Zepto drops 10-minute delivery pledge ahead of Rs 11,000 crore IPO push

Zepto, the quick-commerce startup founded in 2021 by Stanford dropouts Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, has taken steps to refocus its business model. The company recently removed its '10-minute timer' branding after discussions with the Labour Ministry. This move comes as Zepto prepares for a major financial push, filing confidential IPO papers to raise around Rs 11,000 crore.

The shift away from the '10-minute' delivery promise follows pressure from labour rights groups and a directive from Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Palicha met with the minister to discuss the gig economy and the importance of job creation in hyperlocal commerce. The government urged Zepto to prioritise economic mobility for workers over rapid 'dinner near me' targets.

Zepto has already made a significant impact on employment, generating over 180,000 jobs for delivery partners and more than 40,000 roles in other areas. The company also distributes 'thousands of crores' annually to its delivery workforce, providing a steady income for many. In late December 2025, Zepto filed preliminary documents with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for an IPO. The offering aims to raise approximately Rs 11,000 crore, with a planned stock market listing in mid-2026. This financial move signals the company’s ambition to expand while adapting to regulatory expectations. Other major quick-commerce firms have also dropped the '10-minute' delivery branding. The change reflects broader industry adjustments in response to labour concerns and government guidance.

Zepto’s decision to abandon its rapid-delivery branding aligns with the Labour Ministry’s emphasis on job growth and worker welfare. The company’s upcoming IPO will further shape its future as it balances expansion with regulatory compliance. With over 220,000 jobs created so far, its next phase will likely focus on sustainable growth in India’s gig economy.