Daki Achieves Financial Milestone with iFood's Investment for Expansion
Daki Achieves Financial Milestone with iFood Investment
In a noteworthy development for Brazil’s digital grocery landscape, Daki, the country's leading online grocery platform, has reached a significant financial milestone by achieving breakeven. This comes as the company announces a minority investment from iFood, a major player in the online food delivery sector. With iFood acquiring less than 5% of Daki, the partnership aims to fuel further geographic growth and enhance the digital infrastructure for online retail in Brazil.
As of May 2026, Daki reports an increase in annualized revenue approaching R$1 billion, marking a robust year-over-year growth of over 50%. This impressive performance is attributed to the establishment of a vertically integrated logistics network—ensuring seamless operations spanning from supplier sourcing to last-mile delivery. The backbone of this success is Daki's AI-driven technology, optimizing processes across the entire value chain.
The co-founders of Daki emphasize that the future of grocery depends on who controls the digital ecosystem. Rafael Vasto, Co-Founder and CEO, noted, "Daki has built the necessary infrastructure and is witnessing rapid growth, now poised at breakeven. This investment opens a new chapter for Daki and accelerates the digital transformation of Brazil’s grocery retail sector."
Similarly, Lucas Pittioni, VP of Legal at iFood, highlights their commitment to investing in Brazilian startups that are pioneering technological advancements. He stated, "This investment is a testament to our confidence in Daki and reflects our ongoing support for the local supermarket sector, driving innovation and technological adoption in a market that still exhibits low online penetration."
The online grocery sector in Brazil, valued at over R$1 trillion, still sees minimal online engagement, with penetration rates in single digits. This investment from iFood is expected to fill that gap, as the company has reported a notable 60% increase in sales volume within its grocery vertical over the past year, adding nearly 3,000 new partner stores. Particularly in the northern regions and the Northeast, there has been explosive growth, with store counts surging by 130% and 81% respectively.
Arthur Lima, Director of Grocery at iFood, reiterates the company's strategy to remain a neutral marketplace focused on demand generation rather than engaging in purchasing or warehousing products. Lima asserts, "We are continually improving our technology, logistics, and distribution systems to enhance transparency and efficiency across the board."
With this new funding round, Daki plans to expand its operational reach beyond São Paulo and Minas Gerais, establishing additional hubs in 2026 and laying out concrete plans for nationwide growth. Daki's success is driven by its AI-enabled platform that ensures convenience and reliability for its customers while cultivating loyalty.
Founded in 2021, Daki is backed by notable global investors such as Tiger Global and HV Capital, among others. This investment will not only bolster Daki’s growth trajectory but will also significantly contribute to the digitalization of the grocery sector in Brazil, which is increasingly primed for transformation in the wake of changing consumer behaviors and preferences.
In summary, Daki’s announced minority investment from iFood cements its status as a frontrunner in Brazil's online grocery market. This partnership is a strategic move towards transforming the grocery landscape, enhancing competition, and improving digital shopping experiences for Brazilian consumers. As Daki continues to innovate and expand, it stands as a model for the future of grocery shopping in Brazil, driven by technology and comprehensive supply chain solutions.