Aadit Palicha story is one of bold innovation, speed, and solving real problems. As the co-founder and CEO of Zepto, he turned a simple but powerful idea into one of India’s fastest-growing startups—delivering groceries in just 10 minutes. Along with his childhood friend Kaivalya Vohra, Aadit dropped out of Stanford University at 19 to chase a vision most people found impossible. Today, Zepto is not only changing how Indians shop daily but is also shaping the future of quick commerce. His journey is proof that age is no barrier when your mission is clear and your actions are relentless.
Basic Details
| Legal Name | Zepto Technologies Pvt. Ltd. |
| Brand | Zepto |
| Founder | Aadit Palicha |
| Co-Founder | Kaivalya Vohra |
| CEO | Aadit Palicha |
| Industry | Quick Commerce |
| Website | www.zeptonow.com |
| Year of Founding | 2021 (Mumbai, India) |
| Founder Education | Dropped out of Stanford University |
| Valuation | Approx. $5 Billion (as of 2025) |
| Employees | 1,500+ |
| Headquarter | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
PERSONAL STORY: AADIT PALICHA
Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, childhood friends from Dubai, embarked on their entrepreneurial journey at the age of 19. Initially enrolled in Stanford University’s computer science program, they decided to drop out to pursue their startup ambitions. In 2021, they co-founded Zepto, aiming to address the challenges faced by consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the delays in grocery deliveries.
Their journey wasn’t without challenges. They initially launched a platform named KiranaKart, focusing on partnering with local kirana stores. However, this approach didn’t gain the desired traction. Undeterred, they rebranded to Zepto and adopted a vertical integration model, establishing their own network of dark stores to ensure faster deliveries. Their resilience and adaptability were key in navigating the competitive landscape of quick commerce.
FOUNDING STORY: ZEPTO
The idea behind Zepto was born during the pandemic in 2020, when Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra were stuck at home in Mumbai. Daily grocery deliveries were slow and unreliable. This real-world problem sparked a simple question in their minds—“What if groceries could arrive in just 10 minutes?” That thought became their mission. At just 19, both had already dropped out of Stanford University to build something that could truly solve a daily struggle for millions of Indians.
They didn’t come from business families or have big capital. In fact, their first venture was a failed startup called KiranaKart, where they tried to work with local kirana stores. It didn’t work the way they hoped—but instead of giving up, they pivoted. With lessons from that failure, they launched Zepto in 2021 and began building their own network of “dark stores”—mini-warehouses located close to customers for fast delivery.
Raising funds wasn’t easy at first. Many investors doubted their age and inexperience. But one early backer, Contrary Capital, believed in their vision. That first cheque helped them launch in Mumbai. The initial struggle was everything—from hiring the right people, managing inventory, and meeting the 10-minute promise. But Aadit and Kaivalya were hands-on, working 18-hour days and constantly learning.
The first small win came when customers started reordering frequently. People loved the speed and convenience. Word spread fast, and demand grew.
Their turning point came in 2022, when Zepto secured major funding from Y Combinator and Nexus Venture Partners. This gave them the push to expand rapidly across Indian metros. The idea was no longer just a bold experiment—it was working at scale.
Like every startup, Zepto made mistakes. Early on, they overestimated some store locations, leading to delays and wastage. But every error was treated as a lesson. Aadit once said, “Mistakes are okay—as long as they’re new mistakes each time.”
By 2025, Zepto has grown into a $5 billion quick commerce leader. But it all started with a real problem, a failed attempt, and two young founders who refused to give up.
COMPANY PROFILE: ZEPTO
Zepto is a quick commerce platform specializing in delivering groceries within 10 minutes. Founded in 2021 by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, the company aims to revolutionize the grocery delivery landscape in India by leveraging technology and efficient logistics.
Services/Products Offered
- Grocery Delivery: A wide range of daily essentials delivered within minutes.
- Zepto Café: A division focusing on the delivery of coffee and ready-to-eat food.
- Zepto Bloom: A platform for farmers to manage food production and distribute goods from villages to cities.
Business Model
Zepto operates on a direct-to-consumer (D2C) model, utilizing a network of dark stores to fulfill orders efficiently.
Revenue Model
The company generates revenue through:
- Sales of groceries and other products.
- Delivery charges for expedited services.
- Partnerships with brands for featured listings.
Market Landscape
The quick commerce sector in India is rapidly growing, with platforms like Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy’s Instamart leading the charge. The market is projected to reach a value of $35 billion by 2030.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Zepto’s USP lies in its promise of delivering groceries within 10 minutes, setting it apart from traditional grocery delivery services.
Funding and Investment
- 2021: Raised $60 million in an initial funding round.
- 2023: Secured an additional $235.4 million, bringing the total funding to over $300 million.
Growth Highlights
- 2021: Launched the Zepto app and began operations in Mumbai.
- 2022: Expanded to multiple cities across India.
- 2023: Achieved unicorn status with a valuation of $5 billion.
Team Size & Culture
With over 1,500 employees, Zepto fosters a culture of innovation, agility, and customer-centricity, empowering its team to drive the company’s mission forward.
Mission & Vision
- Mission: To provide ultra-fast grocery deliveries, making daily essentials accessible at the tap of a button.
- Vision: To become the leading quick commerce platform in India, setting new standards in delivery speed and customer satisfaction.
Awards and Achievements
- Recognized in Forbes India’s “30 Under 30” list for 2024.
- Featured in Fast Company’s “World’s Most Innovative Companies” list.
Future Plans
Zepto plans to expand its services to more cities, enhance its technology infrastructure, and explore international markets to further its mission of revolutionizing grocery delivery.
FOUNDER GUIDE
“Building Zepto was not just about delivering groceries; it was about creating a solution that made life easier for people, especially during challenging times.”
— Aadit Palicha, Co-founder & CEO, Zepto
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- Identify Real Problems: Focus on solving genuine problems faced by people.
- Adapt and Iterate: Be prepared to pivot and adapt your business model based on feedback and market demands.
- Build a Strong Team: Surround yourself with a team that shares your vision and is committed to the mission.
WHAT WE LEARN FROM THE STORY
The Story of Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra teaches us that age is not a barrier to success. Their story underscores the importance of identifying real-world problems and creating innovative solutions. By staying adaptable and resilient, they transformed a simple idea into a billion-dollar company, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.
