Swish, a Bangalore-based rapid food delivery startup, has secured $2 million in seed funding led by Accel. Prominent angel investors, including Urban Company co-founders Abhiraj Bhal and Varun Khaitan, as well as former Swiggy Instamart head Karthik Gurumurthy, also participated in the funding round. The investment will fuel Swish’s expansion across Bengaluru and its future entry into other Tier-1 cities, according to the company’s statement.
A New Player in the Rapid Delivery Market
Founded in 2024 by Aniket Shah, Ujjwal Sukheja, and Saran S, Swish operates on a 10-minute delivery model using strategically located cloud kitchens, referred to as “delight centers.” These centers operate within a 1.5-2 km radius, ensuring quick and hygienic food delivery. The startup launched its operations in Bengaluru’s HSR Layout and has since expanded to Bellandur, gaining traction for its innovative approach to hyperlocal food delivery.
Demand for Speedy Services
Highlighting the demand for quicker services, Swish CEO and co-founder Aniket Shah stated, “We realized that quick commerce, initially seen as a convenience, has quickly become indispensable as people seek faster solutions to their everyday needs. Despite advancements in other categories, food delivery still takes 30-60 minutes, falling short of customer expectations, particularly for instant cravings.”
Market Potential
India’s quick commerce sector is currently valued at billions and is projected to reach $40 billion by 2030. Swish aims to tap into this potential by establishing 150 delight centers across Bengaluru by March 2025, solidifying its position as a leader in the segment.
Competitive Landscape
The rapid food delivery market is becoming increasingly competitive, with established players like Zomato and Swiggy also expanding their quick commerce offerings. Swish’s focus on ultra-fast delivery could give it an edge in capturing market share among consumers seeking immediate food solutions.
Strategic Insights from Investors
Commenting on the investment, Accel partner Abhinav Chaturvedi said, “Customer expectations around delivery times have evolved significantly with the rise of quick commerce. Swish is addressing this challenge by rethinking the supply chain and delivering an ultra-fast experience through their delight centers, bringing innovation to food delivery.”
Unique Operational Model
Swish employs a unique full-stack model that allows it to control all aspects of its operations in-house, including app design, food preparation, delivery mechanics, transport, and supply chain management. This vertical integration helps maintain quality and efficiency while reducing operational costs.
Future Expansion Plans
With plans to scale aggressively, Swish intends to set up additional cloud kitchens (referred to as “Pods”) in high-demand areas of Bengaluru. The startup aims to enhance its menu offerings with healthier options while ensuring that the quality of food remains uncompromised.
Financial Viability
As part of its operational strategy, Swish has managed to keep capital expenditures low while achieving strong unit economics. The startup currently receives approximately 150-200 orders daily, with an average order value of INR 250-300. The founders believe that maintaining high margins—around 70%—on food items will support sustainable growth.
Conclusion
With a unique approach to hyperlocal food delivery and significant backing from investors, Swish is poised to redefine the rapid delivery landscape in India. By focusing on speed and customer satisfaction while leveraging technology and efficient operations, Swish aims to establish itself as a leading player in the burgeoning quick commerce sector.
As it prepares for expansion and continues refining its operational model, Swish represents an exciting development in the Indian food delivery market—one that could potentially disrupt established norms and set new benchmarks for service speed and quality.
