Mumbai‑based quick commerce firm Zepto is poised to close a fresh funding round by the third week of October, according to Business Today. The round is expected to be worth about US$500 million, and would drive Zepto’s valuation beyond US$7 billion —nearly double its last known valuation.
This fundraising is unfolding at a pivotal moment for the company. Zepto shifted its base back to India earlier this year via a reverse flip, and had initially aimed to file its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) in early 2025.
However, the startup deferred its IPO plans to focus on achieving sustainable profitability first.
With this new capital infusion, insiders suggest Zepto may revisit its IPO ambitions shortly after the round closes.
Earlier this year, Motilal Oswal Financial Services committed about US$48 million to Zepto.
In 2024, the company raised US$665 million, which valued it at US$3.6 billion, followed by a further US$340 million round that elevated its valuation to US$5 billion.
The broader quick commerce sector continues to attract investor attention, driven by rising consumer demand and seasonal shopping surges.
Independent estimates suggest the category could generate around US$1.6 billion in sales during the upcoming festive season—about 12 percent of total online commerce. The net order value (NOV) is projected to expand by 25–30 percent quarter‑on‑quarter during the period, pointing to robust demand momentum.
Zepto, founded in 2021 by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, has emerged as one of India’s fast‑rising players in the hypercompetitive quick commerce space, facing rivals such as Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart.
With its new capital, the company plans to scale its dark store network, improve logistics efficiencies, and place renewed emphasis on profitability metrics—efforts intended to strengthen its case ahead of an eventual listing.
While Zepto has not formally responded to media queries concerning the planned fundraise, public filings and reports suggest that investors remain confident in the company’s trajectory.
If the round concludes as expected, Zepto will enter the next phase of its growth journey with enhanced financial flexibility and renewed momentum toward its long‑term goals.
Also Read: Microsoft, AWS, and Google to Shift Production Out of China?