Kshitij Hande’s Post

Last week, Q-commerce startups Zepto and Blinkit were in the news again. Zepto are readying themselves for another round of funding after their last round in Nov’23, which saw them turn a unicorn. The upcoming round is pegged to be almost 20X the size of the last one, as they aim to raise $650 Mn (source: @Inc42) at a valuation of $3.5Bn. This would see their valuation 2.5X in just under a year. This, on the back of them increasing their revenue 14X in 2023. On the other hand, Blinkit are looking to parent company Zomato, for another cash infusion, ~INR 300Cr as they aim to scale up operations. This would take Zomato’s total investment in Blinkit past INR 2,500 Cr since they acquired it in Aug’22. After having recently turned EBITDA positive in Mar’24, Blinkit will continue to expand into new categories, and open up more dark stores as they aim to cross 1000 by Mar’25. As the race for q-commerce space in India continues to heat up, it’s still anyone’s game. #quickcommerce #qcommerce #blinkit #zomato #zepto #ecommerce #swiggy #india #startup

What does Zepto's $100M funding goal mean for the future of quick commerce in India? In a bold move set to reshape the landscape of quick commerce, Zepto is reportedly advancing talks to secure an impressive $100 million in fresh investments, marking its third round of funding within just six months! The Mumbai-based startup is at the forefront of revolutionizing grocery deliveries across various Indian cities, creating a buzz among urban consumers seeking convenience at their fingertips. With this new influx of capital, Zepto aims to strengthen its operations and attract more domestic investors who share its vision for rapid growth and enhanced customer experience. This move comes amidst a burgeoning demand for fast delivery services in India. As consumer expectations evolve rapidly with technology advancements and daily life pressures, companies like Zepto are primed to innovate continually. The recent discussions highlight not only the potential growth trajectory for quick commerce but also signal confidence from investors looking to stake their claim in one of the world's quickest-growing markets. But what could be next for this ambitious startup? Will it fully capitalize on these opportunities, or will challenges arise as competition heats up? As we watch this remarkable journey unfold, it’s clear that innovation isn’t just beneficial — it’s essential. Incorporating more talent and technology will undoubtedly play a crucial role as they navigate through these exciting yet challenging waters. Equally important is how startups like Zepto purposefully connect with larger corporations willing to partner in pioneering efforts toward corporate innovation. Are you curious about how you can tap into this ecosystem or leverage such connections for your business growth? Connect with startups today! Book your meeting here: https://lnkd.in/dTxGsKrN Join us as we explore what Zoop's journey might mean not only for them but also for consumers and businesses everywhere! #Zepto #QuickCommerce #FundingNews #GroceryDelivery #IndianStartup #InvestmentOpportunities #CorporateInnovation #TechCrunchIndia #EcommerceFuture #StartupCulture Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dHxYwMFx

Zepto just raised $350 million—faster than they deliver groceries! Zepto, the Indian quick-commerce startup, has recently secured $350 million in its third funding round of 2024, maintaining its valuation at an impressive $5 billion. Key highlights from Zepto's journey: Funding Milestones: In June 2024, Zepto raised $665 million, elevating its valuation to $3.6 billion. By August 2024, an additional $340 million was secured, bringing the valuation to $5 billion. Market Expansion: Operating over 250 dark stores across ten metropolitan areas in India, Zepto has significantly expanded its footprint. Competitive Landscape: Zepto competes with platforms like Zomato's Blinkit and Swiggy's Instamart, as well as Reliance's new entry into the market. Insights for Entrepreneurs: Operational Excellence: Zepto's success underscores the importance of efficient logistics and a deep understanding of consumer behavior in the quick-commerce sector. Strategic Funding: Securing substantial investments has enabled Zepto to scale rapidly and maintain a competitive edge. Market Adaptation: By expanding its services and geographical reach, Zepto has effectively met the evolving demands of the Indian consumer market. Zepto's trajectory offers valuable lessons for startups aiming to disrupt traditional markets through innovation and strategic growth. #Zepto #StartupSuccess #QuickCommerce #IndianUnicorns #Entrepreneurship

From Grofers to Blinkit : A Millions-Strong User Base Gets Groceries at Warp Speed This post dives into the story behind Blinkit, the challenges they've overcome, and how they're changing the grocery game in India. ● Grocery stores get tech makeover for more Read this Article : https://lnkd.in/g2BhG9Q3 6084452/ Zomato Deepinder Goyal Saurabh Kumar Albinder Dhindsa #technology #creativity #futurism #startups #innovation #business

Dorm rooms to Doorsteps : The Inspiring Journey of Zepto ⛳ LinkedIn rank Zepto India's top startup for 2024 for obvious reasons! Zepto was not a sole startup entering grocery delivery business Blinkit, bigbasket, instamart, Amazon fresh were already there in the race, then what made zepto stand out and became many people's go to grocery delivery service. 💎 10 minutes fast delivery, along with so many Categories of product while maintaining exceptional customer loyalty. 💎 Zepto business model is based on the “dark store model.” This involves setting up warehouse-style stores in residential areas that are only accessible to delivery drivers. The stores contain a range of products making delivery super fast and convenient for the delivery person as well. 💎 Zepto has raised $340 million in a follow-on financing round at a valuation of $5 billion. 💎 Zepto has more than 6000 employees across six continents and more than 2000 employees in india. 💎 Having dynamic work culture, where efficiency and innovation is valued and welcomed. ------------------------------------------------------ P.S. -What do you think made zepto stand out amongst its other competitors? P.P.S- Which app do you personally prefer for ordering groceries? #zepto #startup #Business

Why Copied Startups Rarely Outperform the Originals? Zomato ($17B) Copied the Idea of DoorDash ($51.46B). Ola ($1.9B) Copied the Idea of Uber ($151.03B). Flipkart ($37.6B) Copied the Idea of Amazon ($1.9T). OYO ($2.4B) Copied the Idea of Airbnb ($72.71B). These startups have become big even after copying ideas from the West. So, Copying ideas is not a bad thing to do. I have shared some startups from India who copied ideas from the West with their current valuation and I am sure this list is big. The real question is why the copied startup idea doesn't beat the original. Why? First-Mover Advantage: The original startup often enjoys a significant first-mover advantage. They've had time to establish their brand, build customer loyalty, and develop a strong market presence. This can be a significant hurdle for copycats to overcome. Lack of Innovation: While copying an idea can be a quick way to enter a market, it often limits the potential for innovation. The original startup likely spent considerable time and resources developing their unique approach. A copycat may struggle to differentiate themselves or add significant value. Resource Constraints: Startups, especially those starting out, often have limited resources. This can make it difficult to compete with larger, more established companies. The original startup may have greater access to funding, talent, and other resources that can give them a significant edge. One thing we can learn from here is that if we want to build the world's biggest companies, we must come up with original ideas and innovation. Copying can't take us to the top". Deepinder Goyal, Bhavish Aggarwal, @Sachin Bansal, Binny Bansal, Tony Xu, Werner Vogels, Travis Kalanick, Brian Chesky, Sivesh Kumar, Harshil Pujara, Harish Uthayakumar, Ayush Shukla, Ishan Sharma #startup #funding #valuation #funding #sharktank #sharktankindia #economy

🚀 𝗭𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝐑𝐬 2,800 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺! Zepto, the quick commerce pioneer, has secured Rs 2800 crores ie $350 million in a funding round led by Motilal Oswal’s private wealth division, marking its third capital raise in six months. This milestone makes it the largest 100% domestic fundraising in India’s startup ecosystem. 🌟 Notable investors include: • Mankind Pharma Family Office • RP Sanjiv Goenka Group • Cello Family Office • Haldiram Snacks Family Office • #AbhishekBachchan & #SachinTendulkar With a flat valuation of $5 billion, #Zepto is reshaping India’s e-commerce sector, pushing giants such as #Flipkart and #BigBasket to dive deeper into instant deliveries. In just over a year, the Zepto has ✅ Achieved #unicorn status ($1.4B valuation) ✅ Secured  $𝟲𝟲𝟱𝗠 in a pre-IPO round in June 2024 ✅ Expanded India’s quick-commerce market, which grew 𝟳𝟳% to $2.8B in GMV Looking ahead, Zepto plans to double its dark stores to 700 by March 2025, preparing for its much-anticipated public market listing next year. Quick commerce is no longer the future—it’s the now. With Zepto leading the way, the Indian startup ecosystem continues to set benchmarks globally. 🌏 What are your thoughts on this rapid evolution of #ecommerce in India? Let’s discuss! 💬 #Technology #quickcommerce #startup #founder #startups #founders #swiggy #zomato Zepto #mumbai #bengaluru. #Delhi Deepinder Goyal Bestvantage Investments #cofounder

📉 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐮𝐧𝐳𝐨: 𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 In the dynamic world of startups, Dunzo emerged as a trailblazer in the hyperlocal delivery space, redefining convenience for millions across India. Founded in 2014, this Bengaluru-based startup quickly gained popularity for its innovative approach to on-demand deliveries, connecting users with local businesses and service providers through a simple app interface. ✨ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐨𝐦 Dunzo was more than a delivery service; it was a lifeline for busy urbanites. Need something picked up or delivered? Just summon Dunzo! With its unique blend of reliability and speed, the app captured the hearts of millions, turning “I’ll just get it later” into “Dunzo’s got this!” 📦 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞 In an ambitious move to expand, Dunzo ventured into the quick commerce space, aiming to deliver essentials in under 20 minutes. This pivot, though enticing, came with significant challenges. The quick commerce market was becoming increasingly competitive, with deep-pocketed rivals emerging to capture consumer attention. 🚧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬: Rapid expansion in the quick commerce segment led to logistical complexities, including managing inventory and ensuring timely deliveries. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The quick commerce market became crowded with well-funded competitors who aggressively lowered prices, putting immense pressure on Dunzo's margins. 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧: As Dunzo diverted resources to chase the quick commerce trend, its core delivery business suffered. The focus shifted away from customer service and reliability, which had been its strengths. Today, Dunzo's journey serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one's core competencies while navigating the rapidly changing landscape of consumer needs. As entrepreneurs, we must learn from such stories—adaptability is key, but so is maintaining the essence of what makes our businesses thrive. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐮𝐧𝐳𝐨? 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐦? 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬! 👑💬 #Dunzo #StartupJourney #QuickCommerce #DeliveryInnovation #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLessons #Logistics #Ecommerce #Adaptability #StartupStories #CustomerExperience #BusinessStrategy #Innovation #ScalingUp #MarketChallenges #ecellineverycollege #nec_ecell_iitbombay #ecellvjit E-Cell, IIT Bombay Vidya Jyothi Institute Of Technology

An inside fight for disruption: Blinkit set to be bigger than Zomato in a year https://lnkd.in/dmPyRH4m Download Economic Times App to stay updated with Business News - https://lnkd.in/eK4XZsX #startups #blinkit #zomato

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐮𝐩 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠! A story by Sindhu Hariharan of Hindu businessline writes that the best sign of the maturity of a start-up ecosystem is the number of people it inspires to branch out from working at start-ups to founding their own. Like Flipkart, Paytm, and now Swiggy, 46 start-ups have emerged from the "Swiggy mafia" with a collective valuation of ₹6,277 crore! Rohit Srivastava, our senior partner, said that leadership exits to start own ventures is more common post-buybacks than after public listings, when executives actually stay and steer company growth. Post ESOP buybacks, enterprising employees, who have also spent a long time in the company, typically take the leap to start their own ventures, he added. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gxb-znHu Swiggy's upcoming IPO will likely fuel more start-ups! What's your take on India's start-up landscape? #StartupMafia #Swiggy #IndianStartups #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Growth #LONGHOUSEConsulting