Jai Siya Ram
📦 Why Rapido’s Entry Is a Big Deal
Founded in 2015, Rapido built its brand on affordability, speed, and deep regional penetration. With millions of two-wheelers already on the streets, it has an unbeatable logistics advantage that could translate perfectly into hyperlocal food delivery — especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
⚔️ Market Impact: Disruption Incoming?
India’s food delivery ecosystem is currently a duopoly:
Company Market Share (approx.) Core Strength
Zomato 54% Brand + Deep Urban Reach
Swiggy 45% Subscription + Cloud Kitchen ecosystem
Rapido’s entry could disrupt this balance with:
âś… 1. Lower Delivery Fees
With its existing fleet, Rapido may undercut Swiggy/Zomato’s delivery charges — a key concern for both customers and restaurants.
âś… 2. Faster Expansion in Tier 2/3 Cities
Rapido is already strong in non-metro markets — a major growth zone for the food delivery business.
âś… 3. Focus on Profitability for Restaurants
Unlike the current giants who take high commissions (15–30%), Rapido could offer better margins to eateries, bringing loyalty.
âś… 4. Tech + Fleet Synergy
By using its live rider app and logistics backend, Rapido can scale quickly without heavy investment in new infra.
📉 Threat to Zomato & Swiggy?
If Rapido executes well:
Zomato and Swiggy may lose share in smaller cities first
Margin pressure may increase, triggering price wars
Restaurant onboarding battles may escalate
That said, food delivery is a tough business. High logistics costs, customer expectations, and food handling challenges could test Rapido’s readiness.
🧠What This Means for Investors & Brands
Zomato shares may see pressure in early phases of Rapido’s rollout
VCs and funds may re-evaluate the unit economics of food logistics in India
Smaller players like Magicpin, Thrive, and Dunzo may look to consolidate or pivot
Consumers could benefit from lower delivery prices and more local food choices
🎯 Final Thought: Can Rapido Pull Off a Flipkart-Style Disruption?
Rapido isn’t just “joining the game” — it’s planning to rewrite the food delivery playbook.
If it delivers affordability, reach, and reliability, Zomato and Swiggy may face their first real challenger in years.
Only time — and hungry customers — will tell.
