Blinkit

Key Information
Founded Headquarters Revenue (FY24) Employees CEO

2013 Gurgaon, Haryana INR 2,301 Cr 1,000-5,000 Albinder Dhindsa

About the Company

• Blinkit (formerly known as Grofers India Private Limited) is a grocery and e-commerce platform. The company pioneered the instant delivery model in India with over 10 million Indians shopping on Blinkit, for everything from
grocery staples and vegetables to emergency supplies and electronics, and much more
• Built on a proprietary technology stack, the Blinkit platform serves as a convergence of consumers looking for everyday essentials, partner stores who serve their needs efficiently, and manufacturers looking for a channel to
reach a nation of consumers
• Blinkit aims to revolutionize e-commerce by ensuring rapid delivery, allowing customers to receive items almost as soon as they think of them
• Their mission focuses on "instant commerce indistinguishable from magic," leveraging technology and data sciences for fast service
• The company was acquired by Zomato in August 2022 and now falls under Zomato's rebranded parent company Eternal Ltd.
• Blinkit is already a leading e-grocery company in India and aims to grow 100 times in size within the next five years
Company in News
Blinkit gets INR 1,500-crore cash boost from Zomato Blinkit's Bistro promises 'canteen-style' food to doorsteps in 10 minutes Blinkit launches 10-minute ambulance service, starting with
Blinkit has received a INR 1,500 crore fund infusion from its parent Blinkit has launched a standalone app called Bistro, promising 10-minute delivery Gurugram
company Zomato, according to a regulatory filing made with the of fresh, preservative-free meals in select Gurugram locations. It focuses on high- Blinkit is launching a 10-minute ambulance service in Gurugram, with
Registrar of Companies (RoC). Last month, Zomato had pumped in INR quality, canteen-style food and avoids preservatives, food processors, and plans to expand the service to other cities in India in the next two
500 crore into the company. With the latest equity infusion, Zomato microwave-processed meals. Bistro aims to revolutionize quick-service food years. The ambulances would have medical equipment such as oxygen
has injected a total of Rs 4,300 crore in Blinkit since it acquired the delivery by preparing dishes in under five minutes. It competes with Swiggy's cylinders, AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator), stretchers,
online grocery delivery firm in August 2022. Zomato had purchased Snacc, Zepto Cafe, and Zomato's 15-minute delivery. Currently in its pilot phase, it monitors, suction machines, emergency medicines, and injections. The
the company for Rs 4,477 crore in an all-stock deal. In an interview, aims to expand after finding the right product-market fit. (Jan '25) ambulance will come with a paramedic, an assistant, and a trained
Blinkit’s CEO Albinder Dhindsa had said that most of the company’s driver. A promotional image shared showed a flat fee of INR 2,000 for
current cash burn was on account of expansion. (Feb '25) the ambulance service, along with warnings that the service did not
support neonatal or ventilator care. (Jan '25)

Additional Information
Dark Stores Business Model Operational Standouts
Blinkit operates a hyper-local quick commerce model using dark 1. Value Proposition: Blinkit offers instant delivery of groceries and essentials Blinkit thrives on precision, speed, and strategic expansion.
stores, strategically placed micro-warehouses in densely populated within minutes across a wide product range. Unlike competitors that stock a broad range, it curates high-demand
urban areas to enable rapid deliveries. These dark stores, typically 2. Customer Segments: Targets urban consumers needing quick delivery and essentials, reducing waste, and improving profitability. With an
1,500-2,000 sq. ft., are smaller than some competitors but more partners with local suppliers to enhance product availability and reach. optimized store-to-rider dispatch system, it achieves an industry-
numerous, allowing for fast order fulfilment and cost control. 3. Channels: Orders are placed via an easy-to-use app and website, with fulfilment leading 10-minute average delivery time, ensuring rapid fulfilment with
Blinkit partners with local retail stores and warehouses while also ensured through strategically placed dark stores. minimal delays.
offering a franchise program, where individuals or businesses run dark 4. Customer Relationships: Provides in-app support and helplines for customer Beyond groceries, Blinkit has diversified into electronics, beauty,
stores in their neighbourhoods. Franchisees earn a share of sales but queries and uses analytics for tailored recommendations. stationery, and instant print services, securing a first-mover advantage
bear losses from order errors, theft, and additional staffing during 5. Revenue Streams: Generates revenue through marketplace commissions, in quick commerce printing & gifting. Its deep Zomato integration
peak periods. advertising fees, and customer charges. leverages its customer base, maximizing efficiency and reducing costs.
Blinkit prefers short-term leases for its dark stores, adapting quickly to 6. Key Resources: Includes dark stores network, technology infrastructure Blinkit monetizes effectively through FMCG brand partnerships,
market shifts. By storing goods closer to customers, the model (inventory management, order processing, route optimization), and delivery fleet. offering priority product placements and promotions. Tailoring
significantly reduces delivery times, redefining consumer 7. Key Activities: Involves order fulfilment, inventory management, and inventory to consumer preferences, Blinkit customizes assortments
expectations. Rather than replacing traditional retail, quick commerce partnership development. based on regional demand.
complements existing formats, catering to a growing demand for 8. Key Partnerships: Collaborates with local businesses, third-party delivery AI-powered recommendations drive larger basket sizes, while
immediacy. services, and payment providers for seamless transactions. hyperlocal festive and city-based marketing fuels engagement.
9. Cost Structure: Major costs include last-mile delivery, dark store operations,
variable costs (packaging, support, payment processing), and customer acquisition
expenses.
Profile Process
Stage 1: Group Discussion
Program Manager Stage 2: Technical Interview(s)
Stage 3: HR Interview
GD Topics
1. The Role of Data-Driven Decisions in Modern Business Operations
2. How Can Cross-Functional Collaboration Drive Business Success?
3. Flexibility vs. Structure: What Matters More in a Fast-Paced Environment?
4. Customer Obsession: Key to Sustainable Business Growth?
5. Process Automation: Threat to Jobs or Key to Efficiency?
6. The Importance of Leadership in Driving Operational Efficiency
7. How Can Warehousing Innovations Impact Supply Chain Management?
8. Balancing Speed and Quality in Business Deliverables
9. Dynamic Business Conditions: How Should Companies Adapt?
10. The Future of Program Management in E-commerce and Logistics
11. Is Curiosity the Most Important Trait for Future Leaders?
12. Streamlining Processes: Standardization vs. Customization
13. How Does Data Analytics Impact Operational Strategies?
14. Building Resilient Businesses in Uncertain Times
15. The Role of Technology in Improving Operational Efficiency

Technical Questions
1. What metrics would you track to measure the performance of an operational hub?
2. How do you think data analytics plays a role in optimizing warehouse operations and improving efficiency?
3. If a key KPI suddenly drops, what steps would you take to identify and address the issue?
4. Can you describe a time when data-driven decision-making led to a significant impact in your work?
5. How would you communicate complex data insights to stakeholders with non-technical backgrounds?
6. What role does Six Sigma or Agile methodology play in operational process improvements?
7. What’s your strategy for balancing cost optimization and service quality in a fast-paced environment?
8. With sustainability being a focus, how would you design an eco-friendly logistics process?
9. How would you design an operational process to enhance last-mile delivery speed and accuracy?
10. If customers in a specific region report repeated service failures, how would you investigate and solve the issue?
11. How would you integrate customer feedback into operational decision-making?
12. If you had to launch a new warehouse in a city with no prior infrastructure, how would you plan it?
13. What emerging trends in logistics and operations excite you the most, and why?
14. If supply chain disruptions occur due to geopolitical factors, how would you manage operational risk?
15. How would you implement AI and IoT technologies in warehouse management?
16. Can you share an example where you automated a process to improve efficiency?
17. How do you assess and mitigate risks when onboarding new suppliers for operational needs?
18. With fully automated "dark warehouses" (warehouses operating without human intervention) becoming a trend, how would you assess the feasibility of implementing one?
19. How would you implement a lean management strategy to reduce waste in operations?
20. How would you prioritize the rollout of new services like ambulances and Bistro across different cities?
HR Questions
1. Tell me about yourself and why you are interested in the Program Manager role
2. How do you handle tight deadlines while ensuring high-quality results?
3. Describe a time when you led a team in a fast-paced environment
4. How do you prioritize tasks when dealing with multiple stakeholders?
5. Give an example of when you derived insights from data to solve a business problem
6. How do you motivate a team that is underperforming?
7. Describe a situation where you had to streamline a process. What was the outcome?
8. How would you handle a conflict between two cross-functional teams?
9. Have you worked in a dynamic business environment? How did you adapt?
10. What does customer obsession mean to you? Provide an example
11. How would you improve operational efficiency in a warehouse?
12. Describe a challenge you faced during a project and how you overcame it
13. What tools or techniques do you use for data analysis?
14. How do you ensure collaboration among diverse teams?
15. Tell me about a time you failed. What did you learn from it?
16. How do you stay motivated when working on repetitive tasks?
17. Have you ever worked on a project with tight deadlines and limited resources?
18. How would you define a successful program manager?
19. Describe a situation where you made a decision without complete information
20. How do you stay resilient when projects don’t go as planned?
Do's Don'ts
• Read about the company
• Be thorough with your CV & PSP • Don't make wild guesses during the interview
• Be as authentic as possible • Don't panic, be honest in case you don't know something
• Prepare good questions to ask at the end • Don't rush to answer the questions
• Keep the interview conversational
Resources
• Compendium: Opsession
• Six Sigma: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/six-sigma.asp
• Understanding Dark Stores: https://supplychainanalytics.in/dark-stores-quick-commerce-operations/#google_vignette
• Blinkit's Business Model: https://iide.co/blog/blinkit-business-model/
• Business Model: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/business-model-components-importance-types-examples-design/