Akriti chopra Zomato Ex co-founder

Akriti Chopra is a well-known figure in the Indian foodtech industry, recognized for her important role as the former co-founder and Chief People Officer at Zomato. She joined Zomato in 2011 as a Senior Manager of Finance and Operations, and her contributions have been crucial to the company’s growth and success.

Zomato, founded in 2008 by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah, has completely changed the foodtech scene. The platform provides a wide range of services, including:

• Online food ordering
• Restaurant discovery and reviews
• Table reservations
• Subscription-based services

With its innovative solutions, Zomato has changed how people engage with food and dining experiences worldwide. Akriti Chopra’s strategic leadership has been vital in guiding Zomato towards becoming a major player in this ever-evolving industry.

The Rise of Zomato in the Foodtech Industry

Zomato’s story begins with its founding in 2008 by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah. Initially launched as “Foodiebay,” the platform aimed to address the problem of limited restaurant information available online. Quickly gaining popularity, it was rebranded as “Zomato” in 2010. The early vision was simple: make restaurant menus accessible to users online.

As Zomato expanded, it evolved into a comprehensive foodtech platform. Initially focusing on restaurant discovery and reviews, the company gradually introduced new features that transformed user experience:

• Online food ordering: Zomato integrated food delivery services, allowing users to order from their favorite restaurants directly through the app.
• Table reservations: Users could book tables at top restaurants in advance, ensuring a seamless dining experience.
• Subscription services: Zomato Gold offered exclusive deals and discounts at partner restaurants for a subscription fee.
• Hyperpure: This initiative focused on supplying high-quality ingredients to partner restaurants, enhancing overall food quality.

Zomato’s services expanded beyond mere food discovery. It ventured into logistics, cloud kitchens, and even sustainability efforts with initiatives like “Feeding India” to reduce food wastage.

The company’s growth trajectory saw it become a household name within the foodtech industry. By continually adding value through diversified services, Zomato established itself as a one-stop solution for all things food-related. The introduction of features like real-time tracking and customer reviews further solidified its position as an industry leader.

Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah’s initial vision paved the way for Zomato’s evolution into a multi-faceted platform that caters to various aspects of the dining experience. Their foresight enabled Zomato to adapt and thrive amidst growing competition, making it one of the most influential players in the global foodtech landscape. Celebrating 16 years of revolutionizing food delivery, Zomato continues to shape the future of the food tech industry.

Akriti Chopra: From Finance to Co-Founder at Zomato

Akriti Chopra’s journey from a finance professional to a co-founder at Zomato is a testament to her remarkable expertise and dedication. Her educational background lays a strong foundation for her career:

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi.
• Chartered Accountancy qualification from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

Before joining Zomato in 2011, Akriti honed her skills at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), one of the world’s leading professional services firms. At PwC, she gained valuable experience in various aspects of finance and auditing, which would later prove instrumental in her role at Zomato.

At PwC, Akriti was involved in:

• Financial auditing for diverse clients across multiple industries.
• Risk assessment and management strategies.
• Compliance and regulatory frameworks, ensuring companies adhered to legal standards.

These roles equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of financial operations and compliance, critical for her subsequent responsibilities at Zomato. When she joined Zomato as a Senior Manager of Finance and Operations, she brought with her a wealth of knowledge that significantly contributed to the company’s financial stability and growth.

By leveraging her finance background, Akriti Chopra played a pivotal role in establishing and scaling Zomato’s business finance functions across various verticals. Her transition from PwC to Zomato marked the beginning of an impactful career in the foodtech industry, showcasing her ability to adapt and excel in dynamic environments.

With each step in her career, Akriti demonstrated resilience, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. This journey from finance professional at PwC to co-founder at Zomato underscores her significant contributions and leadership within the company.

Key Contributions to Zomato’s Success

Akriti Chopra’s journey at Zomato began in 2011 when she joined as the Senior Manager of Finance and Operations. Her role involved managing the company’s financial operations, a critical function for any startup aiming for significant growth. With her strong background in finance, Chopra quickly established robust business finance functions across various verticals within the company.

Initial Role as Senior Manager of Finance and Operations

In this capacity, Chopra was responsible for:

• Financial Planning and Analysis: She led efforts to implement effective financial planning and analysis frameworks, which were essential for making informed business decisions.
• Operational Efficiency: By streamlining financial processes, she contributed to enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring that resources were optimally utilized.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Chopra also focused on building compliance and risk management protocols to safeguard Zomato’s interests.

Progression to Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

As Zomato evolved into a leading foodtech platform, Chopra’s expertise became increasingly valuable. Her significant contributions led to her promotion as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In this elevated role, she:

• Led Fundraising Efforts: Played a pivotal role in managing legal and governance aspects of fundraising activities, facilitating Zomato’s access to capital for expansion.
• Expanded Financial Functions: Established comprehensive business finance functions across multiple verticals, ensuring that each department operated with financial prudence.
• Strengthened Governance: Implemented stringent governance protocols that enhanced transparency and accountability within the organization.

The transition from Senior Manager of Finance and Operations to CFO marked a significant milestone in Chopra’s career at Zomato. Her leadership roles were instrumental in driving business growth and setting the foundation for Zomato’s successful IPO.

By focusing on these key areas, Akriti Chopra laid down a solid financial framework that not only supported day-to-day operations but also prepared the company for future challenges and opportunities. Her relentless commitment to excellence has been a cornerstone of Zomato’s success story.

Transition to Co-Founder Status and IPO Preparation

Akriti Chopra’s promotion to co-founder in June 2021 was a major turning point in her career at Zomato. This promotion happened at a critical time as the company was preparing for its initial public offering (IPO), an important event that would shape its future path. Her new role highlighted the immense trust and confidence placed in her by the company’s leadership.

Co-Founder Promotion

Being named a co-founder is not just a title; it signifies recognition of one’s foundational contributions and strategic impact on the business. Akriti’s journey from managing finance and operations to becoming an integral part of Zomato’s core leadership team is proof of her dedication and expertise. Her promotion aligned with Zomato’s vision of leveraging experienced leaders to navigate the complexities of scaling up and going public.

IPO Preparation

The IPO was a crucial moment for Zomato, aiming to raise substantial capital to fuel further growth and expansion. Akriti played a key role during this period, focusing on:

• Financial Readiness: Ensuring that Zomato’s financial records, reporting mechanisms, and compliance were robust and transparent.
• Governance: Strengthening corporate governance frameworks, which is critical for investor confidence.
• Stakeholder Communication: Engaging with potential investors and stakeholders, providing them with clear insights into the company’s financial health and future prospects.

Her comprehensive understanding of Zomato’s finances facilitated smooth navigation through regulatory requirements, making the IPO process efficient. Akriti’s strategic input was crucial in presenting Zomato as a viable investment opportunity, thereby contributing significantly to its successful listing on the stock exchange.

Through these efforts, Akriti Chopra not only solidified her legacy within Zomato but also set an example for effective leadership during transformative phases in a company’s lifecycle.

Akriti Chopra zomato husband

 Akriti Chopra’s marriage to Albinder Dhindsa has attracted attention, especially following Zomato’s acquisition of Blinkit. This relationship raised concerns among shareholders regarding potential conflicts of interest, but Zomato’s CEO clarified that the board was aware of their marriage and that there was no hidden agenda regarding the acquisition.
Professional Impact: Both Akriti and Albinder have played pivotal roles in their respective companies, contributing significantly to the growth of the food and grocery delivery sectors in India. Their partnership extends beyond personal life into their professional endeavors, particularly highlighted by the strategic acquisition of Blinkit by Zomato.

Leadership Style and Management Approach at Zomato

Akriti Chopra’s leadership style combines strategic vision with empathetic management. At Zomato, she focused on creating an inclusive culture that encourages innovation and teamwork. As a leader, she prioritized transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Aspects of Akriti Chopra’s Leadership Style

• Strategic Vision: Chopra’s ability to foresee market trends and align the company’s goals accordingly played a crucial role in Zomato’s scaling efforts.
• Empathy: She prioritized the well-being of her team members, understanding that a motivated workforce is key to achieving business objectives.
• Transparency: An advocate for clear communication, Chopra ensured that all team members were aware of organizational goals and their roles in achieving them.

Team Management

Chopra built strong finance and compliance teams that could navigate the complexities of a rapidly growing startup. Her approach to team management included:

• Skill Development: Regular training sessions and workshops to enhance team capabilities.
• Mentorship: Providing guidance and support to junior team members, fostering their professional growth.
• Collaboration: Encouraging cross-functional collaboration to leverage diverse skill sets within the organization.

Building Finance and Compliance Teams

Chopra’s background in finance was instrumental in establishing robust financial controls and compliance mechanisms at Zomato. She achieved this by:

• Recruiting Top Talent: Identifying and attracting skilled professionals in finance and legal domains.
• Implementing Best Practices: Introducing industry best practices for corporate governance and risk management.
• Creating a Supportive Environment: Ensuring that her teams had the resources they needed to excel, from advanced software tools to ongoing education opportunities.

Her leadership style not only strengthened Zomato’s internal operations but also set a high standard for corporate governance within the foodtech industry.

Overcoming Challenges in the Startup World: A Journey with Resilience and Strategy

Navigating the unpredictable waters of the startup world is no small task, and Akriti Chopra’s time at Zomato was filled with several major challenges. One of the main hurdles she faced was managing rapid growth while ensuring strong financial controls. As Zomato expanded its services across various areas, maintaining financial discipline became increasingly difficult.

Key Challenges Faced by Akriti Chopra:

1. Scaling Operations: Managing the rapid growth of Zomato required detailed planning and execution. This included expanding operations across different regions and adapting to diverse market conditions.
2. Financial Management: Ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance during a period of fast expansion posed a significant challenge. The complexity of Zomato’s operations demanded strict oversight and careful financial planning.
3. Fundraising: Securing investments in a competitive market required strategic thinking and persuasive communication skills. Convincing investors about Zomato’s potential amidst a crowded marketplace was a critical obstacle.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the regulatory landscape in multiple countries added another layer of difficulty. Ensuring adherence to diverse legal requirements while maintaining operational efficiency was crucial.

Strategies Employed by Her to Overcome These Challenges:

1. Building Strong Teams: Recognizing that success depended on having a solid team, Akriti focused on building strong finance, compliance, and operations teams. Her leadership ensured that these teams were well-prepared to handle the complexities of a growing business.
2. Implementing Robust Financial Systems: She introduced advanced financial systems and processes to streamline operations and ensure accuracy in reporting. This helped maintain financial integrity and supported informed decision-making.
3. Strategic Fundraising Efforts: Akriti played a key role in crafting compelling narratives for investors. Her strategic approach to fundraising involved aligning Zomato’s vision with investor expectations, thereby securing crucial funding rounds.
4. Adaptive Compliance Strategies: To address regulatory challenges, she developed adaptive compliance strategies tailored to each market’s unique requirements. This proactive approach reduced risks and ensured smooth operations across borders.

Akriti Chopra’s journey at Zomato exemplifies resilience in leadership, showcasing her ability to navigate complex challenges with strategic foresight and unwavering commitment.

Driving Growth: Akriti Chopra’s Role in Fundraising Activities and International Expansion at Zomato

Akriti Chopra played a pivotal role in Zomato’s growth strategy, particularly in managing the legal and governance aspects of the company’s fundraising activities. Her expertise in finance and operations enabled her to streamline processes that were crucial for attracting and securing investments.

Key Contributions:

1. Legal and Governance Management:

Chopra’s deep understanding of financial regulations and compliance requirements was instrumental in ensuring that Zomato met all legal standards. This not only built investor confidence but also facilitated smoother fundraising rounds.

“Her meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive knowledge of financial laws contributed significantly to our successful funding rounds,” noted Deepinder Goyal, CEO of Zomato.

2. Fundraising Efforts:

Akriti’s contributions were vital during multiple fundraising stages, where she worked closely with potential investors, presenting detailed financial reports and forecasts. These efforts helped Zomato raise substantial capital to fuel its expansion plans.

• Managed multiple successful funding rounds
• Ensured compliance with international investment standards
• Fostered relationships with key investors globally

3. International Expansion:

Chopra was also key in Zomato’s international expansion initiatives. Her strategic insights helped identify lucrative markets and navigate complex regulatory environments abroad. This led to Zomato establishing a significant presence in various countries.

• Spearheaded market entry strategies for new regions
• Coordinated with international teams to ensure operational efficiency
• Addressed legal and compliance challenges in foreign markets

Chopra’s unwavering commitment to excellence made her an indispensable part of Zomato’s journey towards becoming a global leader in the foodtech industry. Her strategic vision and operational prowess continue to inspire future leaders within the company.

Education Background and Professional Development of Akriti Chopra

Akriti Chopra’s educational journey laid a strong foundation’s for her illustrious career in the foodtech industry. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, one of the most prestigious institutions in Delhi. This academic background equipped her with essential knowledge in commerce, finance, and business management.

Her pursuit of excellence didn’t stop there. Akriti achieved the highly respected Chartered Accountancy qualification from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). This rigorous certification process honed her analytical skills, financial acumen, and understanding of complex regulatory environments. The combination of her formal education and professional certification provided a robust platform for her future endeavors. It’s worth noting that this qualification often leads to lucrative salary packages and rewarding job profiles, as highlighted in various discussions among professionals in the field, including those on platforms like Quora.

Before joining Zomato, Akriti leveraged this expertise at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where she gained significant experience in finance and operations. Her role at PwC not only enhanced her technical skills but also exposed her to best practices in corporate governance and compliance, which later proved invaluable at Zomato.

Her comprehensive education background and professional development reflect a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, setting her apart as a leader in the tech-driven food industry. This unique combination has been instrumental in shaping her career path and contributions to Zomato’s success.

Recognition and Awards Received by Akriti Chopra in the Foodtech Industry

Akriti Chopra’s journey at Zomato has been marked by several industry recognitions and awards. Her contributions to the company and the broader foodtech landscape have not gone unnoticed.

Economic Times 40 Under 40 Award

In recognition of her exceptional work and leadership, Akriti was honored with the prestigious Economic Times 40 Under 40 award. This accolade celebrates young achievers who have made significant impacts in their industries.

Women Leadership Award

Akriti has been a trailblazer for women in technology-driven sectors. She received the Women Leadership Award at the Indian Business Leader Awards (IBLA), highlighting her role in breaking barriers and setting new standards.

Top CFO Honors

As Chief Financial Officer, Akriti garnered several top CFO awards, emphasizing her financial acumen and strategic insights that were pivotal during Zomato’s growth phase.

Featured in Leading Business Magazines

Her story has been featured in leading business publications such as Forbes India, Business Today, and The Economic Times, showcasing her influence and achievements within the Indian foodtech industry.

Akriti’s accolades reflect her unwavering dedication and significant contributions to Zomato’s success.

Legacy at Zomato: Lasting Impact on Company Culture and Finance Operations Post-Departure

Akriti Chopra’s legacy at Zomato is characterized by her significant contributions to the company’s finance operations and overall culture. She played a crucial role in establishing a robust financial framework that continues to drive the company forward.

Impact on Company Culture

• Commitment to Excellence: Chopra instilled a deep-seated commitment to excellence within her teams, driving high standards across all departments.
• Empowering Leadership: Her management style emphasized empowering team members, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration.
• Inclusive Work Environment: By promoting diversity and inclusion, she helped create a workplace where everyone feels valued and motivated.

Influence on Finance Operations

• Streamlined Processes: Chopra’s tenure saw the implementation of streamlined financial processes, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in operations.
• Strong Compliance Framework: She established rigorous compliance protocols, which have become integral to Zomato’s operational integrity.
• Risk Management: Her strategic approach to risk management has left a lasting impact, providing a solid foundation for future growth.

Future Impact

Chopra’s influence extends beyond her departure, with many of the systems and philosophies she introduced continuing to shape Zomato’s trajectory. Her legacy is evident in the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation, financial discipline, and a supportive cultural environment.

Celebrating the Contributions of Women Leaders like Akriti Chopra in Technology-Driven Industries

Akriti Chopra’s legacy at Zomato is marked by her significant contributions to foodtech, showcasing her exemplary leadership and strategic vision. As a co-founder and key player in the company’s journey, she not only shaped its financial landscape but also instilled a robust company culture that propels Zomato forward.

Key highlights of Akriti Chopra’s impact:

• Played a pivotal role in Zomato’s IPO preparation
• Led major fundraising activities and international expansions
• Built strong finance, legal, and compliance teams

Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring women leaders in technology-driven industries. It underscores the importance of resilience, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication. Remembering who Akriti Chopra is, it’s clear her contributions extend beyond Zomato, influencing the broader narrative of women’s leadership in tech.