70 Cr in the previous fiscal year, driven by the growing popularity of quick commerce. The unicorn also managed to reduce its loss by just 2% to INR 1,248.64 Cr in the fiscal year under review from INR 1,271.84 Cr in FY23.
According to a media outlet report, Zepto, a quick commerce startup, is thinking of raising the amount of its initial public offering (IPO) to between $800 million and $1 billion, including secondary shares.
The company’s intentions for a public offering, which include an expected $5.5 billion in gross sales for the last quarter of FY26 with positive EBITDA (excluding ESOPs), were recently discussed by CEO Aadit Palicha with large mutual funds. According to the article, which cited brokers, this estimated amount is approximately equal to the rapid commerce industry’s total gross sales for the prior calendar year.
In mid-2024, the corporation started preparing for its initial public offering (IPO), initially aiming for $450 million in primary capital. The business is considering a range of at least $800 million or more, according to a source cited in the paper. This includes an enhanced primary fundraise and the possibility of selling at least $300–400 million worth of shares in an Offer for Sale (OFS).
Zepto Writing a New Success Story
By surpassing 900 dark stores, Zepto has surpassed expectations and is aiming to reach 1,000 locations. This development is a component of a larger plan to concentrate on growing the company and guaranteeing profitability. At the moment, Zepto receives between 1.1 million and 1.3 million orders every day. Sales of non-food items such as clothing, electronics, and miscellaneous merchandise now account for INR 200 crore of the company’s monthly revenue.
Increasing its domestic ownership is one of Zepto’s other main objectives. Prior to filing for its IPO, the company wants to have at least 40% of its shares held domestically. Zepto is moving its domicile to India as part of this process by combining its Singaporean parent business with an Indian organisation.
Zepto’s IPO
With plans to add more firms closer to the offering, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are among the lead banks for Zepto’s initial public offering. As it competes with rivals like Flipkart Minutes, Blinkit by Zomato, and Swiggy Instamart in the quickly expanding industry, Zepto secured $350 million in a financing round in November 2024, increasing its total cash reserves to almost $1.4 billion. Although Zepto’s IPO pricing is still up in the air, the firm is thinking of comparing its KPIs to those of Blinkit.
Zepto has lost a lot of money despite its expansion, spending between INR 1,000 and 1,100 crore in the previous three months to fight with its main rivals. According to the various media reports, Zepto’s high burn rate helped it grow its network of dark stores in both existing and new areas, bringing its gross sales to $3 billion, just below Blinkit’s $3.7 billion. Although it too experienced an adjusted EBITDA loss of INR 103 crore, Blinkit claimed a 120% year-over-year rise in gross order value for the December quarter, hitting INR 7,798 crore.
The merger of Mumbai-based Kiranakart Technologies, the company behind the fast commerce platform Zepto, with its Singapore-based affiliate, Kiranakart Pte Ltd, has been accepted by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). Zepto becomes an Indian firm after the NCLT order, and there is no resistance to the two companies’ cross-border merger. Zepto is operated by Kiranakart Technologies Private Limited, an Indian firm, and Kiranakart PTE LTD, a Singaporean holding company. According to the NCLT ruling, Zepto will not need a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). According to the tribunal, the RBI has not objected, and an express NOC is not required because the Scheme of Arrangement is covered by Regulation 9 of the Cross Border Merger Regulations, which stipulates that the RBI’s prior permission is presumed. According to the ruling, the scheme will also help the companies deal with better management, value consolidation, risk and policy management, competitive regulatory environments, and shareholder value creation.
Zepto Aims to Streamline its Group’s Structure with this Move
Zepto intends to simplify its group structure by lowering the number of legal entities in order to “optimise the legal entity structure” for improved business synergies, speedier decision-making, and substantial cost savings with the move of its holding company to Mumbai, India. This streamlined framework will help future fundraising efforts from Indian and international investors, according to the NCLT Mumbai bench. The judgement further stated that by switching to India, Zepto will be able to control risks, comply with local regulations, and directly align with the regulatory environment. By removing unnecessary administrative tasks and numerous record-keeping procedures, this action also seeks to streamline operations and drastically cut down on common management, administrative, and other costs. Zepto’s preparations for an IPO in India later this year are anticipated to be accelerated by this development.
Within 30 days, Zepto is anticipated to formally finalise the transfer of its domicile to India. According to an earlier report by Inc42, Zepto, which is financed by Nexus, intends to reverse flip to India. According to people close to the business, Zepto wants to get into the reverse flipping queue with companies like Groww, Razorpay, Pine Labs, and Eruditus. However, many of these unicorns are being cautious and planning the most effective reverse flipping structure, much like PhonePe, whose tax liabilities went up to $900 million. The Mumbai bench of the NCLT noted in its January 9 ruling that the plan seems reasonable and fair and does not violate any legal provisions or public policy. Singaporean officials have also approved the merger.
Zepto Aiming for an IPO
In March or April of this year, the fast commerce platform hopes to submit its initial public offering (IPO) draft documents. Prior to going public, the company had already secured the required permits to move its headquarters from Singapore to India. Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra founded Zepto in 2021, and it presently uses a business-to-business (B2B) business model. Its parent company, Kiranakart Technologies, buys products straight from manufacturers and only distributes them to its licensee businesses, which include Commodum Groceries, Geddit Convenience, and Drogheria Sellers. Last year, Zepto made headlines when it raised an incredible $1.3 billion in capital and surpassed Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart in terms of revenue. At the moment, the rapid commerce unicorn is worth about $1.4 billion.
The parent firm of Zepto, a leading player in fast commerce, KiranaKart Technologies, has agreed to purchase solutions from the listed fintech SaaS business Zaggle. According to an exchange filing, Zaggle will give Zepto access to its employee benefits platform, Zaggle Save, and spending management tool, “Zaggle Zoyer Petty Cash.” This is to let the exchange know that KiranaKart Technologies Private Limited and Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited (Zaggle) have signed a contract, according to the fintech SaaS startup. Businesses can handle little expenses more efficiently and automatically with the aid of Zaggle Zoyer Petty Cash. According to the startup, this software helps businesses with real-time tracking, cash leak prevention, pre-checking expenditures, and high control and transparency. Zaggle Save, on the other hand, is an employee spending management program that offers customisable benefit plans and helps employees save taxes. Additionally, the program assists the business in managing employee perks with a single card, including fuel cards and food allowances.
The Deal will Further Boost Zaggle’s Order Book
The customer service contract with Zepto will increase Zaggle’s order volume and give it access to a significant domestic player. This comes shortly after Zaggle raised INR 594.84 Cr last month through qualified institutional placement (QIP). To qualifying institutional buyers, the financial SaaS platform issued 1.13 Cr equity shares. According to a recent media report, the corporation plans to make three investments and acquisitions by March of this year. Notably, Zaggle paid INR 15.6 Cr in September 2024 to purchase a 26% share in Mobileware Technologies.
About Zaggle and its Current Financial Dynamics
Zaggle, which Raj Narayanam founded in 2011, offers a platform for corporate employee benefits and spend management. Its products assist companies in issuing prepaid cards and automating their accounts. Payroll and tax applications are also included in its SaaS product line. In the meantime, Zaggle’s consolidated net profit increased from INR 7.58 Cr in the previous year to INR 20.29 Cr in the second quarter (Q2) of the fiscal year 2024–25 (FY25), a 167.67% increase. From INR 184.24 Cr in Q2 FY24 to INR 302.55 Cr in the reviewed quarter, operating revenue increased 64.21%.
Zepto Going Public
Zepto is expected to submit its initial public offering (IPO) draft papers in March or April of this year. The delivery company has already obtained the necessary authorisations to relocate its headquarters from Singapore to India.
The business stated that the IPO’s specifics are still being finalised and that it has scheduled a board meeting for January 19 to talk about the size of the IPO, the selection of independent directors, which bankers to hire, and other specifics.
Notably, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is set to hear the case on January 17 even though Singaporean officials have approved the move. After food delivery services Zomato (Blinkit) and Swiggy (Instamart), parent firms of listed competitors, Zepto will become the first rapid commerce start-up to go public if all goes as planned by April.
Zomato has increased competition in the rapidly changing quick food delivery market by subtly launching a 15-minute meal delivery service. Currently accessible through the Zomato app, the new functionality puts the business in a competitive position against rivals such as Swiggy’s Bolt, Magicpin, and Zepto.
Although the service has not yet been formally announced, it is currently operational in a few major cities, including Bangalore and Mumbai. In the app’s explore section, a special “15-minute delivery” page has emerged, displaying a variety of ready-to-eat and quick-to-prepare items from participating restaurants. Similar to Swiggy’s Bolt, Zomato restricts deliveries to eateries within two kilometres in order to guarantee prompt service.
Rapidly Sprawling Nexus of Quick Commerce
With its decision to provide 15-minute delivery, Zomato enters a highly competitive market where quick delivery is increasingly important for standing out from the competition. This comes soon after the debut of Blinkit, Zomato’s rapid commerce division, which will soon unveil “Bistro,” a service that promises to bring nutritious juices, snacks, and meals in a matter of minutes.
In a similar vein, Swiggy began offering its Bolt service in October 2024 and has since stated that 5% of all of its food delivery orders are currently completed using this expedited delivery option. In order to meet the increasing demand for lightning-fast service, Zepto has also stepped up its focus on quick meal delivery by releasing a second app called Zepto Cafe.
Other Players Soon to Join the Race
Ola Dash, Ola’s 10-minute food delivery service, began in Bengaluru and is currently being rolled out nationwide. With JioMart, Reliance also intended to enter the fast commerce market last year, offering deliveries in less than 30 minutes. According to reports, Myntra, a shopping portal, has begun testing its own 30-minute delivery service for specific brands in a few Bengaluru neighbourhoods.
Performance of India’s Quick Commerce Sector in 2024
In addition to substantial venture capital and expansion, the quick commerce industry saw the arrival of big companies and experienced remarkable user growth in 2024. Zomato-backed Blinkit turned adjusted EBITDA positive in March 2024, and Swiggy went public recently.
Amazon declared Tez and Myntra introduced “M-Now,” while Flipkart ventured into fast commerce with “Minutes.” Now, every major company is concentrating on the quickly expanding fast commerce business, due to the demand and broad adoption in tier-2 and tier-3 cities as well as metro areas.
According to the Tracxn study, the rapid commerce industry had a notable increase in funding in 2024, raising $1.37 billion in equity capital from seven rounds, primarily owing to Zepto, which raised $1.355 billion in three $300 million rounds. Redseer, a consultancy firm, projects a 40–45% GMV CAGR for q-commerce over the next three years. All players have now increased their services beyond only grocery and food to include toys, Dhanteras gold, cosmetics, fashion, and electronics, among other things.
According to a media outlet, Zepto, a quick commerce platform, is expected to submit its initial public offering (IPO) draft papers in March or April of this year. The delivery company has already obtained the necessary authorisations to relocate its headquarters from Singapore to India.
The business stated that the IPO’s specifics are still being finalised and that it has scheduled a board meeting for January 19 to talk about the size of the IPO, the selection of independent directors, which bankers to hire, and other specifics.
Notably, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is set to hear the case on January 17 even though Singaporean officials have approved the move. After food delivery services Zomato (Blinkit) and Swiggy (Instamart), parent firms of listed competitors, Zepto will become the first rapid commerce start-up to go public if all goes as planned by April.
Zepto Marketplace Reshaping the B2B Model
In order to shift its business-to-business (B2B) activities to a marketplace model, Zepto has created a new company called Zepto Marketplace. After the operational and regulatory details are resolved, Zepto Marketplace, which was registered in October 2024, will soon transition to the new format, according to sources. According to media reports, the change would give Zepto more control over service and quality assurance. Zepto plans to further improve operations by launching “Thor,” a SaaS inventory management platform, soon. Marketplace models are already used by Zepto’s competitors, such as Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart.
Current Business Model of Zepto
Geddit Convenience, Drogheria Sellers, and Commodum Groceries are the three businesses to which Zepto licenses its brand name and business operations under the current arrangement. These three businesses use the Zepto platform to sell to final customers after buying their merchandise from Kiranakart Technologies Pvt Ltd.
Kiranakart Technologies is essentially a business-to-business (B2B) company that sources and purchases goods directly from brands and resells them to Zepto’s three licensee businesses. These businesses subsequently sell to final customers. The three businesses pay Zepto a licensing fee for each sale they make through the latter’s platform.
According to sources, Zepto has already added additional sellers and plans to continue growing its seller and distribution base with the assistance of the new organisation. It also plans to lessen its focus on the three businesses (Geddit Convenience, Drogheria Sellers, and Commodum Groceries). Other than Geddit Convenience, Drogheria Sellers, and Commodum Groceries, more sellers are probably going to start selling on the Zepto platform in the upcoming months.
In FY24, Zepto’s operating revenue increased by 120% to INR 4,454 crore. Additionally, the business plans to release a distinct app for Zepto Cafe, which offers speedy food delivery services for snacks and other things.
According to various media reports, Zepto, the unicorn of rapid commerce, has established Zepto Marketplace Private Limited as a new company to streamline its business practices before going public later this year. Currently, the business uses a business-to-business (B2B) form of operation. Under a licensing arrangement for consumer-facing sales, its Indian subsidiary, Kiranakart Technologies Pvt Ltd, which was established by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, purchases products from brands and sells them only to a specific group of businesses that run the Zepto platform.
Its competitors, like Swiggy Instamart and Blinkit, which is owned by Zomato, have long used a marketplace model that allows several suppliers to post goods directly for customers. Zepto now seems to be doing the same. In an apparent indication of a potential departure from its business-to-business approach, it registered Zepto Marketplace Private Limited on October 22, 2024. As it completes preparations for an India IPO later this year, this change may bring Zepto’s operations closer to those of its publicly traded competitors, Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart.
The Move will Help Investors to Evaluate Zepto’s Operations
Investors, particularly those in the public market, will be better able to compare Zepto‘s operating data to those of its competitors once a consistent business model is established. Another media article, however, made it clear that the new corporation was simply registered in order to transfer the company’s tech-related intellectual property (IP) and online platform. According to this report, the decision to place the company’s technology division on a separate balance sheet will aid in separating the various business divisions.
Current Business Model of Zepto
Geddit Convenience, Drogheria Sellers, and Commodum Groceries are the three businesses to which Zepto licenses its brand name and business operations under the current arrangement. These three businesses use the Zepto platform to sell to final customers after buying their merchandise from Kiranakart Technologies Pvt Ltd.
Kiranakart Technologies is essentially a business-to-business (B2B) company that sources and purchases goods directly from brands and resells them to Zepto’s three licensee businesses. These businesses subsequently sell to final customers. The three businesses pay Zepto a licensing fee for each sale they make through the latter’s platform.
According to sources, Zepto has already added additional sellers and plans to continue growing its seller and distribution base with the assistance of the new organisation. It also plans to lessen its focus on the three businesses (Geddit Convenience, Drogheria Sellers, and Commodum Groceries). Other than Geddit Convenience, Drogheria Sellers, and Commodum Groceries, more sellers are probably going to start selling on the Zepto platform in the upcoming months.
Competitors Adopting Different Approach
Blinkit is a platform where businesses like Hands On Trade, 90Minutes Retail, and others buy products from brands and resell them to B2B wholesalers, who resell them to other businesses (B2C sellers). Zomato, the holding company of Blinkit, appears to have structured its operations to guarantee adherence to foreign direct investment (FDI) regulations while avoiding the purview of related party reporting and consolidation.
International e-commerce firms are able to function autonomously as marketplace enterprises in India. However, international retail corporations are not allowed to operate independently in offline retail due to restrictions governing foreign direct investment (FDI). Only 51% of foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail is permitted, and only through local partnerships. Even then, permission from the government is needed.
Under the government clearance method, however, 100% FDI is permitted in food retail to function and operate both online and offline for food that is made and manufactured in India. With businesses like Scootsy, Lynk Logistics, and others that function as B2B wholesalers, Swiggy Instamart has also created a company structure that is similar. These businesses then sell their goods to other businesses that run dark stores, which in turn sell to the B2C vendors on the Swiggy network.
In short, there is an extra layer of sellers and distributors on both Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart. Although Zepto lacks this additional layer, it is possible that the structure will alter if Zepto Marketplace Pvt Ltd is established.
In today’s fast-paced world, Time has become one of the most valuable and fleeting resources. With the fast-paced lifestyle, people prefer everything quick and easy. Few entrepreneurs have managed to capture this essence of modern consumer needs and come up with extraordinary solutions to modern problems.
One such entrepreneur is Aadit Palicha, the Co-Founder and CEO of Zepto.
This article talks about his inspiring story of unparalleled success. Learn about Aadit Palicha, his education, career, family, net worth, Zepto, and more from this article.
Aadit Palicha – Biography
Name
Aadit Palicha
Born
2001
Birth Place
Mumbai
Education
IB Diploma at GEMS Education Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Stanford University (Dropped Out)
Aadit Palicha, born in Mumbai in 2001, has the credit of being one of the youngest CEOs in India. After completing his schooling, he got the opportunity to pursue higher education in Computer science at Stanford University, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.
However, Palicha’s academic journey took an unconventional turn when he decided to drop out of Stanford. The decision was not out of failure but rather a deep-rooted belief that his time and energy could be better spent pursuing entrepreneurial dreams. He realized that India, with its rapidly growing digital economy, presented a golden opportunity for disruption.
While it will be hard for anyone to drop out of Stanford, Aadit not only took the courageous decision but also proved that it was worth the risk.
Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha – Co-founders of Zepto
At the age of as early as 17, Aadit began his business career by launching GoPool, a student carpool app in Dubai, before Zepto. Sadly, GoPool was unable to gain traction. Later, however, he and Kaivalya Vohra, his childhood friend founded KiranaKart, which ran for roughly ten months. But again, the two decided to shut down KiranaKart since they could not discover a solid product-market fit.
The duo did not sit back discouraged but took these setbacks as learnings and launched the now highly successful Zepto.
Aadit Palicha – The Birth of Zepto
This turning point in Palicha’s career came during the global COVID-19 pandemic. While many were grappling with uncertainty, Palicha identified a gap in the Indian market: the need for faster, more efficient delivery services.
Traditional eCommerce platforms, though effective, often took too long to fulfill orders, leaving a significant opportunity for quick commerce to thrive. This realization led Palicha and Kaivalya to launch Zepto in 2021. Zepto aimed to revolutionize how people shop for groceries and essentials by promising deliveries in 10 minutes—a feat that seemed impossible but became the company’s defining feature. The quick commerce sector was still in its infancy when Zepto was launched, and Palicha wasted no time in capturing the space.
His vision was simple: people shouldn’t have to wait for their everyday needs. Zepto’s hyper-local model, using micro-warehouses strategically placed in urban areas, allowed for fast deliveries, and it didn’t take long for the startup to gain traction. In just one year, Zepto managed to scale rapidly, attracting investors and customers alike.
Today, with around 150 locations across 11 Indian cities, Zepto is still expanding. Among its competitive rivals, it has shown itself to be a huge success.
Aadit Palicha hails from a supportive and entrepreneurial family. His father, Kavit Palicha, is an engineer and also a stakeholder in Zepto, while his mother, Urvashi Palicha, is the CEO of Search Point. Aadit Palicha’s parents have always been supportive and are important figures in his journey.
Aadit has always shown a passion for public speaking and debate. He was a national-level debater during his school years and served as the valedictorian of GEMS Modern Academy in Dubai.
Despite his young age and immense success, Aadit Palicha remains grounded. His life outside of work reflects a deep commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement.
Aadit Palicha – Challenges and Growth
The road to success has not been without hurdles for Palicha. His decision to leave Stanford was not without its challenges, but Palicha has always been firm in his belief that real-world experience can sometimes be the best teacher.
Palicha faced skepticism from many who believed that such rapid growth and aggressive targets were unsustainable. However, his strategic thinking, combined with a strong team and investor backing, allowed Zepto to meet and surpass expectations. His resilience in facing these challenges is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit.
Palicha has also been vocal about the need for young entrepreneurs to be adaptable. He often speaks about how important it is to iterate and pivot quickly in the fast-moving world of startups.
Aadit Palicha – Controversy
Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha recently found himself in the middle of a controversy after a viral Reddit post accused the company of having a toxic work culture, including 2 a.m. meetings and long working hours. In response, Palicha posted on X (formerly Twitter), “I have nothing against work-life balance. In fact, I recommend it to all our competitors.” Palicha later clarified that the statement was a quote from Indian-origin CEO Daksh Gupta of Greptile, an AI startup, who had also sparked controversy for supporting 84-hour workweeks.
While the claims are unverified, the controversy has sparked questions about workplace practices in fast-growing startups like Zepto.
FYI, not my quote – read it from an interview of Daksh Gupta.
Aadit Palicha maintains a low profile on social media, focusing more on his business ventures rather than his personal life. His LinkedIn profile reflects his professional journey, including his role as the co-founder and CEO of Zepto, and highlights his achievements in the startup world.
Despite his youth, he has gained significant attention and followers, particularly from aspiring entrepreneurs and industry professionals who admire his success in quick commerce.
However, he does not appear to be highly active on other platforms like Instagram or Twitter (now X), keeping his social media presence more business-oriented.
Palicha’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. His work with Zepto has earned him several accolades and awards, both within India and internationally.
Some of the famous recognitions that he has received:
He was enlisted in the Forbes India 30 under 30, 2024
He was also in the Economic Times 40 under Forty, 2024
He is also the second youngest to be featured in the Hurun India Rich List in 2024.
Beyond individual awards, Palicha has also been recognized for his contribution to the startup ecosystem. He has been invited to speak at numerous industry events, sharing his insights on scaling a business, leadership, and the future of quick commerce.
End Note
Palicha’s story is of great inspiration to many young entrepreneurs across the country. From his early decision to leave behind a conventional academic path to building a billion-dollar company in record time, Palicha embodies the spirit of modern entrepreneurship. With many more years ahead of him, Palicha is undoubtedly a name to watch as he continues to shape the future of business in India and beyond.
Aadit Palicha is the co-founder and CEO of Zepto, a quick commerce platform.
What is Aadit Palicha age?
Aadit Palicha is 23 years old. He was born in 2001.
Which college did Aadit Palicha drop out from?
Aadit Palicha dropped out of the prestigious Stanford University.
What is Zepto net worth?
Zepto’s valuation is $5 billion as of December 2024, after raising $340 million, as it gears up for an IPO possibly in 2025.
What is Aadit Palicha education?
Zepto CEO, Aadit Palicha’s education includes an IB Diploma in Mathematics and Computer Science from GEMS Education. He then joined Stanford University to study Computer Science but later dropped out to build Zepto.
Who is Aadit Palicha father?
Aadit Palicha’s father, Kavit Dilip Palicha, is an engineer and a stakeholder in Zepto.
What is Aadit Palicha net worth?
Aadit Palicha has a net worth of INR 4,300 crore and was the second youngest on the Hurun India Rich List 2024.
Amazon promises to provide daily necessities in 15 minutes or less as it makes a daring entry into India’s expanding rapid commerce business. Later this month, the test programme will launch in Bengaluru, bringing competition to a market already dominated by Swiggy Instamart, Zepto, and Blinkit.
Samir Kumar, the national manager for Amazon India, made the announcement at the company’s annual Smbhav event in Delhi. He explained that the test experiment is intended to satisfy the need for quicker deliveries and emphasised Amazon’s emphasis on “selection, value, and convenience.” The service’s name, which is allegedly “Tez,” has not been verified, though.
Dark stores, which are tiny warehouses that only fulfil online purchases, will be used by the firm to support its operations. Although Amazon has not disclosed the number of dark stores it plans to open or the cities that will follow Bengaluru, media reports reveal that future growth will be contingent on the pilot’s success.
Why Amazon Wants to Test the Waters of Quick Commerce Space?
In India, quick commerce is expanding quickly due to shifting consumer preferences and an increase in the need for convenience and quickness. Ninety-one percent of Indian internet shoppers are aware of rapid commerce platforms, and over half have recently utilised them, according to a Meta research.
According to the survey, 57% of consumers are spending more money on rapid commerce platforms, with the most popular categories being food and personal care items. Quick commerce concentrates on daily necessities that consumers need right away, in contrast to traditional e-commerce, which is frequently visited for gadgets and fashion items. As consumers depend more and more on fast commerce platforms to restock on fresh produce, dairy, and other essentials, the grocery sector has benefitted greatly from this trend. This is a big change because traditional e-commerce typically takes longer to provide these kinds of things.
Entry Made Late But With Purpose
Amazon is joining the rapid commerce space later than its competitors, who have already taken a sizable portion of the industry. With the use of robust networks of underground stores, businesses like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart can supply groceries and other necessities in a matter of minutes.
Kumar said that Amazon takes its time making decisions but strives to create high-quality products when it does, which is why the firm took so long to launch. Amazon India wants to make sure that its employees and customers are protected. India’s quick commerce market is expected to be worth $6 billion and is expanding quickly. Instead of the conventional one- or two-day possibilities, consumers are increasingly turning to platforms that guarantee ultra-fast deliveries, particularly in urban regions.
Amazon already offers a two-hour grocery delivery service called Amazon Fresh. The 15-minute service might provide it with a convenience advantage and draw in more clients from its current clientele of millions, which includes Prime subscribers.
Locking Horns With Market Leaders
The market for established players like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart may be disrupted by Amazon’s arrival. These players have made extensive use of their first-mover advantage and existing networks. With its client base, financial resources, and logistics know-how, Amazon might really challenge their hegemony.
But it won’t be simple. Fast commerce necessitates perfect execution, which includes competitive pricing, effective delivery systems, and robust inventory management. In a field where competitors already dominate, any mistakes could make it hard for Amazon to get traction.
Kaivalya Vohra, India’s youngest billionaire, and co-founder of Zepto, has made a remarkable name for himself in business at a very young age. Known for revolutionizing the quick-commerce industry, his story stands as an example of how the drive to bring a change can transform the way people experience everyday services.
His entrepreneurial success under his leadership has attracted widespread attention, making him a prominent figure in India’s business landscape. His story is one of the inspiring tales every young entrepreneur looks to learn from. Let’s dive into the story of his towering success.
Kaivalya Vohra – Biography
Name
Kaivalya Vohra
Birth
March 15, 2003
Birth Place
Bengaluru
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Stanford University (dropped out)
Hailing from Bengaluru, he was brought up in Dubai. His family valued learning and innovation which shaped Kaivalya’s life and later fuelled his entrepreneurial ventures.
His passion for learning led him to excel academically, and he soon found himself at Stanford University, where he pursued computer science. However, while Stanford opened doors to learning from the best minds in technology, Kaivalya’s ambition couldn’t be contained in the classroom.
During his time at Stanford, he began exploring opportunities in the startup ecosystem. His entrepreneurial spirit was reignited, pushing him to rethink his academic journey and prioritize building something impactful over following a conventional path. It was this mindset that led to a life-changing decision—leaving one of the most prestigious universities to venture into the business world just like his partner and co-founder of Zepto, Aadit Palicha.
Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha – Co-founders of Zepto
Leaving Stanford was not an easy choice, but for Kaivalya, the decision was driven by a larger vision. Along with his partner, he noticed a significant gap in India’s commerce industry. The lack of quick, reliable delivery services in the grocery segment inspired them to create a solution that would revolutionize the experience for millions of customers.
Their journey started with their company called Kiranakart, which laid the basement for their next improvised venture.
And so, Zepto was born—a startup built on the promise of delivering groceries within ten minutes. A fun fact is that the name Zepto has its root in “zeptosecond,” the smallest unit of time, reflecting the company’s promise to its customers.
What began as an ambitious idea soon turned into a thriving business. The duo launched Zepto during the pandemic, a time when the demand for home-delivered essentials skyrocketed. The app gained rapid popularity for its efficient service, which resonated with urban consumers who were looking for convenience in their everyday shopping experiences.
Zepto’s unique proposition allowed it to grow at an extraordinary pace, drawing attention from major investors and consumers alike.
Kaivalya Vohra – Zepto
Zepto’s rapid success was no accident. Kaivalya’s strategic insights and leadership played a crucial role in the company’s ascent to prominence. Under his guidance, Zepto tapped into the quick-commerce industry, a sector that was still in its infancy in India. By building a hyper-local supply chain, ensuring swift delivery times, and prioritizing customer satisfaction, Zepto established itself as a key player in the eCommerce market.
The company’s growth was meteoric. Within a short period, Zepto raised significant funding from major investors, reaching a valuation that few startups achieve in such a brief timeframe. This growth made Kaivalya one of India’s youngest billionaires, a testament to his ability to navigate a highly competitive market.
Kaivalya and Aadit’s bold approach to tackling challenges, their eye for innovation, and their focus on creating seamless customer experiences were pivotal to Zepto’s dominance in the industry.
Behind the corporate success, Kaivalya remains grounded. Despite his immense wealth and business achievements, he is known for his low-key lifestyle. Kaivalya prefers to keep his personal life private, focusing his energy on growing his business and working on innovations.
Outside of work, Kaivalya’s passion for technology continues to influence his life. He is known to keep himself updated with the latest advancements in tech and business.
Kaivalya values staying connected with his roots and makes time every few months to catch up with his childhood friends, despite his busy schedule. He says that for now, he’s fully dedicated to building Zepto, prioritizing growth over work-life balance.
A fitness enthusiast, Kaivalya prioritizes physical exercise, finding his hour in the gym without gadgets therapeutic. He was also seen mentioning about incorporating meditation into his daily routine, spending at least 10 minutes each day, either before work or during his commute, to stay centered and focused.
Kaivalya Vohra – Awards and Recognitions
Kaivalya’s contributions to the business world haven’t gone unnoticed. His journey from a college dropout to a billionaire has been recognized by prestigious institutions and publications.
In 2024, he was listed in the Hurun India Rich List as the youngest Indian billionaire, a milestone that showcases his rapid rise to the top.
His achievements have been highlighted by major media outlets like Forbes India, Economic Times, and Financial Express, solidifying his reputation as a game-changer in the quick-commerce space.
Kaivalya has also taken a place on Forbes’ influential 30 under 30 Asia list.
Beyond personal accolades, Zepto itself has received multiple awards and recognition for its innovation in e-commerce and customer service. The startup’s ability to transform grocery delivery and challenge traditional business models has made it a celebrated case study in India’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.
Kaivalya Vohra – Future Plans
While the success of Zepto has been extraordinary, the journey has not been without challenges. But that hasn’t stopped the duo from looking ambitiously into the future.
Kaivalya is focused on expanding Zepto’s footprint, both within India and potentially globally. As the quick-commerce industry continues to evolve, Kaivalya is committed to staying ahead of the curve. He envisions Zepto becoming synonymous with fast, reliable service, catering to a wider range of products beyond groceries. His drive to innovate, paired with a deep understanding of consumer needs, will likely fuel Zepto’s continued growth in the coming years.
Kaivalya Vohra is the co-founder and CTO of Zepto.
What is Kaivalya Vohra education?
Kaivalya Vohra is a former student of Stanford University, where he began pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science before choosing to leave the program to focus on other ventures.
Nitin Konde
