Ride-hailing platform Rapido has made its biggest diversification move yet, entering the food delivery market with a new app called Ownly. Launched this week in Koramangala, HSR Layout, and BTM Layout, the service promises to deliver meals at prices up to 15% lower than existing platforms, a direct challenge to industry leaders Swiggy and Zomato.
Zero-commission model for restaurants
Unlike traditional delivery platforms that charge restaurants commissions of up to 30%, Ownly follows a zero-commission approach. Instead, Rapido will collect a fixed fee per order, which it says will allow eateries to offer “offline prices” online, free from the “hidden fees” often associated with food aggregators.
The app already features several popular brands, including Wow! Momo, Eatfit, Krispy Kreme, and Faasos. Many dishes are priced under Rs 150, a move aimed at attracting budget-conscious customers in one of India’s most price-sensitive food delivery markets.
According to the terms agreed upon between Rapido and the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), restaurants will bear the delivery cost for orders within a four-kilometre radius. A Business Standard report details the pricing structure: Rs 10 for orders worth Rs 100 or less (customers pay Rs 20), Rs 25 plus GST for orders between Rs 100 and Rs 400, and Rs 50 for orders above Rs 400.
Leveraging Rapido’s existing fleet
Rapido tested Ownly internally among employees before rolling it out to the public. Deliveries will be fulfilled using Rapido’s existing network of two-wheeler riders, allowing the company to scale quickly without building a new logistics arm from scratch.
Founded in 2015 as a bike taxi operator, Rapido has steadily expanded its portfolio to include auto rickshaw rides, parcel delivery, and cab services, which were introduced in 2023. The launch of Ownly marks its most ambitious foray yet into a competitive market dominated by two well-funded incumbents.