At Storyboard18's Power Of Purpose event, Rohit Kapoor, CEO, Swiggy Food Marketplace, highlighted that the IPO-bound company is in the business of spreading joy, and not in the business of delivering food
Rohit Kapoor, CEO, Swiggy Food Marketplace highlights that for widespread adoption, sustainability needs to be profitable. Just like learning and development, sustainability initiatives are more likely to be prioritized when there is a financial incentive.
Storyboard18's recent event in New Delhi, "Power of Purpose: Sustainability Edition," brought together a diverse group of leaders to discuss the critical role of the young generation and business leaders in driving sustainable practices in India. On October 18, policymakers, industry experts, and frontline change-makers gathered to share their insights and experiences, shaping the roadmap for a more sustainable future. During the session on "Making sustainability the foundation of modern business," Rohit Kapoor, CEO, Swiggy Food Marketplace highlighted that the IPO-bound Swiggy is in the business of spreading joy, and not in the business of delivering food.
While addressing Swiggy's upcoming IPO, Kapoor said his approach hasn't changed towards sustainability despite Swiggy intending to go public. "Whether you're a private or public company doesn't matter today, sustainability is more than just compliance. If we looked at it from a compliance point of view, it would have mattered as we are going public and seeking certain kind of investors. Today, our consumers, society, and employees have high expectations for corporate responsibility, placing significant scrutiny and pressure on businesses going public," Kapoor stated.
Kapoor compared Swiggy's IPO with a person turning 18 and getting their driving license. "I know there is a lot of excitement and we make a bit of public spectacle in India with IPOs. Hopefully it goes well. But, the IPO doesn't keep me awake at night," he shared. It's a 'pitstop', he added.
When discussing "fast" delivery and sustainability, Kapoor emphasized that the biggest impact on a company's footprint is the distance traveled and the type of delivery method used. Fast delivery isn't about speed; it's about proximity. By ensuring supply points are located within a short distance of customer residences, electric vehicles (EVs) can operate efficiently.
Kapoor also shared his experience testing Bolt's delivery service. He noted that consumers often question the freshness of 10-minute deliveries and whether delivery partners are pressured to ride faster. However, the reality is that the same food items can be delivered in 10 minutes as in 30 minutes, as long as they are prepared quickly (e.g., samosas, chai). Pizza is the only category that hasn't been fully integrated into Bolt's fast delivery service.