Ralf Wenzel

Q-Commerce in Emerging Markets with the CEOs of Airlift, JOKR, & Zepto | 20VC #892

Usman Gul, Ralf Wenzel, Aadit Palicha

Executives from Airlift, Joker, and Zepto outlined how quick-commerce ventures in emerging markets leverage high population density and lower labor costs to achieve profitability faster than Western counterparts. These companies are pivoting from pure delivery models to vertically integrated operations that control supply chains, optimize unit economics through reduced wastage, and generate significant revenue via proprietary advertising platforms. By capitalizing on local ad-hoc purchasing habits and navigating unique infrastructure challenges, the sector is transitioning toward "e-commerce 3.0" with a focus on free cash flow generation rather than capital-intensive growth.