Project Report
(Submitted for Tutorial Assessment in Entrepreneurship
Development)
Title of the Project
EXISTING BUSINESS PROPOSAL
(B. Com. Semester-I under CCF)
NEP
Submitted by
Name of Student : TANZIL NOOR
C. U. Registration No. : 544-1211-0514-24
C.U. Roll No.: 241544-11-0013
Name of the College: Vivekananda College, Thakurpukur
College Roll: 47
Supervised by
Name of the Supervisor: SARBAPRIYA RAY
Name of the College: Vivekananda College, Thakurpukur
2025
PROJECT PROPOSAL ON
“ ZEPTO ”
CHAPTER 1: COMPANY PROFILE
Zepto is an Indian ultra-fast grocery delivery startup founded in 2020 by
Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Caliche. Based in Mumbai, the company specializes
in delivering groceries within 10 minutes through a mobile app and website.
Zepto focuses on providing a seamless and rapid shopping experience,
leveraging a network of dark stores (small, strategically located fulfillment
centers) across major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and more.
The company offers a wide variety of products, including fresh produce, dairy,
snacks, beverages, and household essentials. Zepto distinguishes itself by
offering hyperlocal delivery services with a promise of extreme speed, catering
to busy urban customers looking for convenience.
Zepto’s technology-driven approach optimizes inventory management and
delivery logistics, ensuring fast and efficient service. The company operates in a
highly competitive market, facing rivals such as BigBasket, Grofers, and
Dunzo, but its ultra-fast delivery model sets it apart.
CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT
Zepto, an ultra-fast grocery delivery startup, faces several challenges as it
expands its 10-minute delivery model across India. Despite its rapid growth, the
company must address key operational and strategic issues to maintain its
competitive edge.
1. Logistical Efficiency:
Managing logistics for ultra-fast deliveries in densely populated urban areas is
complex. As Zepto scales its network of dark stores across multiple cities,
maintaining fast delivery times while ensuring inventory accuracy and route
optimization is becoming increasingly difficult. This logistical challenge must
be addressed to sustain customer satisfaction.
2. Operational Costs:
The cost of operating dark stores, managing delivery fleets, and maintaining
technology is high. Zepto’s business model is resource-intensive, and finding
ways to optimize operations to balance speed with cost-efficiency is crucial for
long-term sustainability.
3. Customer Retention:
The grocery delivery market in India is highly competitive, with players like
BigBasket, Grofers, and Dunzo. Zepto must differentiate itself to retain
customers, as loyalty can be fleeting in a market driven by convenience and
price. Building strong customer loyalty is essential for maintaining its growth.
4. Environmental Impact:
The demand for ultra-fast deliveries contributes to increased packaging waste
and carbon emissions. Zepto must explore sustainable practices, such as eco-
friendly delivery options and packaging reduction, to align with growing
environmental concerns.
In conclusion, Zepto must overcome challenges related to logistics, costs,
customer retention, and sustainability to maintain its position in the competitive
grocery delivery market.
CHAPTER 3: SOURCE OF FINANCE
Zepto has raised significant funds from prominent investors to support its rapid
growth and expansion in the ultra-fast grocery delivery market. The company’s
financing primarily comes from venture capital (VC) firms, seed funding, and
later-stage investment rounds.
1. Seed Funding and Early Investments:
Zepto initially raised funds through seed rounds and early-stage investments
from notable VC firms, including Y Combinator. The startup’s participation in
Y Combinator’s accelerator program helped it gain early exposure and
investment support.
2. Venture Capital Funding:
As Zepto demonstrated growth and traction in the market, it attracted
investments from leading venture capital firms, such as Matrix Partners India,
Glade Brook Capital, and Tribe Capital. These firms provided the capital
needed to scale Zepto’s operations, expand its network of dark stores, and
improve its technology infrastructure.
3. Series A and Later Rounds:
In 2021-2022, Zepto successfully raised Series A funding and additional rounds,
securing millions of dollars. By 2022, Zepto achieved unicorn status with a
valuation of over $1 billion, which further solidified investor confidence in its
business model.
CHAPTER 4: CHANNEL OF DISTRIBUTION
Zepto operates a highly efficient and unique distribution model, centered around
ultra-fast delivery of groceries in under 10 minutes. The company uses the
following channels to ensure quick and seamless delivery:
1.Dark stores
Zepto’s core distribution channel is its network of dark stores—small,
strategically located fulfillment centers in urban areas. These stores are stocked
with a wide range of products and are designed to handle rapid order
fulfillment. By being in close proximity to high-demand areas, dark stores allow
Zepto to minimize delivery times and provide the promised 10-minute delivery
window.
2. Mobile App and Website:
Customers access Zepto’s services through its mobile app and website, where
they can browse products, place orders, and track deliveries. The app is central
to Zepto’s distribution model, as it connects customers with the nearest dark
stores and ensures real-time order updates.
3. Delivery Fleet:
Zepto has a dedicated delivery fleet of couriers who pick up items from dark
stores and deliver them directly to customers. The company utilizes technology
to optimize delivery routes and ensure efficiency, allowing for fast and accurate
deliveries.
By combining these distribution channels, Zepto ensures a swift, reliable, and
tech-driven service that meets the demand for rapid grocery delivery in urban
areas.
CHAPTER 5: EXPANSION SCOPE OF BUSINESS
Zepto, as a rapidly growing ultra-fast grocery delivery startup, has significant
expansion potential both within India and internationally. In India, the company
has already made strides in major urban centers like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and
Delhi, but it has a vast opportunity to further penetrate tier 2 and tier 3 cities. As
urbanization continues across the country, the demand for convenient grocery
delivery services is on the rise. By expanding its network of dark stores in
smaller cities, Zepto can tap into a new customer base, catering to the growing
number of tech-savvy consumers in these region
Zepto's business model is highly scalable, relying on tech-driven logistics and
efficient infrastructure. The company can easily replicate its success in other
emerging markets, such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where urban
populations and the demand for fast, online grocery services are growing
rapidly. These regions, with their bustling urban centers and an increasing trend
toward digital shopping, present fertile ground for Zepto’s ultra-fast delivery
services.
In addition to geographical expansion, Zepto has the opportunity to diversify its
product offerings. It can broaden its catalog to include organic products, niche
food items, health-conscious groceries, and eco-friendly products to cater to
evolving consumer preferences. Zepto can also introduce subscription-based
services or specialized delivery options to attract new customer segments.
Furthermore, as consumer awareness of sustainability grows, Zepto can focus
on incorporating eco-friendly practices, such as reducing packaging waste and
adopting electric vehicles for delivery, which would resonate with
environmentally conscious consumers.
In conclusion, Zepto’s expansion scope is vast, with ample opportunities to
grow within India, explore international markets, diversify its product range,
and cater to evolving consumer preferences in the rapidly changing grocery
delivery landscape.
CHAPTER 6: SOCIETAL BENEFIT
Societal Zepto, an ultra-fast grocery delivery startup, provides several societal
benefits that contribute to the broader community in India:
1. Convenience and Time-Saving:
Zepto's promise of 10-minute delivery significantly enhances convenience for
urban consumers. By reducing the time spent shopping for everyday essentials,
it supports individuals with busy lifestyles, enabling them to focus on work,
family, and other activities. This convenience especially benefits working
professionals, young families, and the elderly, who may find traditional grocery
shopping time-consuming.
2. Job Creation:
As Zepto expands its operations, it generates employment opportunities,
particularly in urban areas. This includes roles in logistics, technology,
management, and delivery services. Zepto's growing network of dark stores and
delivery personnel creates a wide range of job opportunities, benefiting the local
workforce.
3. Support for Local Retailers:
While Zepto operates through its own fulfillment centers, it also helps stimulate
local economies by sourcing products from regional suppliers and wholesalers.
This contributes to the growth of local businesses and strengthens supply chains
in various regions.
4. Sustainability Initiatives:
As sustainability becomes a priority for consumers, Zepto has the opportunity to
promote eco-friendly practices, such as reducing packaging waste and
optimizing delivery routes to reduce carbon emissions. By embracing greener
delivery methods, such as electric vehicles, Zepto can further reduce its
environmental footprint.
In conclusion, Zepto offers societal benefits by improving convenience, creating
jobs, supporting local businesses, and promoting sustainability and
technological innovation.
CHAPTER 07: SUCCESS CRITERIA
The success criteria for Zepto’s business are centered around several key factors
that contribute to its growth, profitability, and competitive edge in the ultra-fast
grocery delivery market.
1. Customer Satisfaction and Retention:
One of the primary indicators of success is customer satisfaction. Zepto’s ability
to deliver groceries in under 10 minutes is its key differentiator. Consistently
meeting delivery time promises and ensuring product availability are crucial to
customer loyalty. High customer retention rates and positive feedback are
important markers of success.
2. Operational Efficiency:
Zepto’s business relies heavily on the efficiency of its logistics and distribution
network. The successful operation of its dark stores and optimization of delivery
routes are essential for maintaining the speed and reliability of its service.
Operational efficiency impacts both cost-effectiveness and customer experience,
making it a critical success factor.
3. Scalability and Market Expansion:
Expanding its presence into new cities and regions is key to Zepto’s success.
The ability to scale its infrastructure (dark stores, delivery network) and grow
its customer base while maintaining high-quality service is a vital success
criterion. The company must continuously assess and adapt to demand in new
markets.
4. Profitability and Financial Growth:
Despite the high operational costs associated with ultra-fast delivery, achieving
profitability and managing costs effectively are critical. The ability to raise
funds, manage operational expenses, and generate sustainable revenue growth
are fundamental to Zepto’s long-term success.
CHAPTER 08: DEADLINE AND COST/BUDGET
Zepto, as an ultra-fast grocery delivery startup, must manage its deadlines and
cost budget carefully to ensure its continued growth and operational efficiency.
The company faces significant challenges in balancing rapid expansion with
cost-effectiveness.
Deadline:
Zepto operates under strict deadlines, primarily focused on delivering groceries
in 10 minutes. This rapid delivery promise requires precise operational
timelines for each step, including sourcing, picking, packing, and delivery.
Cost Budget:
The costs associated with Zepto’s business model are substantial due to the
infrastructure required for ultra-fast delivery. The cost budget includes:
1. Infrastructure and Logistics:
Establishing and maintaining dark stores and a delivery fleet incurs significant
operational costs. Rental or purchase costs for dark store spaces, salaries for
delivery personnel, and fuel or electric vehicle costs are ongoing expenses.
2. Technology Investment:
Zepto spends on technology for inventory management, route optimization, and
maintaining the mobile platform. Investments in app development, data
analytics, and cloud infrastructure are essential for the company’s success.
3. Marketing and Customer Acquisition:
Budgeting for customer acquisition, promotions, and partnerships is vital for
Zepto’s .
While the company works toward profitability, it is crucial to manage cash flow
carefully and ensure that operational expenses are aligned with revenue
generation. Zepto’s ability to control costs while expandi
Student’s Declaration
I hereby declare that the Project Work with the title EXISTING BUSINESS PROPOSAL on
“ZEPTO” submitted by me for Tutorial Evaluation of Entrepreneurship Development of
B.Com Semester – 1 (CCF) in Accounting & Finance under University of Calcutta.
This is my original work and has not been submitted earlier to any other University/Institution
for the fulfillment of the requirement for any course of study.
I also declare that no chapter of this manuscript in whole or in part has been incorporated in
this report from any earlier work done by others or by me. However, extracts of any literature
which has been used for this report has been duly acknowledge providing details of such
literature in the references.
Signature of Student:
Date:
Name of Student : Tanzil Noor
Place: Kolkata
Name: Tanzil Noor
Address: 45/5 Diamond Harbour Road
C.U. Regn. No.: 544-1211-0514-24 Signature of Supervisor:
C.U Roll No.: 241544-11-0013 Date:
College Roll No.: 47 Name of Supervisor: Sarbapriya Ray
Designation:
Vivekananda College, Thakurpukur, Kolkata
- 700063
