Economist Podcasts Takeaway lessons: Deliveroo’s listing disappoints
Mar 31, 2021
Tamsin Booth, Technology and Business Editor for The Economist, shares insights on the troubled IPO of Deliveroo, revealing concerns about London’s tech market and governance issues impacting gig economy firms. Lane Green, the magazine's language columnist, discusses how tweets can haunt careers, touching on the intersection of social media and personal accountability. The conversation delves into China's ambitious cloud seeding efforts and critiques the reliance on high-tech solutions while emphasizing the importance of responsible digital engagement.
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Deliveroo's Bumpy IPO
- Deliveroo's IPO, the biggest in London since 2011, faced a bumpy journey to market.
- Major UK fund managers publicly announced they would not participate, impacting investor confidence.
Profitability Concerns
- While Deliveroo's revenue soared during the pandemic due to increased delivery demand, it remains loss-making.
- Its business model, where costs rise with revenue, raises concerns among investors.
Gig Economy Concerns
- Fund managers' avoidance of Deliveroo's IPO is likely due to concerns about its gig economy model and social impact.
- The model, classifying riders as independent contractors, faces legal challenges.