The Rise of Glovo: From Startup to Market Leader

 

Glovo is a Spanish on-demand delivery company founded in 2015 in Barcelona by Oscar Pierre. Initially, the idea was simple yet ambitious: allow users to order anything from their city and have it delivered quickly. This included food, groceries, pharmacy items, and even personal errands.

The company operates through a digital platform where users place orders via an app. Independent couriers, often referred to as “riders,” accept these orders and deliver them. This flexible system enabled rapid expansion across Spain and later into international markets.

Glovo’s success in Spain can be attributed to several factors. First, it entered the market early, gaining a competitive advantage over rivals. Second, it developed strong partnerships with restaurants and retailers, ensuring a wide variety of options for customers. Finally, its aggressive marketing strategies and continuous technological improvements helped it attract and retain users.

However, Glovo’s rise has not been without controversy. One of the most debated issues is its employment model. Riders are classified as self-employed, which gives them flexibility but also means they lack traditional labor protections such as minimum wage, paid leave, or job security. This has led to legal disputes and criticism from labor unions and governments.

In Spain, new legislation aimed at protecting gig economy workers has challenged Glovo’s business model. Despite this, the company has adapted its operations to comply with regulations while continuing to grow.

Today, Glovo remains one of the dominant delivery platforms in Spain. Its story illustrates both the opportunities and challenges of the digital economy, raising important questions about innovation, fairness, and the future of work.

🧠 PART 2: VOCABULARY MATCH (15 min)

Match the words (1–12) with their definitions (A–L)

Words:

  1. Ambitious
  2. Couriers
  3. Expansion
  4. Competitive advantage
  5. Partnerships
  6. Aggressive
  7. Retain
  8. Controversy
  9. Classified
  10. Flexibility
  11. Legislation
  12. Comply

Definitions:
A. To keep something over time
B. Laws created by a government
C. People who deliver goods
D. Ability to adapt or change
E. Strong desire to succeed
F. To follow rules or laws
G. Situation of public disagreement
H. Growth into new areas
I. Working together with others
J. Identified or placed in a category
K. Strong and forceful approach
L. Something that gives you an advantage over others

🔁 PART 3: SYNONYM MATCH (10 min)

Match each word with a synonym from the text

Words:

  1. Startup
  2. Dominant
  3. Rapid
  4. Purchase
  5. Clients
  6. Criticism
  7. Dispute
  8. Adjust
  9. Model
  10. Protection

Synonyms:
A. Adapt
B. Customers
C. Leading
D. Fast
E. Buy
F. System
G. Safeguard
H. New company
I. Conflict
J. Negative feedback

💬 PART 4: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (15–20 min)

Students discuss in pairs or small groups:

  1. Why do you think Glovo became so successful in Spain?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the gig economy?
  3. Do you think riders should be employees or self-employed? Why?
  4. How has technology changed the way we consume services?
  5. Would you work as a delivery rider? Why or why not?

🎭 PART 5: ROLE PLAY (25–30 min)

Role Play 1: Rider vs Company Representative

  • Student A: Glovo rider complaining about working conditions
  • Student B: Company representative defending the system

👉 Focus: persuasion, argumentation, negotiation

Role Play 2: Government Debate

  • Student A: Government official supporting new labor laws
  • Student B: Business leader opposing regulation

👉 Focus: formal language, expressing opinions

🗣️ PART 6: COMMUNICATIVE ACTIVITIES (30 min)

1. Debate: “Gig economy companies do more harm than good”

  • Divide class into two groups
  • Students prepare arguments and rebuttals

2. Problem-Solving Task

Scenario:
Glovo is losing riders due to poor conditions.

👉 Students must:

  • Propose 3 solutions
  • Present their plan to the class

3. Mini-Presentations

Students prepare a short talk (2–3 minutes):

  • Compare Glovo with another delivery company
    OR
  • Explain the future of delivery services

✍️ OPTIONAL HOMEWORK

  • Write an essay:
    “Should gig economy companies change their business model?” (250–300 words)

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