Zomato was launched in 2008 by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah as a restaurant discovery platform under the name FoodieBay. What started as a simple website aimed at making restaurant menus accessible to users has evolved into a global food-tech powerhouse. Since its inception, Zomato has continually expanded its services, transforming how people discover, order, and enjoy food.
The Early Days: From FoodieBay to Zomato
Launch and Rebranding (2008-2010)
Zomato was initially launched in Delhi as FoodieBay in 2008. The platform quickly gained popularity by digitizing restaurant menus, a simple yet powerful idea that addressed a significant pain point for urban consumers. Recognizing the potential for expansion, the founders rebranded FoodieBay to Zomato in 2010 to avoid trademark conflicts and to create a more memorable and versatile brand name. This rebranding was a turning point, allowing Zomato to scale its services beyond menu listings.
Key Milestones in Zomato’s Evolution
1. International Expansion (2012-2014)
After establishing itself in India, Zomato began its international journey in 2012 by entering markets like the UAE, Sri Lanka, and the UK. This expansion marked Zomato’s transition from a local startup to a global player in the restaurant discovery space. By 2014, Zomato was operating in over 20 countries, offering restaurant reviews, ratings, and information to a global audience.
2. Introduction of Food Delivery (2015)
Zomato ventured into food delivery in 2015, directly competing with established players like Swiggy. This move diversified Zomato’s revenue streams and significantly increased its user base. The addition of food delivery services transformed Zomato from a discovery platform into a comprehensive food-tech company, offering everything from restaurant information to home delivery.
3. Acquisition of Blinkit and Quick Commerce Expansion (2022)
In 2022, Zomato acquired Blinkit, a quick commerce platform, further diversifying its service offerings. This acquisition marked Zomato’s entry into the instant grocery delivery market, allowing it to compete with players like Swiggy Instamart and Zepto. Blinkit’s rapid growth has made it a critical part of Zomato’s strategy to dominate the food-tech and quick commerce sectors.
4. IPO and Market Leadership (2021-Present)
Zomato went public in July 2021, with an IPO that was one of the most successful in Indian tech history. The company’s listing on the stock exchange marked a new era, solidifying its position as a market leader. Since its IPO, Zomato has focused on profitability, with the company posting consecutive profitable quarters in FY24. The ongoing expansion of services and geographical reach indicates that Zomato is well-positioned for sustained growth.
FAQ
1. What was Zomato’s original name?
Zomato was originally launched as FoodieBay in 2008.
2. When did Zomato rebrand from FoodieBay?
Zomato rebranded from FoodieBay to Zomato in 2010.
3. When did Zomato launch its food delivery service?
Zomato launched its food delivery service in 2015.
4. What was Zomato’s biggest acquisition?
Zomato’s biggest acquisition was Blinkit, a quick commerce platform, in 2022.
5. When did Zomato go public?
Zomato went public in July 2021 with a highly successful IPO.