BigBasket to launch 10-minute food delivery across India by March 2026, executive says
The Tata-backed grocery giant will take on established players such as Swiggy's (SWIG.NS), opens new tab Snacc, Blinkit's (ETEA.NS), opens new tab Bistro and Zepto Cafe (KIRK.NS), opens new tab, which already deliver coffee and ready-to-eat snacks in less than 15 minutes.
BigBasket is targeting customers of the existing food delivery firms such as Zomato and Swiggy while also unlocking a new pool of customers, co-founder Vipul Parekh told Reuters.
It plans to use dark stores to fuel the service, Parekh added, extending its foothold in India's booming quick-commerce market, which Blume Venture's Indus Valley report calls the "fastest-growing industry segment ever."
Dark stores are small warehouses in densely populated neighbourhood buildings, where delivery partners, typically two-wheeler riders, pick up groceries or food for delivery.
BigBasket, which brought online grocery delivery service to India in 2011, aims to increase its dark store count from about 700 currently to 1,000-1,200 by the end of 2025.
Following a pilot run that began a month ago in the southern city of Bengaluru, the food delivery service will now be expanded to 40 dark stores by July-end, Parekh said.
Currently, about 5%-10% of BigBasket's customers who are offered the service are clubbing quick-food items with their normal online orders, but this is expected to grow further, he added.
The menu will comprise items from coffee chain Starbucks and Indian Hotels' (IHTL.NS), opens new tab food arm Qmin, both part of the Tata group in India. No external restaurants will be partnered with, the firm said.
Meanwhile, Parekh dismissed media reports of BigBasket seeking external investors for fundraising and reiterated the company's plan to go public within the next 18-24 months.
"One of the advantages we have is, being a part of Tata Group, you have enough internal capital available."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times
2 hours ago
- Times
Silicon Valley v Soham Parekh, the man who had too many jobs
Silicon Valley has long been built on a complex lattice of productivity targets and ambitious hiring metrics, encouraging a generation of workers to embrace a so-called 'grindset' mentality. The hustlers' culture appears to have limits, however, as start-up founders lined up this weekend to call out an Indian software engineer for working with at least four tech companies at once. 'There's a guy named Soham Parekh (in India) who works at 3-4 start-ups at the same time … beware,' Suhail Doshi, the founder of the software company Playground AI, said on X. 'I fired this guy in his first week and told him to stop lying/scamming people. He hasn't stopped a year later. No more excuses.' The post was liked more than 250,000 times. • How I juggle three jobs at once: the rise of 'fractional workers' Founders of other Silicon Valley companies such as Dynamo AI, Synthesia, Alan AI and GitHub also accused Parekh of working multiple jobs. Haz Hubble said his social media company, Pally, offered him a package worth $250,000 a year, before withdrawing the offer when Parekh refused to relocate to San Francisco. Hubble told the US broadcaster CNBC: 'Now we know why!' Matthew Parkhurst, founder of the financial software start-up Antimetal, said on X that his company 'realised pretty quickly that [Parekh] was working at multiple companies and let him go'. Parekh, from Mumbai, has admitted the deceit, telling the technology programme TBPN: 'I'm not proud of what I've done and don't endorse it either.' He juggled roles by working for 12-14 hours every day. The motivation, he said, was that he needed money to clear debts. He did not say how these were incurred. 'No one really likes to work 140 hours a week, but I had to do this out of necessity. I was in extremely dire financial circumstances,' he said. His lifestyle turned him into a 'serial non-sleeper', he added. Parekh is by no means alone, with the rise in remote working since the Covid pandemic blamed for the surge in moonlighting. In India, the practice has increased by 25-30 per cent between 2020 and 2023, according to the recruitment agency Randstad India. It has prompted the use of software to verify applicants' backgrounds and flag any overlapping employment. • The rise of 'polygamous workers' — and efforts to catch them out The background verification firm AuthBridge said 5 per cent of candidates had two jobs, with roughly 90 per cent of cases occurring in the tech sector. In 2022, the IT company Wipro sacked 300 employees who were found to also be working for rival companies. 'This is cheating, plain and simple,' said Rishad Premji, its chairman. The practice is not limited to the private sector. Some teachers in state schools take a salary but rarely turn up as they are busy working in a private school or tutoring. Road sweepers have been known to delegate the job to someone else — usually a relative — while working for a higher salary somewhere else. • Civil servant 'held three full-time jobs simultaneously' Despite his dishonesty, Parekh said he 'cared deeply' about the companies he had inveigled and denied having a team of junior software developers to help him cope with the workload, saying he had no funds to hire anyone. Parekh's exposure has done his career no harm. He said he was working for a new company and wanted to focus on it exclusively, but admitted he had still not resolved his financial problems. He said he may yet approach his current employer to ask if he could take on another job — but vowed to take a more 'candid' approach.
Geeky Gadgets
2 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Samsung Galaxy G Fold: Leaks Reveal the Future of Foldable Phones
Samsung is set to redefine the foldable smartphone market with the highly anticipated Galaxy G Fold. Leaked details reveal a new trifold design and state-of-the-art features aimed at seamlessly integrating smartphone and tablet functionalities. Positioned as a premium device, the Galaxy G Fold is expected to debut alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, and Galaxy Watch 8 at Samsung's next major event, with a full launch projected for later this year. This device signals Samsung's commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile technology. The video below from TechTalkTV gives us more details about the rumored Galaxy G Fold. Watch this video on YouTube. Innovative Trifold Design with Enhanced Durability The Galaxy G Fold introduces a trifold mechanism that sets it apart from existing foldable devices. Its innovative three-panel structure includes: A camera panel A cover display A blank panel These panels fold inward, offering superior protection by shielding the displays when the device is closed. This inward-folding design addresses a common issue with outward-folding devices, such as those by Huawei, which leave screens vulnerable to scratches and damage. To further enhance durability, Samsung has incorporated a warning system that alerts users to incorrect folding, reducing the risk of accidental damage and making sure a longer lifespan for the device. The trifold design not only enhances durability but also represents a significant engineering achievement. By combining functionality with robust construction, Samsung has created a device that balances innovation with practicality. Seamless Smartphone-to-Tablet Transformation The Galaxy G Fold is designed to deliver a seamless transition between smartphone and tablet modes. When folded, it functions as a compact 6.5-inch smartphone, and when fully unfolded, it transforms into a 10-inch tablet. This dual functionality is aimed at providing users with the best of both worlds, catering to productivity and entertainment needs alike. Unlike some foldable devices that offer partial folding or multitasking modes, the Galaxy G Fold operates exclusively in fully open or closed positions. This design choice prioritizes an uncompromised display experience, making sure optimal usability in both configurations. By avoiding awkward aspect ratios or limited functionality, Samsung has created a device that feels natural and intuitive in either mode. Innovative Display and Camera Technology The Galaxy G Fold is equipped with advanced display and camera technologies that enhance its appeal as a premium device. The inner display features a punch-hole camera, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, making sure a sleek and immersive viewing experience. On the rear, the device features a 200 MP main camera, supported by ultra-wide and 3x telephoto lenses. This versatile camera setup is designed to cater to photography enthusiasts, allowing users to capture high-quality images across a variety of scenarios. Samsung's focus on display and camera innovation underscores its commitment to delivering a premium user experience. The combination of a high-resolution display and advanced camera capabilities positions the Galaxy G Fold as a standout device in the foldable market. Balancing Durability and Engineering Challenges Durability is a central focus of the Galaxy G Fold's design. The inward-folding mechanism not only protects the displays but also contributes to the overall robustness of the device. However, this durability comes with certain trade-offs. The Galaxy G Fold is expected to weigh approximately 298 grams and measure around 12mm thick when folded, making it bulkier than many current foldable devices. These dimensions reflect the engineering challenges associated with incorporating a trifold mechanism while maintaining structural integrity. Despite its bulkier build, the Galaxy G Fold's design prioritizes durability and functionality, making sure that it can withstand the demands of everyday use. Premium Pricing and Market Positioning As a first-generation device, the Galaxy G Fold is positioned as a high-end product, with an estimated price exceeding $2,500. This premium pricing reflects the advanced technology and innovation integrated into the device. However, its high cost and niche appeal suggest that it will initially target limited markets, catering to early adopters and tech enthusiasts. Samsung appears to be using the Galaxy G Fold as a flagship product to showcase the potential of trifold smartphones. By introducing this device, Samsung aims to gauge consumer interest in this emerging category while setting a new benchmark for foldable technology. Shaping the Future of Foldable Smartphones The Galaxy G Fold represents a significant step forward in the evolution of foldable smartphones. By combining smartphone and tablet functionalities with enhanced durability, Samsung addresses key challenges that have hindered the adoption of foldable devices. The inward-folding design not only protects the displays but also ensures a seamless user experience, setting a new standard for the industry. While its premium price and bulkier build may limit its appeal to a broader audience, the Galaxy G Fold highlights Samsung's leadership in innovation and its commitment to advancing the foldable market. As the industry continues to evolve, the Galaxy G Fold serves as a testament to Samsung's vision for the future of mobile technology. This device is poised to influence the direction of foldable smartphones, paving the way for further advancements in the years to come. Here are more detailed guides and articles that you may find helpful on Samsung Galaxy G Fold. Source & Image Credit: TechTalkTV Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Reuters
2 hours ago
- Reuters
India markets regulator proposes allowing AMCs to advise pooled funds
July 7 (Reuters) - India's markets regulator on Monday said it was proposing a rule change that would allow asset management companies to offer investment management and advisory services to pooled, non-broad-based funds. Portfolio management and advisory services offered by an AMC can be carried out through a separate unit of the AMC, as long as it has its own dedicated team of key personnel, the Securities and Exchange Board of India said.
