Zepto, a quick-commerce firm, is poised to secure an additional $310 million in funding, bringing its total valuation to a remarkable $5 billion. This financing round sees participation from notable investors such as Mars Growth Capital and General Catalyst, following a significant $665 million raised just a month earlier. With this funding, Zepto continues to demonstrate its robust expansion in the increasingly competitive quick-commerce market, where it faces strong rivals like Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Flipkart Minutes.

The surge in Zepto’s valuation, which has increased over three and a half times in the past year, highlights the growing demand for quick delivery services. The funds will enable Zepto to bolster its market presence, with plans to set up 700 new dark stores by March 2025. Industry analysts observe that the investment landscape is changing rapidly, as firms pivot from traditional e-commerce to quick-commerce, diversifying product offerings in various categories.

The financial strategies of investors like Mars Growth, known for backing Indian unicorns, and General Catalyst, demonstrate confidence in Zepto’s model. These investments not only raise the stakes for competitors but also solidify Zepto’s path toward an initial public offering, positioning it as a formidable player in the fast-paced retail environment.

With a total fundraising nearing $1 billion in just two rounds, Zepto is strategically preparing to capitalize on market dynamics. The company’s founder, Aadit Palicha, views this series of funding as crucial for scaling operations while facing the aggressive strategies of established players like Blinkit, which aims to expand its dark store count significantly by 2026.