Deliveroo

Deliveroo Rider Taking The Lane In Bristol (32611782273)

Notice on Islington phone box - Join the Deliveroo & Uber Eats strike - seen Feb 2024

Deliveroo is a British online food delivery company founded in 2013 by Will Shu and Greg Orlowski. Deliveroo operates in over two hundred cities across the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company is headquartered in London, England. Deliveroo partners with restaurants and enables customers to order food via its website or mobile app. The company employs riders who deliver food from restaurants to customers' doorsteps.

History[edit | edit source]

Deliveroo was established in 2013 when Will Shu, who had moved to London from the United States, noticed a lack of options for quality food delivery. Together with Greg Orlowski, Shu launched Deliveroo with the aim of enabling customers to order food from high-quality restaurants that did not traditionally offer delivery services. The company saw rapid growth, expanding its services across the UK and internationally.

Business Model[edit | edit source]

Deliveroo operates on a hybrid model that combines logistics with a technology platform. Restaurants sign up to be part of the Deliveroo network, gaining access to a wider customer base without the need to manage their own delivery services. Deliveroo handles the order through its app, dispatching riders to pick up and deliver the food. The company earns revenue through delivery fees charged to customers and commission fees charged to restaurants.

Expansion and Funding[edit | edit source]

Deliveroo has undergone several rounds of funding, attracting investment from venture capital firms, private equity, and public markets. This funding has supported its rapid expansion into new markets and the development of technology, such as its proprietary algorithm that optimizes the delivery process.

Controversies and Challenges[edit | edit source]

Deliveroo has faced criticism and legal challenges related to the employment status of its riders. In various jurisdictions, there have been debates over whether riders should be classified as independent contractors or employees, affecting their rights to minimum wage, sick leave, and other benefits. The company has also faced competition from other food delivery services, regulatory challenges, and the need to maintain profitability.

Technology[edit | edit source]

Deliveroo's technology platform includes a mobile app for customers, an app for riders, and a management interface for restaurants. The platform uses an algorithm to assign deliveries to riders in a way that minimizes wait times and delivery distances. This technology is central to Deliveroo's value proposition, enabling it to offer fast and reliable delivery services.

Impact[edit | edit source]

Deliveroo has had a significant impact on the food delivery industry, encouraging more restaurants to offer delivery services and changing consumer expectations around food delivery. The company has also contributed to the gig economy, providing flexible work opportunities for riders.