Zomato, now a household name in India’s food delivery market, started with a very different identity. Initially launched in 2008 as Foodiebay, the platform was created by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah to serve as a comprehensive restaurant listing website. However, as the company grew and expanded its offerings, the need for a rebranding became apparent.
The Journey from Foodiebay to Zomato
In 2010, as Foodiebay began attracting more users and investors, including a significant investment from Info Edge, the founders realized that their original name might limit their potential. The name “Foodiebay” was closely associated with food and bore an unintentional resemblance to “eBay,” which could lead to trademark issues in the future.
To overcome these limitations and to support their broader vision of expanding into adjacent verticals beyond just food, the founders decided on a rebranding. The new name, Zomato, was chosen as a playful twist on the word “tomato.” This name was intended to be more versatile, memorable, and not confined to the food industry alone.
Why Zomato?
Zomato was chosen for its catchy, easy-to-remember sound and its potential to represent a wide range of services. According to Deepinder Goyal, the name had a “zing” to it and was timeless, allowing the brand to grow beyond just restaurant listings. This change marked the beginning of Zomato’s transformation into the multifaceted platform it is today.
FAQ
1. What does “Zomato” mean?
“Zomato” is a play on the word “tomato.” It was chosen for its catchy sound and potential to represent more than just food services.
2. Why did Zomato change its name from Foodiebay?
The name was changed to avoid potential trademark issues with eBay and to allow the company to expand into other verticals beyond food.
3. When was Zomato rebranded from Foodiebay?
Zomato was rebranded from Foodiebay in November 2010 as part of a strategy to support its broader business ambitions.
4. Who were the founders of Zomato?
Zomato was founded by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah in 2008.
5. What was the initial purpose of Zomato (formerly Foodiebay)?
The platform was created as a restaurant listing and review site, helping users find menus and reviews for eateries.