Who Owns Deliveroo Company?

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Who Owns Deliveroo?

Understanding Deliveroo's ownership is key to its strategy and market position. Founded in 2013, it connects customers with numerous partners via its platform.

Who Owns Deliveroo Company?

Deliveroo's ownership structure has transformed since its 2021 IPO, which saw an initial valuation of £7.6 billion. Despite a rocky start, the company achieved its first profit in 2024.

Deliveroo's ownership is a mix of its founders, institutional investors, and public shareholders. This dynamic influences its strategic decisions and future growth. A significant takeover bid in 2025 further reshaped its stakeholder landscape. For a deeper dive into its operational environment, consider a Deliveroo PESTEL Analysis.

Who Founded Deliveroo?

Deliveroo was co-founded in February 2013 by William Shu and his childhood friend Greg Orlowski. Will Shu, a former investment banker, conceived the idea for Deliveroo while working long hours in London and observing the limited options for quality delivered food. He personally made deliveries on his scooter in the company's early months to understand the operational aspects.

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Founding Vision

William Shu identified a gap in the market for high-quality food delivery services during his time as an investment banker in London.

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Co-Founder Departure

Greg Orlowski, a childhood friend and co-founder, departed from Deliveroo in 2016.

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Operational Immersion

William Shu actively participated in deliveries on his scooter during the company's initial months to gain firsthand operational insights.

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Dual-Class Share Structure

Deliveroo implemented a dual-class share structure upon its IPO in March 2021 to ensure founder control.

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Founder Voting Power

Class B shares, held by William Shu, carried 20 votes per share, significantly outvoting Class A shares.

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Initial Control at IPO

At the time of its IPO, William Shu controlled approximately 57% of the company's voting rights.

Upon its IPO in March 2021, Deliveroo adopted a dual-class share structure, a mechanism designed to allow founders to maintain significant control post-listing. Under this structure, Class B shares, held solely by Will Shu, carried 20 votes per share, compared to one vote per Class A share held by other investors. This arrangement ensured that at the time of admission, Will Shu controlled approximately 57% of the company's voting rights, granting him substantial influence over company decisions and the ability to block ordinary or special resolutions at shareholder meetings. This dual-class structure was initially set to remain in place for three years from the IPO date, after which Class B shares would automatically convert to Class A shares. This structure is a key aspect of understanding Deliveroo ownership.

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Deliveroo's Early Ownership Dynamics

The initial ownership structure of Deliveroo was heavily influenced by its founders, with a strategic decision made to maintain founder control post-IPO through a dual-class share system.

  • Deliveroo was founded in February 2013 by William Shu and Greg Orlowski.
  • William Shu, the current CEO, was instrumental in developing the company's operational model.
  • Greg Orlowski exited the company in 2016.
  • The company's IPO in March 2021 introduced a dual-class share structure.
  • This structure granted William Shu disproportionate voting power, ensuring his significant influence over company direction.
  • The details of this early ownership structure are crucial for understanding the current Deliveroo company owner landscape.
  • For a deeper dive into the company's journey, refer to the Brief History of Deliveroo.

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How Has Deliveroo’s Ownership Changed Over Time?

Deliveroo's ownership landscape has been significantly reshaped by its public offering on March 31, 2021. This event allowed for a substantial influx of capital and altered the distribution of major stakes within the company.

Stakeholder Stake Percentage (as of April 2025/July 2025) Notes
Amazon 13% Largest single investor.
Morgan Stanley Investment Management 7.144440% Increased shareholding as of July 30, 2025.
DST Managers V Limited 5.14% Reduced stake from 7.54% in November 2024.
Will Shu (Founder & CEO) 5.9% Combined with enhanced voting rights, provides significant control.

Following its London Stock Exchange debut, Deliveroo's ownership structure reflects a blend of institutional investors, strategic partners, and its founding leadership. The company's journey since its IPO highlights dynamic shifts in major shareholdings, influenced by market performance and strategic decisions. Understanding who owns Deliveroo provides insight into its governance and future direction, particularly as it navigates the competitive food delivery market and pursues profitability, which it achieved for the first time in 2024.

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Key Deliveroo Stakeholders

Deliveroo's ownership is distributed among several key entities, each playing a role in its strategic direction.

  • Amazon stands as the largest single investor with a 13% stake as of April 2025.
  • Institutional asset managers like Morgan Stanley Investment Management hold a significant portion, increasing their stake to 7.144440% by July 2025.
  • Founder and CEO Will Shu maintains a 5.9% stake, which, coupled with dual-class shares, grants him substantial control.
  • Venture capital firms, such as Index Ventures, are also notable shareholders, reflecting the company's early-stage investment history.
  • The evolution of Deliveroo ownership changes over time shows a dynamic market presence.

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Who Sits on Deliveroo’s Board?

The current Board of Directors at Deliveroo guides the company's strategic path and governance. Key figures include Claudia Arney as Chair, Will Shu as Founder and CEO, and Scilla Grimble as CFO. The board also features independent non-executive directors like Peter Jackson, Dame Karen Jones DBE, Rick Medlock, Shobie Ramakrishnan, and Dominique Reiniche, alongside non-executive director Tom Stafford.

Board Member Role Committee Involvement
Claudia Arney Chair N/A
Will Shu Founder and Chief Executive Officer N/A
Scilla Grimble Chief Financial Officer N/A
Peter Jackson Independent Non-Executive Director Audit and Risk Committee, Remuneration Committee
Dame Karen Jones DBE Independent Non-Executive Director Nomination Committee, Remuneration Committee
Rick Medlock Non-Executive Director Audit and Risk Committee (Stepped down from Remuneration Committee effective December 31, 2024)
Shobie Ramakrishnan Independent Non-Executive Director Nomination Committee, Audit and Risk Committee, Remuneration Committee (Appointed effective January 1, 2024)
Dominique Reiniche Independent Non-Executive Director N/A
Tom Stafford Non-Executive Director N/A

Deliveroo's voting structure is a dual-class share system, which significantly concentrates voting power with its founder, Will Shu. Class A shares, available to public and institutional investors, each carry one vote. In contrast, Class B shares, held exclusively by Will Shu, carry 20 votes per share. This arrangement meant that at the time of Deliveroo's IPO, Will Shu held approximately 57% of the total voting rights, enabling him to maintain substantial control and the ability to block certain shareholder resolutions. This dual-class system was initially set to last for three years post-IPO, after which Class B shares were to convert to Class A shares, equalizing voting rights. This structure, while intended to provide stability for the founder's vision, has been a subject of investor discussion regarding diluted shareholder influence. Understanding the Competitors Landscape of Deliveroo can provide context for such governance structures.

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Understanding Deliveroo's Ownership Structure

Deliveroo's ownership is heavily influenced by its founder due to a dual-class share system. This structure grants disproportionate voting power to the founder's shares.

  • Founder's Class B shares have 20 votes each.
  • Public Class A shares have 1 vote each.
  • This system concentrates control with the founder.
  • The structure was designed for post-IPO stability.

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What Recent Changes Have Shaped Deliveroo’s Ownership Landscape?

Deliveroo's ownership landscape has seen significant shifts over the past few years, marked by share repurchase programs and a major potential acquisition. These developments reflect evolving market dynamics and strategic decisions impacting who owns Deliveroo.

Event Date Details
Share Purchase Program Initiation August 2024 Up to £150 million
Share Purchase Program Extension March 2025 Additional £100 million, total £250 million
Suspension of Share Buyback April 2025 Following takeover proposal
Indicative Takeover Proposal April 2025 Cash offer valuing Deliveroo at 180p per share, approx. £2.7 billion
Board Recommendation for Takeover May 6, 2025 Recommended £2.9 billion takeover by DoorDash

The period between 2024 and early 2025 saw Deliveroo actively engaging in returning capital to shareholders through a substantial share purchase program. This initiative, initially set at £150 million and later increased to £250 million, aimed to reduce the number of outstanding shares. However, this strategy was put on hold in April 2025 due to an unsolicited takeover bid from DoorDash. This move towards consolidation is a notable trend in the delivery sector, as DoorDash seeks to expand its global presence. Deliveroo's financial performance in 2024, including its first full-year profit of £3 million and a 6% increase in gross transaction value to £7.4 billion, provides context for these strategic maneuvers, even as the company navigated market challenges and strategic exits like Hong Kong in March 2025.

Icon Potential Acquisition Impact

The proposed £2.9 billion takeover by DoorDash, if successful, would significantly alter Deliveroo's ownership structure. Founder Will Shu stands to gain approximately £170 million to £172 million for his stake, while employees could receive around £65.7 million.

Icon Shareholder Returns and Buybacks

Deliveroo's commitment to returning capital through share buybacks, totaling £250 million, demonstrated a focus on shareholder value. This program was suspended due to the takeover offer, highlighting the dynamic nature of Deliveroo ownership changes over time.

Icon Financial Performance Context

Deliveroo reported its first full-year profit of £3 million in 2024, alongside a 6% rise in gross transaction value to £7.4 billion. This financial health underpins its strategic decisions, including the potential acquisition and past shareholder return programs.

Icon Industry Consolidation Trend

The potential acquisition of Deliveroo by DoorDash reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the food delivery industry. This strategic move aims to expand market reach and operational efficiencies for the acquiring entity, impacting Deliveroo's future as an independent company.

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