India’s food delivery market is buzzing with new players. It seems the news players have emerged to break the dominance of Swiggy and Zomato. The market is projected to grow significantly and potentially to cross INR 2.12 Lakh Cr by 2030. A young startup called WAAYU is rewriting the rules with its bold zero-commission strategy. It is offering restaurants a way out of high fees being charged by existing platforms.
WAAYU was founded by childhood friends Mandar Lande and Anirudha Kotgire in 2022. It operates on a simple subscription model and asks restaurants to pay a one-time setup fee of INR 4,650 along with a monthly fee of INR 1,200. The fee is capped at INR 2,000 per outlet for larger chains.
WAAYU is currently onboarded over 3,000 restaurants across Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune and Navi Mumbai. It is now eyeing Bengaluru city. Its network includes well-known names like Mahesh Lunch Home and Pista House.
WAAYU stand out as it mainly focuses on the use of AI to make food delivery cost-effective. The platform ensures that both restaurants and customers benefit from lower costs. It has partnered with ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) and also tying up with Paytm, Ola, Tata Neu and more such app to further boost visibility as well as customer base.
The zero-commission strategy of WAAYU is a refreshing change in an industry where restaurants often feel burdened by the steep cuts taken by big platforms.
The unique approach of WAAYU could reshape the landscape as more players enter the growing sector. Its ambitious goal of capturing 60% of the market shows its confidence in its model.
