Indian ride-hailing giant Rapido has taken a bold step into the competitive food delivery sector by launching a pilot program for its new app, Ownly, in Bengaluru.
This innovative move, initially rolled out in key areas like Koramangala, HSR Layout, and BTM Layout, marks a significant diversification for the company known primarily for its bike taxi services.
Rapido’s Strategic Expansion into Food Delivery
With Ownly, Rapido aims to challenge established players like Zomato and Swiggy by offering a zero-commission model for restaurants, ensuring offline-equivalent pricing and a flat delivery fee.
Founded in 2015 by IIT and PESU alumni, Rapido has already transformed urban mobility in over 100 Indian cities, creating over 500,000 jobs in the process.
The company’s foray into food delivery comes at a time when India’s food tech market is booming, valued at over $8 billion, and growing rapidly with increasing smartphone penetration and changing consumer habits.
A Restaurant-Friendly Approach Amidst Market Challenges
Unlike competitors, Rapido’s model focuses on affordability, with most dishes on Ownly priced below Rs 150, catering to budget-conscious consumers in Bengaluru.
This pilot is also a response to growing criticism of high commission fees charged by other platforms, positioning Rapido as a restaurant-friendly alternative in a cutthroat market.
Historically, Rapido has faced legal hurdles with bike taxi operations in several regions, but its adaptability and investor backing from figures like Hero MotoCorp’s Pawan Munjal have kept it resilient.
Future Implications and Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, Rapido plans to expand Ownly to 10 cities by mid-2026, potentially reshaping the food delivery landscape if the Bengaluru pilot proves successful.
The impact of this venture could be profound, not just for Rapido, but for small and medium-sized restaurants struggling with high commissions, offering them a lifeline to reach customers directly.
As Rapido diversifies further—recently piloting car and bike-pooling services via its Hopr app—it signals a broader vision to become a multi-service platform in India’s dynamic startup ecosystem.
Maria Lourdes
