Kabeer Biswas the co-founder of the Reliance-backed hyperlocal delivery startup Dunzo is set to join Flipkart as the head of its quick commerce business Flipkart Minutes. Biswas will officially assume his new role on January 13th marking a significant career move from Dunzo to Flipkart owned by Walmart. Flipkart’s Strategic Appointment Biswas will collaborate with Hemant Badri Senior Vice President at Flipkart who currently oversees the quick commerce division. This appointment is seen as a strategic step to bolster Flipkart’s position in the competitive quick commerce market. The quick commerce segment with players like Zomato-owned Blinkit Swiggy Instamart Zepto and Tata BigBasket is fiercely competitive with companies racing to deliver everything from groceries to electronics in under 10–15 minutes. Flipkart’s Interest in Dunzo Throughout 2024 Flipkart and Biswas were in discussions about potential roles and collaborations. At the same time Flipkart explored acquiring Dunzo as part of its expansion into quick commerce. However the acquisition talks fell apart due to investor reluctance to give up the Dunzo brand. Biswas’ Vision For Flipkart Minutes With his deep understanding of hyperlocal delivery and quick commerce Biswas is expected to drive Flipkart Minutes to new heights. His appointment signals Flipkart’s commitment to strengthening its presence in a market where convenience and speed are paramount. As Flipkart doubles down on its quick commerce ambitions Biswas’ leadership could prove instrumental in outpacing competitors and reshaping India’s fast-growing delivery ecosystem. Biswas-Dunzo Reliance Link In 2022 Reliance Retail acquired a 25.8% stake in Dunzo leading a $240 million funding round to establish its presence in the ultra-fast commerce sector. Despite raising $449 million from investors like Reliance Retail Google and Alteria Capital Dunzo struggled to stay afloat. In contrast Flipkart received a $350 million investment from Google in May 2024 valuing the e-commerce giant at $36 billion. Interestingly Google holds stakes in both Dunzo (~19%) and Flipkart (~1%). Dunzo’s Struggles Biswas’ move comes amid significant challenges at Dunzo. The Bengaluru-based startup which specializes in on-demand hyperlocal deliveries for groceries and food has faced a severe financial crisis. Employees have reportedly gone 18 months without salaries and the company has struggled to settle statutory and vendor dues. Key executives including co-founders Mukund Jha Dalvir Suri and Ankur Aggarwal along with the company’s finance head have exited. Mass layoffs and funding setbacks have compounded the situation leaving Dunzo in a precarious position.