Zepto, once the rising star in India’s quick-commerce space, is now facing the heat. CEO Aadit Palicha recently addressed concerns around the startup’s slowing growth, attributing it to increasing market saturation and intensifying competition.

Despite achieving unicorn status in record time, Zepto now finds itself navigating operational hurdles and customer retention issues. Palicha admitted that while initial hypergrowth was exciting, sustaining it in a complex market like India requires more than just speed.

The company is now shifting focus towards profitability and operational efficiency, rather than burning cash for scale. Zepto plans to invest in tech infrastructure, last-mile delivery optimization, and customer experience, while also experimenting with new product categories to drive repeat usage.

Palicha remains confident in Zepto’s vision but acknowledges that the next phase will demand strategic restraint and innovation. In a space where rivals like Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart are gaining ground, Zepto’s next moves could determine its long-term viability.