In a wide-ranging conversation with Garry Tan, CEO of Y Combinator, Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha opened up about his entrepreneurial journey, the quick commerce revolution in India, and why Indian engineers have become the backbone of his company’s success. According to Palicha, the abundant, skilled, and determined workforce in India gives startups a tremendous advantage when it comes to building and scaling effectively.
The Origins of Zepto: How a WhatsApp Idea Became India’s Fastest-Growing Quick Commerce Brand
Zepto’s story began like many successful startups — with a simple idea exchanged between friends. Co-founders Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, both Stanford University computer science dropouts, launched Zepto in 2021. What started as a vision discussed in a WhatsApp group soon evolved into a nationwide quick commerce revolution. Today, Zepto is one of India’s most popular grocery delivery apps, known for its 10-minute delivery promise and its tech-first approach. With over 3,000 corporate employees and hundreds of dark stores, Zepto is redefining urban convenience across major cities. This impressive growth highlights not only the strength of their business model but also their ability to tap into India’s deep reservoir of engineering and operational talent.
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Why Building in India Offers a Unique Edge, According to Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha
When asked about the unique advantages of building a startup in India, Aadit Palicha didn’t hesitate — the answer is the exceptional local talent. He revealed that during Zepto’s early stages, they also considered hiring engineers from the United States, particularly in San Francisco. However, after interviewing both American and Indian engineers, Palicha concluded that Indian professionals were equally, if not more, capable. He emphasized that the technical ability, hunger for success, and adaptability of Indian engineers often go underappreciated on the global stage.
Palicha shared that many top internet startups now set up engineering hubs in Bengaluru for a reason — the quality of talent is high, yet the market remains comparatively less saturated than Silicon Valley. In his words, “It’s very competitive, but still far less competitive than what you’d experience trying to build the same thing in San Francisco.” His experience underlines the competitive advantage Indian startups have when it comes to talent acquisition and long-term growth.
Scaling Zepto with India’s Tech-Driven Talent Pool and Operational Excellence
Zepto’s success is not just about fast delivery — it’s about how efficiently they scale operations across cities using robust backend systems, route optimization algorithms, and high-performing teams. Behind that innovation lies a strong, capable Indian workforce that makes things happen in real time. Whether it’s software developers building proprietary platforms, product managers executing complex logistics strategies, or local operations teams managing dark stores — Indian talent is powering every part of the business.
Palicha’s leadership and ability to attract top-tier talent from India’s tech ecosystem have helped Zepto reach unicorn status in record time. In 2024, Zepto raised more than $1 billion in funding, pushing its valuation to over $5 billion. Yet, Palicha remains grounded. “We’re not a success — not even close. We have a couple of decades to go before we can realistically say we’ve won,” he said during the interview. This level of humility reflects his long-term vision and desire to build something truly transformative.
Zepto’s Vision for the Future: Building a $50 Billion Company with Indian Roots
While Zepto has already made headlines for its astonishing growth, Palicha’s aspirations are far greater. He envisions Zepto becoming a $50 billion company — a symbol of Indian innovation that competes on the global stage. For him, this vision is rooted in purpose: building a company that the country can take pride in, one that creates thousands of jobs and contributes meaningfully to the economy.
He also acknowledged that India’s digital infrastructure and startup ecosystem have matured significantly in the last decade. With rapid digitization, rising internet penetration, and supportive government policies, the Indian market is more ready than ever to foster next-generation startups. As a result, Zepto is not just participating in this ecosystem — it’s actively shaping it.
Why Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha Praises India’s Talent as His Biggest Asset
Aadit Palicha’s journey offers valuable insight into what makes India a rising star in the global startup landscape. His firm belief in the power of local talent serves as an inspiration for other entrepreneurs building in emerging markets. From choosing India over Silicon Valley to scaling one of the country’s most disruptive startups, Palicha proves that when you bet on Indian talent, you can build something extraordinary.
With the right vision, access to quality talent, and a commitment to solving real problems, startups in India are no longer playing catch-up — they’re setting the pace. Zepto’s rise is proof that India’s startup ecosystem, powered by its people, is poised to take center stage.
