Glovo – More Than Just a Delivery App

Founded in 2015 in Barcelona, Glovo has quickly grown from a small local startup into one of Europe’s leading on-demand delivery platforms. With operations in over 25 countries and more than 1,600 cities, Glovo allows users to order food, groceries, and even personal items with a few taps on a smartphone. Its rapid expansion demonstrates not only the global appetite for convenience but also the power of tech-driven entrepreneurship in transforming traditional markets.

The Founding Story

Glovo was the brainchild of Oscar Pierre and Sacha Michaud, who recognized the inefficiencies in urban delivery services. The vision was simple yet ambitious: create an app that could deliver anything, anywhere, anytime. The founders started with a small team in Barcelona, experimenting with logistics, partnerships with local restaurants, and a courier network. Early on, Glovo faced challenges typical of startups—tight budgets, technology hurdles, and customer acquisition—but the focus on speed, flexibility, and convenience quickly set it apart from competitors.

Growth and Expansion

Glovo’s growth story is a blueprint for scaling startups. After raising €2 million in seed funding in 2016, the company expanded to other Spanish cities. By 2018, Glovo had entered markets in Italy, Portugal, and France, fueled by $169 million in Series C funding led by investors like Seaya Ventures and Rakuten Capital.

Unlike some competitors who focus solely on food delivery, Glovo positioned itself as a “delivery of anything” platform, fulfilling courier requests from groceries to pharmacy products. This flexibility allowed Glovo to differentiate itself in a crowded market and quickly build a loyal customer base. By 2020, the platform was present in 23 countries across Europe, Latin America, and Africa, with over 2 million active users and tens of thousands of courier partners.

Business Model and Technology

Glovo operates on a marketplace model, connecting customers with local couriers. The app’s smart algorithms optimize delivery routes, reduce wait times, and ensure prompt service. Revenue comes from delivery fees, partnerships with restaurants and retailers, and premium subscription models like Glovo Prime.

The company also invested heavily in technology, developing tools for real-time order tracking, courier performance management, and predictive demand analytics. This tech-driven approach allowed Glovo to maintain a competitive edge while scaling rapidly across multiple markets.

Impact and Recognition

Glovo’s rise has had a significant impact on the on-demand delivery ecosystem. In addition to creating thousands of jobs for couriers and local partners, the startup has empowered small businesses to reach a wider customer base. Investors took notice: by 2021, Glovo raised a $450 million funding round, achieving unicorn status with a valuation of over $2 billion.

Glovo has also received multiple industry recognitions, including Best Startup in Spain and inclusion in Europe’s top tech disruptors. Its innovative model has inspired countless other startups to rethink logistics, delivery, and urban services.

Challenges and Controversies

No success story is without hurdles. Glovo has faced regulatory scrutiny regarding labor rights for its gig economy workers and competition from giants like Uber Eats and Deliveroo. Some markets posed cultural and operational challenges, forcing the company to adapt its strategies. Despite these obstacles, Glovo has maintained a focus on sustainable growth, investing in local teams, compliance measures, and courier benefits to maintain trust and brand reputation.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Glovo plans to expand further into Eastern Europe, North Africa, and Latin America, while broadening its service offerings beyond food delivery. Innovations such as drone deliveries, dark kitchens, and AI-driven logistics could define its next stage of growth.

For entrepreneurs and small businesses, Glovo’s journey offers valuable lessons: identify a market gap, focus on technology to scale efficiently, differentiate from competitors, and remain adaptable to local market needs. What started as a small Barcelona startup has now become a global example of how vision, technology, and execution can transform industries.

Glovo’s story proves that even in a highly competitive market, a small startup with a clear vision and smart execution can disrupt established industries and achieve global recognition. From humble beginnings to becoming a delivery giant, Glovo exemplifies the potential of entrepreneurship to create value, innovation, and lasting impact.