Interview with Deepinder Goyal: CEO of Zomato
Q: What inspired you to start Zomato, and how has your vision evolved over the years?
Deepinder Goyal: When we started Zomato back in 2008, the idea was simple: we wanted to make it easier for people to discover great food options around them. Initially, it was all about restaurant discovery, but as we grew, we saw a larger opportunity to transform how people experience food—whether it’s ordering in, dining out, or even grocery shopping. Our vision now goes beyond just delivery; it’s about creating a comprehensive ecosystem for food that’s accessible, reliable, and sustainable.
Q: How does Zomato differentiate itself from competitors in the food delivery market?
Deepinder Goyal: Zomato stands out because we don’t just focus on being a delivery service; we want to enhance every stage of the dining experience. We also focus heavily on supporting our restaurant partners and delivery partners through technology and sustainability initiatives. By offering unique services like Zomato Pro for dining benefits and creating hyperlocal sustainability initiatives, we aim to create a holistic ecosystem that benefits everyone involved, from customers to restaurants and delivery partners.
Q: What challenges did you face while scaling Zomato, and how did you overcome them?
Deepinder Goyal: Scaling any business comes with its set of challenges, and for us, it was mainly around maintaining quality while expanding our reach. We faced obstacles with logistics, customer expectations, and finding the right talent. We overcame these by investing in technology, adapting our model to different markets, and building a strong culture of innovation and customer focus. Staying adaptable and resilient was key to navigating these challenges.
Q: How do you see the future of food delivery and online dining?
Deepinder Goyal: The future of food delivery is bright but will likely shift toward a more personalized and sustainable model. Technology, like AI and data analytics, will play a huge role in understanding customer preferences, which will enable us to provide highly personalized experiences. Additionally, sustainability is a priority for us; we’re working to reduce our carbon footprint and improve waste management in the industry. I envision an ecosystem where tech-enabled convenience meets environmental responsibility.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to enter the tech and food industry?
Deepinder Goyal: Start with a clear problem that you’re passionate about solving, and always keep your end customer in mind. The food and tech industry is competitive and constantly evolving, so be prepared to innovate and adapt. Additionally, building a strong team and culture will help you navigate the ups and downs. Focus on long-term impact rather than just quick gains, and stay open to learning—this approach has been invaluable to us at Zomato.
Q: What role does sustainability play in Zomato’s future plans?
Deepinder Goyal: Sustainability is a central part of our mission now. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact, whether it’s through sustainable packaging initiatives, reducing food waste, or lowering our carbon footprint across delivery operations. For example, we’ve initiated programs to reduce single-use plastic and are exploring eco-friendly packaging options. We aim to make sustainability a standard, not an exception, and this focus will only grow in the coming years.
Q: How has the pandemic influenced Zomato’s strategy and business model?
Deepinder Goyal: The pandemic drastically changed consumer behavior, pushing many to rely on delivery services. For Zomato, it meant accelerating our focus on safety, quality, and reliability. We introduced contactless delivery and expanded our grocery delivery service to support customers during the lockdowns. This period also underscored the importance of diversifying our offerings and prioritizing safety and trust, which are now embedded into our core strategy.
Q: What are some of the key leadership principles that guide you as a CEO?
Deepinder Goyal: As a CEO, I believe in transparency, resilience, and the importance of empowering our teams. Transparency builds trust, resilience helps us weather challenges, and empowering our people ensures they’re motivated and invested in the company’s vision. I also believe in leading by example; whether it’s embracing change or tackling a tough decision, I aim to model the values I hope to see in our team.
