Indian quick commerce startup Zepto has laid off approximately 300 employees as part of a broader cost-efficiency drive, moving these roles to third-party service providers to reduce fixed payroll expenses. This recent action brings the total number of impacted employees since the beginning of the year to around 1,000, reflecting the company's push to automate workflows and achieve operational frugality despite a recent $450 million funding round that valued the firm at $7 billion. The layoffs, reported on October 18, 2025, affected various departments including operations, technology, and finance, as Zepto tightens spending and hiring in a highly competitive market.
