Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Deepinder Goyal Explains Why Teams Matter More Than Ideas
Deepinder Goyal is the founder of Zomato.
He said that teams are more important than business ideas.
This is because ideas often need to change when customers or markets respond differently than expected.
A strong team can adjust and keep working on better solutions.
Goyal believes that talent, flexibility, and determination are difficult to find.
He shared this view on Raj Shamani’s podcast in January 2026.
In February 2026, he moved from group CEO to vice chairman of Zomato’s parent company, Eternal Ltd.
He said he wanted to focus on experimental technology startups outside the food industry.
Deepinder Goyal, founder of Zomato, said people should bet on teams rather than ideas.
He shared the philosophy during a January 2026 appearance on Raj Shamani’s “Figuring Out” podcast.
Goyal argued that business ideas change as companies face customers, competition, and market challenges.
He said a company’s long-term survival depends on the quality, resilience, and commitment of its team.
Goyal graduated from IIT Delhi in 2005 and became Eternal Ltd’s vice chairman in February 2026.
- Who
- Deepinder Goyal, founder of Zomato and vice chairman of Eternal Ltd.
- What
- Goyal explained his view that teams are more valuable than initial business ideas.
- When
- He discussed the quote in January 2026; he became Eternal Ltd’s vice chairman in February 2026.
- Where
- On Raj Shamani’s “Figuring Out” podcast.
- Why
- He believes ideas inevitably change, while a capable, resilient, and committed team is needed to execute and adapt them.
- Quote
- “You should always bet on the team, not on the idea.”
- Speaker
- Deepinder Goyal
- Known for
- Founding Zomato
- Podcast appearance
- January 2026 on Raj Shamani’s “Figuring Out”
- Education
- Integrated M.Tech in Mathematics and Computing from IIT Delhi, completed in 2005
- Current role
- Vice chairman of Eternal Ltd since February 2026
- Other ventures
- Temple and LAT Aerospace