Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of food technology, Deepinder Goyal stands out as a visionary entrepreneur who changed how millions of people discover and order food. As the founder and CEO of Zomato, now operating under Eternal Limited, Goyal’s journey from a small-town boy to a billionaire businessman is nothing short of inspiring. In this blog, we dive deep into his life, career, business achievements, and current net worth.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 26, 1983, in Muktsar, Punjab, Deepinder Goyal’s early life was rooted in a middle-class Indian family. He excelled academically, which earned him a spot at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where he graduated with a B.Tech in Mathematics and Computing in 2005.
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Goyal gained valuable experience working as a Senior Associate Consultant at Bain & Company, where he honed his skills in business strategy and management.
The Birth of Zomato: From FoodieBay to Global Giant
In 2008, Deepinder Goyal co-founded FoodieBay.com along with Pankaj Chaddah, aiming to solve the cumbersome process of food ordering in India. By 2010, FoodieBay rebranded as Zomato, which quickly gained traction as a restaurant discovery and food delivery platform.
Zomato’s first major funding came in 2011 with a $1 million investment from Info Edge, which helped scale the platform nationwide. Over the years, Zomato expanded its services, incorporating food delivery, table reservations, and user reviews, setting the stage for an IPO in 2021.
Business Expansion and Rebranding to Eternal Limited
In 2025, Zomato underwent a major transformation, rebranding itself as Eternal Limited to represent its broader portfolio of services including:
- Zomato: Food delivery and restaurant discovery.
- Blinkit: A quick commerce platform offering groceries and essentials.
- District: Event ticketing and experience booking.
- Hyperpure: Supply chain solutions for restaurants and cloud kitchens.
This strategic diversification highlights Goyal’s ambition to transform Eternal Limited into a lifestyle and services conglomerate, moving beyond just food delivery.
Deepinder Goyal’s Net Worth and Wealth Breakdown
As of mid-2025, Deepinder Goyal’s net worth is estimated to be around ₹10,100 crore (approximately $1.2 billion), primarily from his 4.18% stake in Eternal Limited. His wealth portfolio also includes:
- Luxury real estate holdings in Delhi, including a 5-acre property valued at ₹79 crore.
- A collection of luxury cars, such as Ferrari Roma, Porsche 911 Turbo, Lamborghini Urus, and Aston Martin DB12.
- Despite his massive success, Goyal famously forfeited his CEO salary from April 2021 until 2026, demonstrating his commitment to reinvesting in the company’s growth.
Achievements and Recognition
Deepinder Goyal is widely regarded as one of India’s leading self-made entrepreneurs. In 2024, he was ranked as the second-highest valued self-made entrepreneur in India, after Radhakishan Damani.
In addition to leading Eternal Limited, Goyal has also contributed to the Indian startup ecosystem by serving as a judge on Shark Tank India Season 3, where he mentors and invests in promising new businesses.
Lessons from Deepinder Goyal’s Entrepreneurial Journey
- Innovate with Purpose: Zomato started as a simple restaurant listing site but evolved through constant innovation into a diversified services company.
- Adaptability: The rebranding to Eternal Limited signifies the importance of adapting business models to changing market demands.
- Leadership with Vision: Goyal’s decision to forgo salary in favor of company growth exemplifies visionary leadership.
- Perseverance: From a middle-class upbringing to billionaire status, Goyal’s story underscores the power of determination and strategic thinking.
Conclusion
Deepinder Goyal’s rise from a college graduate to the CEO of a multi-billion dollar food-tech conglomerate is a powerful story of entrepreneurship, innovation, and resilience. His leadership continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders across India and the world.
Whether you are a startup enthusiast, a business student, or simply curious about the business behind your favorite food delivery app, Deepinder Goyal’s journey offers valuable insights into building a successful business in the digital age.