Just days after launching in the US, Zomato, the global restaurant search and discovery service has announced a partnership with Uber in a move that will bring both Uber and Zomato more users.
The deal is expected to start in the UK and South Africa, then rolled to other markets the two firms operate. Zomato is the equivalent of Kenya’s EatOut which has also signed a similar deal with Uber which launched in Kenya just yesterday.
With a post-money valuation of USD ~660 million and a global presence, Zomato will bring the seamless Uber experience to the Zomato app to enable users to book cabs to the restaurant where they are planning to eat. The feature will initially be available to Zomato users in London, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban and will subsequently be rolled out to users in other key markets.
Uber will also bring Zomato content closer to its users over the next few months, to showcase nearby restaurants when passengers arrive at their destination.
Pankaj Chaddah, Co-Founder and COO of Zomato, said, “We’re constantly looking for ways to make every meal, for everyone, a great experience. We aim to do this by disrupting the global restaurant industry through product innovation and strategic partnerships such as this one. This is a huge leap forward in creating a seamless experience for users, from finding a place to eat, to getting to the restaurant in style – all in just a few taps on their smartphones.”
The in-app taxi booking feature is currently available for Zomato users in London and South Africa and will be available in more cities soon.
Already present in South Africa and expanding globally, Zomato serves over 30 million users.