Mumbai, India, October 2025: Quick-commerce startup Zepto has reportedly laid off around 200 employees in September 2025 as part of a company-wide cost optimisation and efficiency restructuring plan.
The layoffs affected teams across operations, marketing, and dark store management, according to internal sources. Zepto, which became India’s first quick-commerce unicorn in 2023, is focusing on improving profitability and streamlining operations as competition heats up in the 10-minute delivery market.
Why Zepto Made the Move
The company has been scaling rapidly across metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, but faces high operational costs due to logistics, dark store maintenance, and intense competition from Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket Now.
A Zepto spokesperson said the decision was “strategic” and aimed at “driving long-term sustainable growth.” The company has offered severance packages, job placement support, and extended medical benefits to affected employees.
Industry Perspective
Experts say layoffs are becoming increasingly common among fast-growing Indian startups that expanded aggressively after the pandemic. With investors focusing on profitability over growth, many are cutting costs to improve margins before potential IPOs or next funding rounds.
Zepto, valued at $3.6 billion, has seen strong order volumes but is yet to turn profitable. The company is expected to focus on automation, AI-driven logistics, and supply chain efficiency in the coming quarters.
Summary Table
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Zepto |
| Layoffs | Around 200 employees |
| Month | September 2025 |
| Reason | Cost optimization, efficiency restructuring |
| Affected Departments | Operations, marketing, dark store management |
| Company Valuation | $3.6 billion |
| Future Focus | Profitability, automation, logistics efficiency |
| Competitors | Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket Now |
