The zero-commission food delivery app Waayu has officially joined the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) as a seller marketplace. Launched in May 2023, the app has rapidly gained traction, partnering with over 3,000 restaurants in cities including Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. By eliminating commission fees, Waayu seeks to create a more sustainable restaurant business environment while facilitating direct customer engagement.
Founded in late 2022 by Anirudha Kotgire and Mandar Lande and operated by Destek Infosolutions Pvt Ltd, Waayu utilizes AI technology to enhance its growth across India. The platform is designed to provide an accessible and cost-effective food delivery option for both restaurants and consumers, setting its sights on reshaping the country’s food delivery landscape.
Backed by Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty and the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR), Waayu is well-positioned to reduce customer acquisition costs, with plans to leverage these savings to enhance customer retention.
The Indian food delivery market has traditionally been dominated by major players such as Zomato and Swiggy. However, new competitors like ONDC and Thrive are beginning to challenge this dominance. Waayu’s entry into the market is a part of this shift, offering restaurants an alternative to high commission fees and enabling them to improve their profit margins.
In addition, Waayu is integrating with popular buyer apps such as Tata Neu and Ola, which is expected to boost order volumes for its restaurant partners. With the involvement of Flipkart and Paytm in the ONDC initiative, Waayu’s market presence is poised for further growth.
