Zomato, the popular food and quick commerce platform, has appointed Shalin Bhatt, a former executive, to lead its dining-out business. Bhatt rejoined the company in 2024 after leaving in 2021 and replaced Sankalp Kathuria, who resigned from the role. This leadership change is part of Zomato’s broader strategy to consolidate its going-out services under a new app, District. The company aims to strengthen its dining-out vertical, alongside its investments in live events and ticketing. With Zomato’s expanding portfolio, Bhatt’s return highlights the company’s focus on scaling its services beyond food delivery, setting the stage for long-term growth in a competitive market.
Introduction to Zomato’s Business Model and Growth Trajectory
Zomato, founded in 2008 by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah, has grown into one of India’s most well-known foodtech and quick-commerce platforms. Originally focused on food delivery, Zomato has evolved to include a variety of services such as restaurant discovery, online ordering, and dining-out reservations. The company’s mission is to provide customers with an end-to-end food service experience, from discovery to delivery, and is now expanding its services further with initiatives like District.
Revenue Model and Funding Background
Zomato generates revenue primarily through delivery services, restaurant advertisements, and premium subscriptions such as Zomato Pro. It also monetizes its user base by offering restaurant listings and advertisements. Over the years, Zomato has attracted significant funding, having raised several rounds of investments from major global venture capitalists. Some of the prominent investors include Sequoia Capital, Ant Financial, and Tiger Global. The company went public in 2021 with an IPO that was well-received by the Indian market, reflecting its strong position in the tech-driven foodservice industry.
The Company’s Offerings and Services
Zomato’s core services revolve around food delivery, where users can browse menus, order food, and have it delivered from their favorite restaurants. However, the company has expanded its offerings to cater to an evolving market. Zomato Gold and Zomato Pro offer customers exclusive discounts and access to premium content in restaurants. Additionally, Zomato’s dining-out services, which include reservations and reviews, have become a crucial component of its offering.
Shalin Bhatt’s Appointment as the Head of Dining-Out Business
Zomato has appointed former executive Shalin Bhatt to lead its dining-out business, supporting the company’s focus on expanding its going-out vertical. Bhatt, an IIT Kharagpur, and IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, first joined Zomato in 2017. He played a pivotal role as the head of growth before leaving the company in 2021. Bhatt returned to Zomato in 2024, bringing his rich experience from the venture capital sector, having worked with Matrix Partners India.
Bhatt’s Experience and Leadership Role
Bhatt’s career trajectory includes stints at major tech firms like Moloco, where he honed his skills in programmatic advertising. His deep understanding of the tech and startup ecosystem, coupled with his previous experience at Zomato, positions him well to lead the company’s dining-out division. Shalin Bhatt a leadership comes at a time when Zomato is undergoing major strategic shifts to expand its offerings.
Replacing Sankalp Kathuria, who stepped down from his role as the business head for dining out, Bhatt is now the third leader to oversee this vertical in just over two years. His appointment indicates a strategic effort to provide stability and growth within the dining-out business.
Zomato’s Focus on the District App
Zomato’s transition toward the District app is a key element of its long-term growth strategy. The app consolidates all of Zomato’s going-out offerings in one place, including dining reservations, live events, and ticketing. With the increasing competition in the online food delivery space, Zomato has made deliberate efforts to strengthen its going-out vertical. The District app has already surpassed 6.5 million downloads, reflecting a growing interest in services beyond food delivery.
Investment in Live Events and Ticketing
Zomato’s acquisition of Paytm’s events and ticketing business for Rs 2,048 crore strengthens its presence in live events and ticketing. The company has hired industry veterans like Zeenah Vilcassim, CEO of Zomato Live, and Kunal Khambhati, ex-BookMyShow executive, to drive growth in this sector. This complements the company’s existing dining-out offerings and creates a more holistic experience for users.
The Leadership Shifts at Zomato’s Dining-Out Division
Zomato’s dining-out business has seen three leadership changes in two years. This may suggest the company is experimenting with leadership structures to find the right expertise for scaling the business. Bhatt’s appointment signals a new phase of leadership stability within the division.
Zomato is not just focusing on dining but is also looking to offer value to its customers by integrating more services like ticketing and event management. This shift aims to enhance the user experience and provide more diverse opportunities for growth in the coming years.
Conclusion: Zomato’s Long-Term Strategy for Growth
In conclusion, Zomato appoints former executive Shalin Bhatt to head its dining-out business as part of its long-term strategy to expand its going-out services. Bhatt’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the company’s future as it aims to strengthen its market position in the live events, ticketing, and dining sectors. With a focus on the District app and continued investments in new verticals, Zomato is positioning itself as a comprehensive food and lifestyle platform.
Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs
Zomato’s expansion into multiple verticals is a great example for startups looking to diversify their offerings. Entrepreneurs should keep in mind the importance of strategic leadership appointments, especially when scaling new business units.
Furthermore, Zomato’s focus on user acquisition, as seen with the rapid downloads of the District app, highlights the importance of mobile-first solutions in today’s consumer-driven market. Entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from Zomato’s ability to pivot and adapt to the changing demands of the market.
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