02046nam a22001457a 4500 533625 533625 260608b ||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d Kumar, Rahul Zepto: 61087 Can speed alone build market leaderships? Bharat Journal of Case Studies 1(2), Dec, 2025: p.145-168 The case explores the strategic dilemma faced by Aadit Palicha, co-founder and CEO of Zepto, India’s fastest-growing quick-commerce startup, in early 2025. After achieving a $5.5 billion valuation and doubling revenue to ₹4,454 crore in FY24, Zepto remained unprofitable, grappling with high operational costs and investor pressure to define a clear exit strategy. Founded in 2021 by Stanford dropouts Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto revolutionised India’s grocery market with its 10-minute delivery model powered by hyperlocal dark stores and AI-driven logistics. Despite rapid growth and a 29 % market share, the company faced stiff competition from Blinkit (46 %) and Swiggy Instamart (25 %). As investor sentiment shifted from growth to profitability, Palicha needed to decide whether Zepto should pursue an IPO, raise another venture capital round, merge with a strategic player, or pivot its business model. The case situates this decision within India’s $6 billion quick-commerce industry, projected to reach $20 billion by 2030, yet challenged by thin margins, high cash burn, and uncertain unit economics. It invites students to evaluate the sustainability of Zepto’s growth strategy, assess the trade-offs among financing and exit options, and design a profitability pathway for a company that has redefined consumer convenience but must now prove its financial resilience.-Reproduced https://www.printspublications.com/journal/bharat-journal-of-case-studies Quick commerce, Startup strategy, Exit strategy, IPO decagons, Venture capital, Mergers and acquisitions, Market leadership, Strategic finance. 61088 Bharat Journal of Case Studies AR 0 0 ddc 0 0 408806 IIPA IIPA 2026-06-08 1(2), Dec, 2025: p.145-168 AR139102 2026-06-08 AR