Zepto, one of India’s fastest-growing quick commerce unicorns, has officially renames its parent company name from Kiranakart Technologies Pvt Ltd to Zepto Cafe Enterprises Pvt Ltd. This transition, approved by regulatory authorities, is part of the startup’s larger strategy to align its corporate identity with its consumer brand, especially as it prepares for its much-anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO).
This legal renaming comes at a critical juncture. Zepto recently completed a reverse flip, shifting its base from Singapore to India, an essential prerequisite to go public in the Indian market. According to company filings reviewed by Moneycontrol, this name change is designed to simplify branding and foster better recall among users, stakeholders, and investors. Interestingly, Zepto is not alone in this path. Its competitor, Swiggy, also updated its corporate name to Swiggy Limited as part of IPO preparations.
Founded by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto has quickly carved a niche in the high-demand world of 10-minute deliveries. Since its inception, the startup has built a powerful operational model around micro-warehouses and hyperlocal logistics. It currently offers groceries, household essentials, and more across major Indian cities.
Over the last year, Zepto has been on an aggressive growth trajectory. In 2024 alone, it raised more than $1.35 billion across multiple funding rounds from heavyweight backers like Nexus Venture Partners, Glade Brook Capital, and General Catalyst. These fundings helped boost Zepto’s valuation to $5 billion.
As Zepto parent company renames to Zepto Cafe Enterprises Pvt Ltd, the company positions itself for not just branding clarity but also investor confidence. The startup reported Rs 4,454 crore in revenue for FY24 and has also narrowed its losses. The road ahead seems IPO-ready, and the new name might just be the right signal to the market.
1. Introduction to Zepto and Its Business Model
1.1 Understanding the Working Model of Zepto
Zepto operates in the quick commerce space, where convenience and speed define success. It follows a hyperlocal delivery model that allows users to receive groceries and daily essentials in under 10 minutes. This is made possible through a network of dark stores—micro-warehouses strategically located in high-density zones across cities.
The platform connects users through its mobile app. Orders placed are routed to the nearest warehouse, where a pick-and-pack team gets the product ready. From there, delivery executives, usually on bikes, make the delivery within minutes.
1.2 Revenue Model
Zepto earns primarily through product margins, delivery fees, and vendor partnerships. It also generates income via brand promotions and exclusive product listings. By leveraging economies of scale and efficient supply chains, Zepto maintains a viable unit economics structure, which is rare in the quick commerce world.
1.3 Founders and Background
The company was founded by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, both Stanford dropouts. The duo returned to India during the pandemic and saw a gap in the online grocery market. Their idea gained rapid traction, and Zepto soon became synonymous with “10-minute delivery” in India’s urban centers.
2. Services Offered by Zepto
2.1 Product Offerings
Zepto offers a wide range of products, including fresh fruits, vegetables, snacks, beverages, dairy products, household items, and even electronics. Its catalog continues to expand as customer demands evolve.
2.2 City Coverage
Currently, Zepto operates in major Indian metros such as Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, with plans to enter tier-2 cities soon.
3. Zepto Parent Company Renames to Zepto Cafe Enterprises Pvt Ltd
3.1 Legal Renaming Explained
As part of its IPO groundwork, Zepto changed its corporate identity from Kiranakart Technologies Pvt Ltd to Zepto Cafe Enterprises Pvt Ltd. This renaming, confirmed via company filings, aligns the corporate name with the popular consumer-facing brand.
3.2 Strategic Rebranding Similar to Competitors
Swiggy, Zepto’s close competitor, changed its legal name from Bundl Technologies to Swiggy Limited in preparation for its IPO. This shows a broader industry trend where unicorn startups streamline branding ahead of public listings.
4. Timeline of Zepto’s Growth
4.1 Major Funding Rounds
In June 2024, Zepto raised $665 million, its largest funding round to date. Two months later, it secured another $340 million. In November 2024, it raised $350 million from Motilal Oswal and other Indian family offices. This funding was India’s largest 100% domestic startup investment in 2024.
4.2 Valuation and Investor Base
Zepto’s valuation touched $5 billion. Notable investors include Nexus Venture Partners, Glade Brook Capital, General Catalyst, StepStone Group, and several Indian business families like the Taparias, the Cello group, and the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group.
5. Reverse Flip and IPO Preparation
5.1 Transition from Singapore to India
In January 2025, Zepto completed its reverse flip—moving its legal headquarters from Singapore to India. This move was vital for IPO compliance and received approvals from both the Singapore courts and India’s NCLT.
5.2 Revenue and Financials
For FY24, Zepto reported a revenue of Rs 4,454 crore, doubling from the previous year. Losses also declined slightly to Rs 1,248.64 crore. The startup expects to raise $400–500 million through its IPO.
6. Importance of the Legal Name Change
6.1 Better Brand Recall
Renaming helps startups improve brand recall, especially when the consumer-facing name differs from the legal one. A unified identity can also boost investor confidence and improve visibility in red herring prospectuses.
6.2 Alignment with IPO Vision
The renaming aligns Zepto’s branding efforts with its goal of becoming a publicly listed company. It simplifies investor decks, legal filings, and overall communication.
7. Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs
1.1 A legal name should mirror the consumer brand to maintain clarity across all platforms.
1.2 IPO-bound companies should streamline branding, legal structure, and operations to ensure smooth regulatory processes.
1.3 Backing from credible investors and consistent funding rounds help startups build public market confidence.
1.4 Founders must be agile, as seen in Zepto’s rapid transition from a stealth-mode startup to a unicorn.
1.5 A simplified brand identity improves recall and helps cut through the noise in crowded sectors like quick commerce.
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