Glovo

Glovo 

Glovo is a Spanish delivery company that has experienced rapid emergence and global expansion since it was founded in Barcelona in 2015 by Oscar Pierre. What began as a small startup quickly grew into a position of dominance in many markets.

The company’s idea was simple but ambitious: allow users to order almost anything from their city and have it delivered quickly. This includes food, groceries, pharmacy items, and even small errands. Glovo operates through a digital platform that connects customers, businesses, and freelance couriers, creating a fast and flexible delivery network with a strong economic impact.

However, this business model has created significant controversy. Couriers are classified as independent workers rather than employees. Despite the flexibility this offers, critics argue that it may lead to exploitation, as workers lack benefits and long-term stability.

From a business perspective, Glovo generates profit through delivery fees and commissions from restaurants, forming business partnerships. While this system increases visibility for restaurants, it can also create dependency, as smaller businesses rely heavily on the platform. Governments have introduced regulation to address these concerns and highlight the need for fair working conditions.

As Glovo expands, it has gained significant market share, sometimes acting like a monopoly or part of an oligopoly. Strong barriers to entry make it difficult for new competitors to enter the market. Companies like Uber Eats and Deliveroo compete in this space, but dominance remains concentrated.

This has led to antitrust discussions and increased attention to the gig economy, where workers take on short-term, flexible jobs.

Pierre´s newest project is setting up dark kitchens, also known as ghost kitchens, virtual kitchens, or delivery-only restaurants.

Resistance has grown in Spain, where laws now aim to protect workers. Competitors such as Just Eat and local initiatives are also challenging Glovo’s model. 

 1. Vocabulary Match

Word

Definition

1.   Part 1

1.     Founded — A. A small task or job

2.     Emergence — B. A strong position of control

3.     Dominance — C. A person who delivers goods

4.     Errands — D. Growth or appearance of something new

5.     Courier — E. In spite of something

6.     Despite — F. To start or establish something

7.     Exploitation — G. Money earned after costs

8.     Profit — H. The act of using someone unfairly

9.     Commission — I. Ability to adapt easily

10. Flexibility — J. A percentage paid for a service

Part 2

11.  Despite     — A. Rules set by authorities

12. Regulation — B. To emphasize something

13. Highlight — C.   Market dominated by one company. 

14. Monopoly — D. Flexible, short-term work system

15. Oligopoly — E.  Even though something happens

16. Antitrust — F. Market dominated by a few companies

17. Gig economy — G. laws created to prevent companies from having too much control over                                   a market and to keep competition fair.

 2. Synonym Match

Word

Definition

1.     Flexibility| A. Established

2.     Dominance | B. Influence

3.     Controversy | C. Earnings

4.     Impact | D. Fast

5.     Founded | E. Control

6.     Exploitation | F. Disagreement

7.     Profit | G. Unfair use

8.     Rapid| H. Adaptability

9.     Highlight | I. Reliance

10. Dependency | J. Emphasize

3. Speaking Discussion

  • Is Glovo a positive or negative innovation?
  • Should gig workers be employees?
  • Is convenience more important than workers’ rights?
  • Is it dangerous when one company becomes too dominant?

4. NEW Discussion: Job Satisfaction

Task:

Discuss how important each factor is for worker satisfaction:

  • Salary
  • Job security
  • Flexibility
  • Work-life balance
  • Career growth
  • Fair treatment
  • Benefits (insurance, holidays)
  • Working conditions

👉 Students must:

  • Rank top 3 most important
  • Justify their choices
  • Compare with Glovo couriers

5. NEW Activity: Barcelona Companies

Discuss these companies that started in Barcelona:

  • Glovo
  • Mango
  • Desigual
  • Seat
  • Wallapop

Questions:

  • What do they have in common?
  • Why is Barcelona a good place for startups?
  • Which company is the most successful? Why?

6. Role Plays 

Role Play 1: Job Interview – Glovo Courier

👥 Roles:

  • Student A: Applicant
  • Student B: Recruiter from Glovo

💬 Task:

Conduct a job interview.

Applicant:

  • Introduce yourself
  • Explain why you want the job
  • Ask about pay, schedule, and conditions
  • Try to negotiate

Recruiter:

  • Explain the job and payment
  • Highlight benefits (flexibility)
  • Answer questions
  • Decide: hire or not

Role Play 2: Business Negotiation

👥 Roles:

  • Student A: Restaurant Owner
  • Student B: Glovo Representative

💬 Task:

Discuss whether the restaurant should join Glovo.

Include:

  • Commission rates
  • Benefits (more customers)
  • Risks (dependency, lower profit)

👉 Make a final decision.

Role Play 3: Government Debate

👥 Roles:

  • Government Official
  • Glovo Executive
  • Courier
  • (Optional) Business Owner

💬 Task:

Debate:

👉 “Should gig economy companies be more regulated?”

  • Give arguments
  • Respond to others
  • Try to reach a conclusion

 Role Play 4: Anti-Monopoly Investigation

👥 Roles:

  • Regulator
  • Glovo Executive
  • Courier
  • Restaurant Owner

💬 Task:

Hold an investigation.

  • Discuss fairness, working conditions, and competition
  • Each role presents their perspective

👉 Regulator decides:

  • No action
  • Regulation
  • Fine
  • Limit expansion

💬 7. Communication Task

Glovo is losing public trust. Suggest solutions:

  • Improve worker conditions
  • Reduce criticism
  • Stay profitable

💡 8. NEW Business Pitch Activity

Task: Create Your Own Business

Students must:

  • Invent a new business idea
  • Explain:
    • Product/service
    • Target customers
    • How it makes money
    • Why it is better than competitors

Pitch:

Present to “investors” (classmates/teacher)

👉 Investors decide:

  • Invest or not
  • Ask challenging questions

 9. Critical Thinking

“Does Glovo empower workers or exploit them?”

  • Give both sides
  • Use lesson vocabulary
  • Reach a conclusion

 

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