Global mobility and urban services platform inDrive has officially acquired Pakistan-based quick-commerce startup KraveMart, marking a significant strategic expansion beyond its core ride-hailing business. The all-stock deal, which has now received approval from the Competition Commission of Pakistan, signals inDrive’s ambition to build a comprehensive “super app” for emerging markets.
A Super App Strategy in Motion
The acquisition is a calculated step in inDrive’s broader strategy to diversify its service offerings and leverage its massive global user base of over 200 million. By integrating KraveMart’s hyperlocal grocery delivery infrastructure, inDrive aims to capture a larger share of the digital services economy. This move is backed by the company’s venture and M&A arm, which launched in 2023 with a $100 million fund to fuel its super-app ambitions. inDrive had previously invested in KraveMart in December 2024, paving the way for a deeper partnership.
“We are pleased with the approval from the Competition Commission of Pakistan as we continue to work closely with Krave Mart to expand access to fast and reliable grocery delivery services across the country, most recently launching in Lahore under the inDrive.Groceries brand,” said Andries Smit, Chief Growth Businesses Officer at inDrive.
Challenging a Market Leader
inDrive’s entry into Pakistan’s $500 million quick-commerce market poses a direct challenge to the sector’s dominant player, Foodpanda, which holds an estimated 65% market share. While Foodpanda has enjoyed a near-monopoly, inDrive brings formidable competition with its deep pockets, a global valuation of $2.3 billion, and a proven track record of capital-efficient operations in high-density urban environments like Karachi and Lahore. The plan is to fully integrate KraveMart’s network of dark stores into the main inDrive application within the next six months.
Relevance for MENA
While this acquisition is centered on the Pakistani market, it carries significant implications for the MENA region. inDrive is already a dominant force in several key MENA markets, ranking as the most downloaded ride-hailing app in both Egypt and Morocco. This successful acquisition and vertical expansion into q-commerce in a comparable emerging market serves as a potential blueprint for inDrive’s future strategy in the Middle East and North Africa. As the company tests its super app model, local q-commerce players and delivery incumbents across MENA will be watching closely for its next move.
About inDrive
Founded in 2013, inDrive is a global mobility and urban services platform headquartered in Mountain View, California. Operating in over 48 countries, its services include ride-hailing, intercity transportation, freight delivery, and courier services. It is known for its unique peer-to-peer pricing model, which allows users and drivers to negotiate fares directly.
About KraveMart
Founded in 2021, KraveMart is a Pakistan-based quick-commerce startup that specializes in grocery delivery. Operating a network of dark stores in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, the company offers to deliver groceries and other essentials to customers in approximately 30 minutes.
Source: MEA Tech Watch
