Once a Zomato delivery partner now stands with Deepinder Goyal after becoming startup founder

Few career journeys sound as improbable as this one. It’s hard to imagine someone navigating traffic with a delivery bag today and steering a company as its founder tomorrow. Yet, in the unpredictable economy of the digital age, such reversals are no longer impossible. Sometimes, the very gig meant to help you survive ends up shaping the leader you become.

Must Read: Man quits corporate job to drive an auto-rickshaw! Reason behind the bold choice is relatable

From Gig Worker to Startup Founder

Suraj Biswas, now founder and CEO of deeptech startup Assessli, recently shared how his stint as a Zomato delivery partner in Bengaluru became a defining chapter in his life. In a detailed LinkedIn post, Biswas explained why he publicly supports Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal amid ongoing debates around gig work, delivery timelines and worker welfare.

Declaring that he “stands with Zomato” and “stands with Deepinder”, Biswas made it clear that his stance is grounded in personal experience.

Looking back at 2020-21, before college had fully begun and before Assessli existed- he recalled working as a delivery partner, not as an act of desperation, but as a conscious choice. 

As he wrote, “Not a story for sympathy. A story of independence, dignity and opportunity.”

Funding Education and Early Ambitions

Biswas shared that the income from deliveries helped him pay his college fees, support his early startup team and remain financially independent. What started as a means to sustain himself gradually became a foundation for bigger ambitions.

“Today I run a Deeptech Startup Assessli as founder and employ 40+ techies operating from offices in Bengaluru and Kolkata,” he wrote.

Risks, Realities and the Power of Systems

The work came with its share of danger. Biswas said he earned around ₹40,000 per month and knew delivery partners who made ₹80,000- 90,000. He also spoke about facing “food snatching and life-threatening moments” and relying on Zomato-provided medical insurance during difficult situations.

"When things went wrong, Zomato coordinated with police and supported me. That’s when I truly understood the power of well-built tech + systems. This is also where my obsession with building impactful technology came from,” he said.

Rethinking the Gig Work Narrative

Amid criticism of 10-minute deliveries and platform-driven work, Biswas argued that delivery jobs are “independent gig work, not forced labour”.

He noted that many delivery partners work across multiple platforms, driven by flexibility rather than rigid contracts. In his view, outrage and bans are unsustainable, while tech-enabled platforms create access to income for those without formal education. 

“Zomato didn’t just deliver food. It delivered economic mobility at scale. Deepinder Goyal built systems that allowed: Students to earn, Migrants to survive cities, Millions to work on their own terms,” he said.

Also Check: Zomato delivery man sets an example of a good father amid call of duty #Watch

Applause, Pushback and a Wider Debate

"So yes, unapologetically— I stand with Zomato. I stand with Deepinder. And I stand for systems that create opportunity, not entitlement. If you’ve lived this life, you’ll understand. If you haven’t, maybe listen to those who have,” Biswas concluded.

CLICK TO CHECK BISWAS'S POST HERE

The post has since sparked widespread discussion online. While many praised Biswas for offering a perspective rooted in lived experience, others argued that larger policy questions around wage security, healthcare and social protection for gig workers cannot be ignored.