Founded in 2008 by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah, Zomato began as a simple restaurant listing and review platform called Foodiebay. Today, it stands as one of India’s most successful food-tech companies, seamlessly connecting users with restaurants, cloud kitchens, and food delivery services across the country—and even globally.
From Menus to Meals at Your Doorstep
Zomato’s early innovation was digitizing restaurant menus and customer reviews, offering users a reliable source of information before dining out. Over time, it introduced:
Online food delivery
Table bookings
Contactless dining
Subscription services like Zomato Pro
Zomato Gold (early loyalty program)
Its user-friendly app and real-time tracking turned food delivery into a smooth, engaging experience for millions.
Expanding Beyond India
Zomato expanded operations across 20+ countries, though it later focused primarily on the Indian market. The company also acquired Uber Eats India in 2020, solidifying its position in the competitive food delivery space.
IPO & Investor Confidence
In July 2021, Zomato made headlines by becoming one of the first major Indian startups to go public, with a successful IPO that received overwhelming response. It marked a turning point in India’s startup ecosystem and inspired other tech firms to explore public listings.
Sustainability and Innovation
Zomato has also taken steps toward social and environmental responsibility:
Reducing plastic use in deliveries
Supporting local cloud kitchens and small eateries
Promoting healthy and conscious eating
Launching Zomato Feeding India, a non-profit initiative to combat hunger and food waste
Conclusion
Zomato’s journey reflects how a tech startup can not only disrupt an industry but also shape lifestyle habits. From ordering a late-night snack to discovering hidden food gems, Zomato has played a central role in defining India’s modern food culture.
