From Stanford Dropout to Startup Star: Aadit Palicha’s Zepto Journey

Who is Aadit Palicha?

Aadit Palicha is the co-founder and CEO of Zepto, a quick commerce startup. He grew up in Dubai and was accepted into Stanford University to study Computer Science. But he dropped out with his childhood friend Kaivalya Vohra to build a business in India.

The Birth of Zepto

Their first startup was KiranaKart, which focused on grocery delivery. When it didn’t work well, they learned from their mistakes. In 2021, they launched Zepto, with a bold promise—10-minute grocery delivery.

How Zepto Works

Zepto uses dark stores—small warehouses placed in key locations. They manage stock using technology and data. This smart system helps them deliver fast and accurately in crowded cities.

Massive Growth & Funding

Zepto grew very fast. It received over $665 million in funding from top investors like StepStone Group and Nexus Venture Partners. By 2024, its valuation crossed $5 billion—making it a top Indian unicorn.

Zepto’s Future Plans

Zepto is now present in major Indian cities. It also launched Zepto Café (ready-to-eat meals) and Bloom, a supply-chain platform for farmers. Their focus is on profitability, sustainability, and expanding to tier-2 cities.