Zomato Success Story: The story of Zomato Founder is of a boy who was never taken seriously in school. His journey from a small town to IIT and then to Zomato is quite inspiring. Recently he has become the country’s biggest self-made entrepreneur.
Deepinder Goyal Inspiring Life Story: In the recent Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs of the Millennium 2025 report by IDFC First Private Banking and Hurun India, Deepinder Goyal, founder of Zomato’s parent company Eternal, has become the country’s biggest self-made entrepreneur. The valuation of his company has reached Rs 3.2 lakh crore with 27% annual growth. The story of Zomato creator Deepinder Goyal is not like any shiny startup fairy tale. Neither the background of a big city, nor the glitter of a famous school or college, yet today he has reached this position. Read the unheard story of his success…
Failed in 5th, 8th class became the turning point
Deepinder Goyal used to be a weaker than average student in school. Born in 1983 in the small town of Muktsar in Punjab, no one thought that Deepinder would be able to do anything big. The situation was so bad that he failed in 5th class. His father had to request the principal, so that he could be promoted to the next class by giving some marks. Deepinder again appeared in the first quarter exam of 8th class without preparation. Probably he was going to fail, but a teacher present in the examination hall helped him. As a result, he came in the top 3 of the class but next time he did not get any help. Under compulsion, Deepinder studied for one night and still secured 5th position in the class. From here he understood that there is no alternative to hard work.
Fear of IIT and two months of preparation
After becoming a topper, the next step was IIT. Deepinder, who reached the coaching center in Chandigarh, started considering himself the weakest. The children nearby had been preparing for years. He started feeling that he would never be able to clear JEE. But luck took a turn again. There were two months left for JEE after the board exams. Deepinder picked up the book of his favorite subject Physics and solved the entire book. When he told his friends, no one believed him. But in the exam he did what many people do in two years. He cracked JEE in just two months of preparation.
Went into depression after reaching IIT Delhi
Deepinder got admission in IIT Delhi, but went into depression after reaching college. Here the competition was with the best minds of the country. Then he decided that he did not want to compete, he had to create something. Deepinder says, he started the startup because he did not want to be a part of the rat race. The comparison seemed negative to him. His focus was only one, to make his own path.
Stuttering and stage fright, yet success
Very few people know that Deepinder stammers. For this reason he stays away from public speaking and stage. He admits that speaking takes a lot of energy, so he speaks less and works more. People considered him arrogant, but Deepinder answered them by working quietly.
The journey started from 2008
Deepinder’s journey started in the year 2008, when he started a small startup. This was the idea of uploading restaurant menus online. The only objective was to make it easier for people to find food. The same small idea later took the form of Zomato, which is today a big name for food discovery not only in India but in many countries of the world. Today Deepinder is not just the founder of Zomato. He is also playing a big role in strengthening India’s startup ecosystem. Till now he has invested in many startups.
Acquisition of Blinkit, decision to exit from Urban Company
Deepinder was on the board of Urban Company till March 2023, but after Zomato’s $568 million acquisition of Blinkit in August 2022, he stepped into the home services segment and decided to exit Urban Company. His focus was completely on the new vision.
700 crore donation in corona epidemic
During the Corona epidemic, when millions of people were in trouble, Deepinder took a step which recognized him not just as a businessman but as a sensitive leader. He donated shares worth Rs 700 crore to Zomato Future Foundation, so that the education expenses of the children of delivery partners could be met. After this he announced the creation of ‘Rest Points’, which were places where gig workers could rest. The special thing is that these facilities will not be only for Zomato, but for the workers of all the companies.