Zepto, the Mumbai-based quick commerce unicorn, has secured $450 million in a fresh funding round, catapulting its valuation to $7 billion — nearly double from its previous round just months ago. The round saw participation from existing backers such as Glade Brook Capital, Nexus Venture Partners, StepStone Group, and Goodwater Capital, alongside new institutional investors eager to tap into India’s booming instant delivery space.
Co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha announced that Zepto now holds $900 million in cash reserves, positioning it strongly against rivals Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart. “Our capital position is stronger than ever. We are building not just for growth, but for long-term profitability,” Palicha said in a statement.
Founded in 2021 by Stanford dropouts Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto has rapidly scaled its 10-minute delivery model across major Indian cities. The company claims to have achieved EBITDA positivity in several key markets and is on track for company-wide profitability in 2026.
Zepto’s dark-store network — now crossing 350 locations nationwide — continues to be the backbone of its operations, enabling deliveries of groceries, snacks, and daily essentials in record time. The firm has also begun experimenting with non-grocery categories, including personal care and home goods, to expand its average order value.
With this round, Zepto cements its position as India’s fastest-growing consumer internet company, defying skepticism around the sustainability of the quick commerce model. Investors are betting big that Zepto’s disciplined execution and capital efficiency could make it the first profitable player in India’s hyper-competitive instant delivery market.
