Masters of Scale

Rapid Response: "A crucible moment for Instacart," with founder & CEO Apoorva Mehta

Apr 29, 2021
Apoorva Mehta, Founder and CEO of Instacart, shares insights from leading the online grocery giant through unprecedented growth during the pandemic. He delves into how Instacart adapted to surging demand and evolved its service offerings, leveraging a four-sided market strategy. Apoorva emphasizes the importance of addressing consumer behavior shifts, enhancing employee well-being, and fostering team cohesion. He discusses how these strategies position Instacart against fierce competition, including the likes of Amazon, and prepares the company for its next pivotal moment.
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ANECDOTE

Rapid Growth Challenges

  • Instacart's CTO warned Apoorva Mehta that their website might crash due to the surge in demand during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Demand grew by 10% day-over-day, forcing the company to make rapid adjustments.
ADVICE

Focus During Crisis

  • Declare a clear focus for the entire company during times of crisis.
  • This clarity helps teams come together faster and navigate challenges more effectively.
INSIGHT

Four-Sided Marketplace

  • Instacart operates as a four-sided marketplace: customers, shoppers, retailers, and advertisers.
  • Instacart's technology powers the online presence of many retailers, including their websites and apps.
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