Delivery Driver Research

Sheel Mohnot's approach to business research and validation through immersive side quests, specifically in the food delivery space.

Key Points:

• Immersive Research Method:

  • Became a driver for a food delivery service for a month to understand the business model from the inside
  • Used the experience to meet people in the industry and learn operational details
  • Concluded that many food delivery models (like Sprig) weren't financially viable

• Applied Insights to New Venture:

  • After determining most delivery services wouldn't make money, identified a different approach
  • Launched Thistle with a friend based on insights from his research
  • Thistle now generates over $100 million in revenue

• Side Quest Approach to Business:

  • Uses hands-on experiences to validate or disprove business models
  • Turns curiosity and side projects into significant business opportunities
  • Doesn't just analyze from a distance - gets directly involved in the operations