‘Find my number, WhatsApp me’: Deepinder Goyal after receiving 8,000 emails following Zomato rejoin call

By Admin

12 Feb, 2026

The startup ecosystem thrives on relationships, culture, and second chances. In a surprising and emotional turn of events, Deepinder Goyal revealed that he received over 8,000 emails after inviting former employees to return to the company.

The response, he admitted, was overwhelming   and deeply moving.

8,000 Emails in Just One Week

Founder and CEO of Zomato, Deepinder Goyal recently shared an update regarding his outreach to ex-employees. In a post on X, he disclosed that more than 8,000 emails were sent to back@eternal.com following his open invitation.

Out of these:

• Around 4,000 emails were from former employees who had previously been part of the organisation.

• The remaining 4,000 were from individuals who had never worked at the company but expressed interest in joining.

“A quick update on back@eternal.com. Over the last week, we received over 8,000 emails… Thank you so much for this. I didn’t expect this at all,” he wrote.

The sheer scale of response highlights the emotional connection many people still feel toward the brand and its leadership.

Emails Filled with Emotions and Honesty

Goyal described the emails as being “full of emotions and honesty.” Many included deeply personal stories, reflections, and historical context dating back several years.

However, this created a new challenge.

“Eternal is in its late teens right now. The only person who can truly read these emails and know who to respond to is me. And it is not humanly possible for me to read through 8,000 emails, and pick and choose the right ones to respond to, quickly,” he stated.

Despite the difficulty, he reassured everyone that every email is being reviewed   even though the process will take time.

This transparency reflects a founder personally invested in rebuilding connections rather than delegating the responsibility entirely to HR.

“Find My Number and WhatsApp Me”

In an unusual yet direct move, Goyal suggested a faster route for those who had worked closely with him.

“If you worked with me directly, and you wrote in, and you are waiting for a reply, here is what will work quickly: find my number and WhatsApp me. Looking forward to reconnect.”

This candid statement reflects startup-style leadership   open, accessible, and personal. It also reinforces the message that the invitation wasn’t just symbolic; it was genuine.

The Earlier Invitation That Sparked It All

Earlier this month, Goyal publicly urged former team members to reconsider returning.

He addressed both those who left voluntarily and those he may have asked to move on.

“If you used to work at Zomato, whether you chose to move on, or I was the one who asked you to leave, this is for you.”

He acknowledged that the company may not always have provided the right environment or leadership in the past. However, he emphasized that the organisation has evolved and that the door remains open.

“If you haven’t reached out because you think the door is closed, or because you think I’m holding onto the past, I’m not. I want you back.”

What This Means for Startup Culture

This episode reflects something larger than recruitment   it shows:

• Growth and maturity in leadership

• Recognition of past gaps

• Emotional intelligence in business

• The power of brand loyalty

• A culture that values relationships

In an industry where attrition is common and alumni networks are often overlooked, this move sets a different tone.

It sends a message that careers are not linear   and sometimes, coming back is not a step backward but a step forward.

A Leadership Moment Worth Noting

Receiving 8,000 emails in response to a rejoin call is not just a hiring story   it’s a leadership story.

It shows how strong culture and shared experiences leave lasting impressions. More importantly, it demonstrates humility   acknowledging imperfections while actively building a stronger future.

Whether every email leads to a rehire or not, one thing is clear: the connection between Deepinder Goyal and the extended Zomato community remains powerful.

And sometimes, all it takes is a simple message:
Find my number. WhatsApp me. Let’s reconnect.