Daybreak After a year of contrasts, Zepto readies for the public markets
6 snips
Nov 6, 2025 Zepto's IPO plans are heating up after a Diwali surge, with 20 lakh daily orders boosting investor confidence. However, challenges lurk beneath, including leadership exits and FDA scrutiny over hygiene issues. The company faces backlash for its consumer strategies, like the swap-and-save feature that risked alienating partners. As it prepares for listing, Zepto is navigating a tricky landscape of rising revenue against persistent losses while striving to win over skeptical investors in a competitive market.
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Growth Masks Deep Operational Strains
- Zepto posted blockbuster Diwali growth but also faced leadership churn, regulatory issues, and reputation damage this year.
- The company balances record orders with internal firefights as it eyes an IPO.
Public Backlash And The Swap Feature
- The government flagged dark patterns and users publicly criticised Zepto, spawning a 4,000+ member Reddit group dedicated to complaints.
- Zepto launched a 'swap and save' feature to improve experience but this risked alienating premium sellers.
Dark Store Raids Underscore Operational Risk
- FDA raids exposed hygiene failures at dark stores, showing friction between speed and operational discipline in quick commerce.
- Those findings dented trust and highlighted risks of rapid expansion without controls.