In an exciting development for the Indian quick-commerce market, Zepto, a leading player in the sector, is on the verge of securing a ₹1,245 crorefunding round. The company has made headlines not only for its impressive growth but also for its strategic move to shift its domicile from Singapore to India. This decision is seen as a pivotal step toward strengthening its Indian ownership, which will boost government confidence and streamline its path to an Initial Public Offering (IPO).
Zepto’s Funding Round: The Key Players
Zepto’s new funding round has attracted the attention of some of the most prominent family offices and high-net-worth individuals in India. Key investors include:
- Ranjan Pai, head of the Manipal Group.
- Ramesh and Rajeev Juneja, founders of Mankind Pharma.
- The Cipla family office.
These investors represent a growing interest among Indian stakeholders in the rapid expansion of the quick-commerce industry, which has become a game-changer in the retail landscape. The inclusion of credible, well-established Indian investors in Zepto’s portfolio is a clear signal of the company’s ambition to strengthen its domestic standing.

Zepto’s Move to Shift Its Domicile to India
In a significant move, Zepto’s parent company, KiranaKart, has filed an application with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to relocate its corporate domicile from Singapore to India. This transition is not merely a procedural change—it is a strategic shift that aligns with the company’s larger goal of increasing Indian shareholding and preparing for a potential IPO.
Why is this important?
- Increased Government Confidence: The move to India is expected to win favor with policymakers, particularly in light of concerns over the impact of quick commerce on traditional kirana stores and small retailers. By becoming a fully domiciled Indian company, Zepto can gain favor with the government, paving the way for smoother operations and regulatory approvals.
- Local Ownership: Shifting the domicile to India allows the company to build a larger Indian shareholding base, which is likely to be viewed positively by both investors and regulators. A higher percentage of Indian ownership could enhance the company’s standing in the eyes of the government, potentially leading to more favorable policies for the company’s growth.
Zepto’s Impressive Growth in the Quick-Commerce Market
Zepto’s decision to pursue this funding round and shift domicile comes on the back of rapid growth in the quick-commerce sector. The company now operates over 500 dark stores, competing directly with Blinkit (formerly Grofers), which operates 639 dark stores, and Swiggy Instamart, which has 557 dark stores as of the June 2024 quarter. These dark stores are a key part of the quick-commerce infrastructure, enabling Zepto to deliver products in under 30 minutes.
Why Indian Ownership Matters for Zepto’s Growth
Increasing Indian ownership is not just about compliance or regulatory benefits—it also holds significant strategic value. With the quick-commerce sector growing rapidly, having a larger Indian shareholder base:
- Builds Investor Confidence: Domestic investors, including family offices and high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), bring credibility to the table. Their involvement helps reassure other investors, particularly those interested in the pre-IPO funding phase.
- Strengthens Local Partnerships: As Zepto gears up for an IPO, having strong relationships with Indian investors could be crucial in building a solid foundation for the company’s next growth phase.
- Aligns with Government Goals: A company that is majority-owned by Indians is likely to be viewed more favorably by policymakers, particularly in a sector that has raised questions about its impact on local retailers.
Zepto’s ₹1,245 Crore Fundraise: What’s on the Table?
According to sources familiar with the matter, Zepto’s ₹1,245 crorefundraise is expected to close by the end of October 2024. This round follows a series of successful fundraises over the past year, during which the company raised over ₹8,300 crorepushing its valuation to a staggering ₹45,650 crore.
This capital influx is expected to fuel further growth in Zepto’s operations, helping the company expand its dark store network and scale up its delivery capabilities across India. The funding round is also seen as a preparatory step for the company’s upcoming IPO, expected to take place in the next 12 months.
The Quick-Commerce Boom: Zepto at the Forefront
The quick-commerce sector, which focuses on delivering goods in 10 to 30 minutes, has witnessed explosive growth in India. Companies like Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart have transformed consumer expectations, offering unparalleled convenience. However, with this growth comes increased scrutiny from regulators and stakeholders concerned about the impact on traditional retail outlets like kirana stores.
Zepto’s strategy of increasing domestic ownership and shifting its domicile to India is a direct response to these concerns. By aligning itself more closely with the Indian market and its stakeholders, Zepto is positioning itself as a responsible player in the quick-commerce space.
What’s Next for Zepto?
As Zepto moves forward with its ₹1,245 crore fundraise and prepares to shift its domicile to India, the company’s future looks bright. With a solid investor base, a rapidly expanding dark store network, and a potential IPO on the horizon, Zepto is well-positioned to continue its dominance in the quick-commerce market.
FAQs
1. Why is Zepto shifting its domicile to India? Zepto is moving its corporate domicile from Singapore to India to increase domestic ownership, build investor confidence, and align itself more closely with Indian government policies and regulations.
2. Who are the key investors in Zepto’s ₹1,245 crore funding round? The key investors include prominent Indian family offices such as those of Ranjan Pai (Manipal Group), the Juneja brothers (Mankind Pharma), and the Cipla family.
3. How many dark stores does Zepto operate? Zepto currently operates over 500 dark stores across India, putting it in direct competition with Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart.
4. What is the expected valuation of Zepto after the funding round? After raising ₹1,245 crore, Zepto’s valuation is expected to remain around ₹45,650 crore (approximately $5.5 billion).
5. When is Zepto planning its IPO? Zepto is expected to kick off its IPO process within the next 12 months, after building a strong base of Indian shareholders and expanding its operations.
For more updates on Zepto’s journey, keep an eye on the latest quick-commerce trends here at www.smarttaxsaver.com
Conclusion: A Strategic Shift for Long-Term Growth
Zepto’s latest funding round is more than just a capital-raising effort—it’s a strategic move that aims to solidify the company’s position as a leading player in India’s quick-commerce sector. By increasing Indian ownership and moving its corporate domicile to India, Zepto is ensuring that it remains well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the Indian market while preparing for a successful IPO.