History of Zomato

Zomato, founded in 2008 as Foodiebay by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah, began with menus, grew into delivery, expanded globally, and went public with its IPO in 2021.
History of Zomato
3 min
23-June-2025
Zomato has emerged as one of the leading players in India’s online food delivery and restaurant discovery sector. With the rise of digitalisation, its platform offers a convenient way to explore menus, order meals, and review restaurants. For Indian investors looking to diversify their portfolios, understanding Zomato’s business model and stock performance is crucial. This article provides an insightful overview of Zomato, its journey, and investment potential.

Overview of Zomato

Zomato is an Indian multinational company that specialises in food delivery, restaurant discovery, and dining-out services. Founded in 2008, it started as a restaurant listing platform and evolved into a comprehensive food tech business. Zomato operates across more than 500 cities in India and several countries worldwide. The platform connects millions of customers with restaurants, offering services such as food ordering, table reservations, and contactless dining experiences. Its innovative approach and strong technology base have made it a key player in India’s rapidly growing food delivery market.

How Zomato started and evolved

Zomato was founded in 2008 by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah as a restaurant discovery platform, initially called Foodiebay. It started by providing menus and reviews, helping customers make informed dining choices. Over the years, Zomato expanded its services to include online food ordering in 2015, riding on India’s smartphone revolution and rising internet penetration. It also acquired several startups, increasing its market reach and technological capabilities. Today, Zomato offers end-to-end food services, including delivery, subscriptions, and cloud kitchens, adapting constantly to market needs and consumer behaviour.

Key milestones in Zomato

Zomato has achieved significant milestones that have shaped its growth trajectory. In 2015, it launched its food delivery service, capitalising on India’s rising demand for online food orders. The company acquired Uber Eats India in 2020, strengthening its market position. Zomato went public in July 2021, marking one of India’s most anticipated tech IPOs. It also expanded globally, entering markets like the UAE and the US. Other milestones include launching subscription services like Zomato Pro and developing AI-driven delivery optimisation to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.

How did Zomato help society

Zomato has contributed significantly to the Indian economy by supporting the foodservice industry, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided a platform for thousands of restaurants and delivery partners to sustain operations. Zomato’s services have made food more accessible, especially in urban areas, enhancing convenience for consumers. The company has also launched initiatives promoting hygiene, contactless delivery, and sustainability. Furthermore, it has created millions of employment opportunities, from delivery personnel to tech professionals, fostering economic growth in India.

What is the future of Zomato?

With Zomato’s continuous innovation and expansion plans, the company seems to be highly future oriented. The company is focusing on integrating advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning to personalise user experiences and optimise delivery networks. Zomato is also exploring cloud kitchens, subscription models, and grocery delivery to diversify revenue streams. Expanding in international markets remains a priority, alongside improving profitability in existing markets. For Indian investors, Zomato’s commitment to innovation and scaling its operations signals a dedication towards customer satisfaction and in the evolving food tech sector.

Zomato stock performance

Zomato’s stock performance has been closely watched since its IPO in July 2021. Initially, the share price experienced volatility, reflecting broader market conditions and investor sentiment towards tech startups. Despite challenges, Zomato has shown resilience with strategic acquisitions and improved financial metrics. The company’s ability to expand market share and enhance operational efficiency influences its stock trends. Investors should monitor factors such as quarterly earnings, market competition, and regulatory environment to assess Zomato’s long-term investment viability in the Indian stock market.

Advantages of investing in Zomato

Investing in Zomato offers several advantages for Indian investors seeking exposure to the growing digital economy. Firstly, Zomato operates in a rapidly expanding sector driven by changing consumer behaviour and urbanisation. The company’s diversified services—from food delivery to subscriptions—create multiple revenue sources. Secondly, Zomato’s strong brand recognition and technological edge give it a competitive advantage. Lastly, its presence in emerging markets beyond India is a good proof of Zoamto’s impact on the food-tech industry. However, investors must weigh these benefits against risks such as intense competition and market fluctuations.

Conclusion

Zomato represents an exciting investment opportunity for Indian investors interested in the food tech sector. Its journey from a restaurant listing site to a global food delivery powerhouse highlights strong innovation and adaptability. While stock performance has seen fluctuations, Zomato’s growth prospects remain solid with ongoing expansion and technological advancements. Understanding these factors can help investors.

Frequently asked questions

Is Zomato only available in India?
No, Zomato operates in multiple countries beyond India. It has had a global presence in regions like the UAE, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. However, in recent years, it has exited some international markets to focus on strengthening its operations in India, where it holds a dominant position in the online food delivery and restaurant discovery space.

How does Zomato make money?
Zomato earns revenue through multiple channels. These include commissions from food delivery services, advertising fees from restaurants for higher visibility, subscription plans like Zomato Gold/Zomato Pro, and delivery logistics services. The company also earns through its dining-out platform and cloud kitchen partnerships. This diversified model helps it sustain operations and drive growth across its digital food ecosystem.

What is Zomato Gold?
Zomato Gold, now rebranded as Zomato Pro, is a paid subscription service offering members exclusive benefits. These include discounts on food delivery and dining at partner restaurants. It also provides priority delivery and access to special deals. The programme is designed to enhance customer loyalty and boost order frequency, contributing to Zomato’s recurring revenue stream.

Can I invest in Zomato if I’m not in India?
Yes, non-resident investors can invest in Zomato through Indian stock exchanges like NSE and BSE, subject to regulatory conditions. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and others can participate by opening a trading account with an authorised broker in India. Compliance with RBI and SEBI regulations is mandatory for cross-border investment transactions.

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