Zomato Ltd., the popular food delivery giant in India, has taken a significant step towards its future by approving a name change to ‘Eternal Ltd.’ The board of directors confirmed this decision on February 6, 2025. The company, which has revolutionized the food and tech ecosystem in India, believes that the new name better reflects its broader mission beyond food delivery, especially after its recent acquisition of Blinkit. The change is part of a strategic move that aims to redefine Zomato’s corporate identity and align it with its expansion into diverse sectors. While the renaming is subject to shareholder approval and other legal formalities, it marks the beginning of a new era for the company.
1. Introduction to Zomato and its New Identity
Zomato Board Approves Name Change to ‘Eternal’ is a groundbreaking development for the company that has defined the food delivery landscape in India for over a decade. Initially launched as Foodiebay in 2007 by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah, Zomato has expanded from being a restaurant discovery platform to a prominent player in the food delivery space. Today, Zomato operates in multiple markets worldwide, providing services ranging from food delivery and restaurant reviews to grocery services via its Blinkit acquisition.
Zomato’s journey began with a simple yet revolutionary idea to create a website that helped people discover restaurants in their vicinity. However, over time, the company has ventured into diverse verticals such as food delivery, subscription-based services, and now, even grocery delivery, thanks to its strategic investments and acquisitions.
The decision to rename the company to ‘Eternal Ltd.’ reflects Zomato’s shift from a singular focus on food delivery to a broader vision of creating lasting, long-term value. This name change underscores Zomato’s ambition to diversify its operations, especially with its growing involvement in areas beyond food delivery, including logistics and technology.
2. Zomato’s Business Model and Services
Zomato operates under a hybrid revenue model combining food delivery, restaurant listings, and paid subscriptions. It generates revenue primarily through commissions on orders placed via its platform, advertising by restaurant partners, and premium memberships like Zomato Gold, which offers exclusive discounts and benefits to its users.
The company’s services are designed to cater to both consumers and businesses. For consumers, Zomato offers a platform for discovering restaurants, reading reviews, ordering food, and subscribing to loyalty programs. For businesses, Zomato provides tools for restaurant discovery, online ordering, and marketing, enabling them to reach a broader audience.
In addition to its food-related services, Zomato has ventured into grocery delivery through Blinkit, expanding its services beyond just the food sector. With Blinkit’s integration, Zomato aims to provide fast, convenient delivery of grocery items to consumers, further enhancing its market presence.
3. Zomato’s Evolution: From Foodiebay to Zomato to Eternal
Zomato’s evolution is nothing short of extraordinary. What began as a side project by Deepinder Goyal, who was working at Bain & Company, soon transformed into one of India’s most recognizable tech startups. Zomato rebranded from Foodiebay to Zomato in 2010, marking the beginning of its journey as a food tech company.
In the years that followed, Zomato expanded its reach by acquiring several businesses, including Urbanspoon in 2015, which helped it solidify its presence in the global food tech ecosystem. The company also made a significant foray into the food delivery market, competing with giants like Swiggy. Its IPO in 2021 made it one of the most successful food tech IPOs in India, signaling its growing influence in the startup ecosystem.
However, as Zomato grew, it realized that its mission was no longer limited to food delivery. This realization led to the company’s decision to rebrand itself to Eternal Ltd. The acquisition of Blinkit, an online grocery delivery service, played a key role in this decision, as it highlighted the company’s diversification into new markets.
4. The Rationale Behind the Name Change
The name change from Zomato Ltd. to Eternal Ltd. is not just a cosmetic shift but a reflection of Zomato’s long-term vision. In a letter to shareholders, Deepinder Goyal, the CEO and co-founder of Zomato, explained that the name ‘Eternal’ signifies permanence, longevity, and enduring impact. This rebranding aligns with the company’s goal of becoming a lasting institution, transcending its initial food-related roots and venturing into new sectors such as logistics, technology, and even clean energy.
Eternal also represents a mission statement. The name reminds Zomato’s team and stakeholders that the company earns its longevity by continuously improving, embracing limitations, and staying humble despite its successes. As the company continues to grow, it wants to remain grounded and ensure that its work remains meaningful and impactful for years to come.
5. Key Details of the Name Change Process
As per the board’s resolution on February 6, 2025, the name change is subject to shareholder approval, which will be sought through a postal ballot. The company will also need to amend its Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) to reflect the new identity. Zomato has announced that once the name change is approved, it will transition its corporate website from zomato.com to eternal.com and update its stock ticker from ZOMATO to ETERNAL.
This renaming marks a pivotal moment for Zomato, as it aligns with its broader strategy of diversification and its commitment to fostering long-term growth. The change is expected to significantly impact the company’s branding and market positioning, further strengthening its status as a tech-driven leader in India.
6. The Impact of the Name Change on Zomato’s Future
The rebranding from Zomato Ltd. to Eternal Ltd. comes at a crucial juncture in the company’s history. The name change will reflect Zomato’s growing focus on diversifying its operations and entering new markets. Beyond food delivery, Zomato’s operations will encompass a wider array of services, from grocery delivery through Blinkit to potential ventures in other sectors, including logistics, health tech, and even artificial intelligence-driven solutions.
Eternal’s mission to create a long-lasting impact and contribute to various sectors will likely resonate with customers and investors alike. The name change positions Zomato as a more versatile and future-ready organization, ready to scale up its innovations in multiple industries.
7. Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs
For startups and entrepreneurs, Zomato’s name change offers several valuable insights:
- Adaptability is Key: Zomato’s shift from a food delivery platform to a diversified tech company shows how essential it is for businesses to adapt their identities and operations as they evolve.
- Brand Evolution: The process of rebranding is a strategic decision that can help a company redefine its goals, communicate a fresh vision, and align with changing market dynamics.
- Focus on Long-Term Vision: Zomato’s commitment to creating lasting value through its new identity reminds entrepreneurs to think beyond immediate gains and focus on sustainable, long-term growth.
- Diversification is Powerful: The company’s expansion into multiple sectors highlights the importance of diversifying business models, offering new services, and exploring opportunities beyond the core business.
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