Rapido Bold Move into Food Delivery: Can “Ownly” Disrupt Zomato and Swiggy?

Rapido food delivery is emerging as new contentder in India’s food delivery market, long dominated by Zomato and Swiggy. Rapido, a Bengaluru-based ride-hailing unicorn, is stepping into the ring with “Ownly,” a food delivery platform set to launch a pilot in Bengaluru by late June or early July 2025. With a unique zero-commission model, flat delivery fees, and a focus on affordability, Rapido aims to challenge the status quo. But can this ambitious venture disrupt the Zomato-Swiggy duopoly? Let’s explore who Rapido is, what “Ownly” offers, and its potential impact on India’s $9-9.5 billion food delivery landscape.

What is Rapido ?

Rapido began its journey in 2015 as theKarrier, founded in Bengaluru—India’s tech hub—before rebranding to Rapido later that year. Initially focused on bike-taxi services, the company has grown into a multi-service platform operating across 100+ Indian cities. Today, Rapido offers:

• Bike-Taxi Services: Its original and flagship offering.

• Auto and Cab Services: Expanding mobility options.

• Parcel Delivery: For small packages.

• Third-Party Logistics: Supporting businesses with last-mile solutions.

Rapido’s growth has been fueled by significant investments. In February 2025, it raised ₹250 crore (~$30 million) from Prosus, following a $200 million round led by WestBridge. Valued at over $1 billion, Rapido is a unicorn with a robust infrastructure: 30 million monthly active users and 3-4 million daily trips, supported by a 4 million-strong rider network.

Rapido Ownership 

Rapido was co-founded by Aravind Sanka, Pavan Guntupalli, and SR Rishikesh, a trio of entrepreneurs who spotted an opportunity in urban mobility. The company’s ownership includes its founders and major investors like WestBridge Capital and Prosus, alongside earlier backers such as Nexus Venture Partners and Swiggy itself, which holds a minority stake.

Rapido Food Delivery Venture: “Ownly” (Pilot in Bengaluru)

Rapido’s latest move, “Ownly,” marks its entry into food delivery. The pilot, launching in Bengaluru by late June or early July 2025, leverages Rapido’s existing rider fleet to deliver meals during idle times—no new infrastructure required. Here’s what sets “Ownly” apart:

Key Features of “Ownly”

• Pilot Launch: Starts in Bengaluru, a city with a thriving food and tech ecosystem.

• Reusing Riders: Utilizes Rapido’s 4 million riders, optimizing idle slots for food deliveries.

• Flat Delivery Fees:

  • ₹25 for orders under ₹400.

  • ₹50 for orders ≥ ₹400.

  • This equates to an 8-15% commission rate—far lower than Zomato and Swiggy’s 16-30%.

• Zero Commission: Restaurants pay no percentage-based fees; pricing mirrors in-store rates.

• Affordability Focus: Restaurants must offer at least four menu items priced ≤ ₹150.

• No Hidden Fees: No platform or packaging charges; subscription fees will be introduced post-scale.

This model aims to benefit both restaurants and customers by cutting costs and ensuring transparency.

Why This Could Shake Up the Market

“Ownly” has the potential to disrupt India’s food delivery market for several reasons:

• Lower Costs for Restaurants: With commissions half that of competitors, small and mid-sized eateries could thrive without inflating menu prices—a common complaint with Zomato and Swiggy.

• NRAI Partnership: Rapido’s collaboration with the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), representing 50,000+ eateries, signals strong restaurateur support for a sustainable alternative.

• Leveraging Infrastructure: Rapido’s 4 million riders and 30 million users provide a ready-made network, reducing customer acquisition costs through cross-selling to ride-hailing customers.

Rapido Food Delivery Potential Risks & Challenges

Despite its promise, “Ownly” faces significant hurdles:

• Fierce Competition: Zomato and Swiggy hold 95% of the $9-9.5 billion market, with optimized logistics and sub-30-minute delivery standards.

• Thin Margins: Food delivery is a low-profit game, often reliant on discounts. Rapido’s zero-commission model needs high volumes to succeed.

• Consistency Concerns: Without a dedicated fleet, delivery reliability could falter, risking customer trust.

• Financial Pressure: Rapido burns ~$5 million monthly. Scaling “Ownly” and generating subscription revenue are critical for sustainability.

Rapido Food Delivery Market & Investor Response

Rapido’s announcement has already stirred the market:

• Stock Impact: Zomato’s shares dropped 1.9-2.5%, and Swiggy’s fell 2.6-4% post-news.

• Analyst Insights: Elara Securities warns that a 200-basis-point growth drop could cut Zomato’s target price by 6%, signaling margin risks for incumbents.

• Social Media Buzz: On X, users are excited about potential 48% savings and the end of the Zomato-Swiggy duopoly.

What Makes Rapido’s Entry Different?

Rapido brings unique advantages to the table:

Wrap-Up Analysis: Pros vs. Cons

Rapido’s “Ownly” pilot challenges India’s food delivery giants with a fresh approach:

Pros

• Cost Savings: Lower fees for restaurants and customers.

• Smart Logistics: Uses existing riders efficiently.

• Market Disruption: Could democratize food delivery.

Cons

• Tough Competition: Zomato and Swiggy’s dominance is hard to crack.

• Profit Challenges: Thin margins require massive scale.

• Service Quality: Must match incumbents’ speed and reliability.

Success hinges on execution—scaling fast, maintaining quality, and meeting customer expectations. As Bengaluru gears up for the pilot, “Ownly” could redefine food delivery in India—or stumble under the weight of its ambitions.

What’s your take? Can Rapido’s “Ownly” take on Zomato and Swiggy? Drop your thoughts below and stay tuned for updates!