Gaurav Gupta, Co-founder of Zomato has quit the company. This comes two months post Zomato raising $1.3 billion in its IPO, where Gupta was the face of all the discussions with investors and the media.

Gupta, who joined Zomato in 2015 as Business Head, Table Reservations, was elevated as Chief Operating Officer in 2018. He had been instrumental in building many businesses like dining out, zomato pro, advertising, sales, and more.

In March 2019, recognizing his ‘founder’s mentality' and hard work, Gupta was elevated to the position of founder at Zomato. Prior to joining Zomato, he worked with A.T. Kearney Limited for over 10 years. Gaurav holds an engineering degree from IIT-Delhi and an MBA from IIM-Calcutta.

Gupta confirmed the news on his social handle:

Gupta also sent the following email to everyone at Zomato – 

All,

I am in love with Zomato and will always be. Came in 6 years back not knowing what this would turn out to be. And what a mind-blowing and amazing journey this has been. Feel proud of where we are today, what we have overcome to get here and feel even more proud of what we will achieve in the future.

I have always been asked this question – where does all this energy come from and what keeps you going? Answer is simple and very unique to us – from all you amazing people and how this bunch comes together to create magic.

I am taking a new turn in my life and will be starting a new chapter, taking a lot from this defining chapter of my life – the last 6 years at Zomato. We have a great team now to take Zomato forward and it’s time for me to take an alternate path in my journey. I am very emotional as I write this and don’t think any words can do justice to how I am feeling right now. 

I couldn’t have asked for more – I am so grateful for all the experiences I have had and thankful to all the folks around me for helping me become a much better person. I won’t be able to stay away from all of you and you will see me around and in action every once in a while. How can I not be there for the town halls – aisa to ho hi nahin sakta  

Thank you Deepi for making me a part of this journey. I will always cherish the amazing times we have had together. I have learnt a lot from you all along and I know in my heart that you will take Zomato to heights that most cannot even imagine.

A big hug to MG (Mohit Gupta), Akshant, Akriti and RG (Rahul Ganjoo) for being such amazing pals on this journey. 

Love you all. Do what you do best – create magic. Super proud of all of you. 

GG

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Deepinder Goyal, founder & ceo of Zomato replied to his email with – 

Thank you, GG for everything you have helped Zomato achieve over the last few years. We have seen Zomato through great as well as terrible times together, and brought it here today. There’s so much of our journey still ahead of us, and I am thankful that you are hanging your boots at a point where we have a great team and leadership to carry us forward.

Thank you for being a better friend to me than anyone else I’ve ever had. I can’t yet imagine everyday life at Zomato without you. You will be sorely missed. All the best!