Greg Orlowski: From Deliveroo Co-Founder to Tech Visionary
Greg Orlowski’s journey into the world of technology and entrepreneurship is a fascinating story of curiosity, perseverance, and vision. Born and raised with a deep interest in problem-solving, he pursued his undergraduate studies at the prestigious University of Chicago, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in U.S. History in 2001.
At first glance, studying history may not seem directly related to technology, but his education honed critical thinking, analytical writing, and the ability to understand broad societal shifts—skills that would later shape his entrepreneurial mindset. During his university years, he was also closely connected to the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which played an influential role in nurturing his entrepreneurial ambitions.
Professional Foundation in Technology
Before entering the startup world, Greg Orlowski gained experience in a variety of technology-driven roles. Over the span of a decade, he worked as a software developer, consultant, solutions architect, and engineering manager. These roles gave him hands-on expertise in building systems, managing teams, and solving complex technical problems.
This stage of his career not only provided him with technical depth but also taught him the realities of scaling software, leading teams, and creating solutions that could meet market demands. His ability to bridge technical knowledge with a strategic mindset set him apart from many peers in the tech industry.
Co-Founding Deliveroo
The Birth of a Food-Delivery Giant
In 2012, Greg Orlowski teamed up with Will Shu to co-found Deliveroo, a London-based food delivery platform that would go on to revolutionize the way people ordered meals. At the time, the food delivery sector was still highly fragmented, and the concept of quick, reliable delivery from a wide range of restaurants was far from mainstream.
As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Orlowski was responsible for building the digital backbone of Deliveroo. He oversaw the creation of systems that could handle logistics, customer engagement, and real-time order tracking. His engineering leadership turned Deliveroo into one of the most seamless and user-friendly platforms in the food-tech space.
Challenges and Expansion
Like any startup, Deliveroo faced numerous challenges in its early stages, including funding, building trust with restaurants, and creating a reliable delivery network. Orlowski’s ability to scale technology rapidly allowed Deliveroo to expand across London and into other major cities.
Under his leadership, Deliveroo became synonymous with innovation in food logistics. By focusing on customer experience and integrating data-driven solutions, the company attracted both consumers and investors, paving the way for international growth.
Departure from Deliveroo
In 2016, Greg Orlowski stepped down from his role at Deliveroo. The decision was partly personal—he returned to the United States to spend more time with his family in Chicago. His departure marked a turning point, but by then, Deliveroo had already cemented its place as one of Europe’s leading tech startups.
Peanut: Connecting Women Through Technology
Founding a Social Platform
Not one to step away from entrepreneurship, Greg Orlowski co-founded Peanut in 2016 alongside Michelle Kennedy. Peanut was created as a social networking app for women, particularly mothers and mothers-to-be, aiming to combat the sense of isolation that often accompanies motherhood.
With his experience in scaling platforms, Orlowski served as the CTO in Peanut’s early development phase. He played a crucial role in shaping the app’s infrastructure, ensuring that it was secure, scalable, and user-friendly.
Innovation with Purpose
What set Peanut apart was its focus on community building. While many social platforms catered to general audiences, Peanut targeted a specific demographic with unique needs. Its smart matching features allowed mothers to connect based on location, shared interests, and parenting stages.
Through this venture, Orlowski demonstrated his versatility—moving from food logistics to social innovation while still applying his technical and entrepreneurial expertise.
Broader Influence in Tech and Startups
Investor and Advisor
After his hands-on roles at Deliveroo and Peanut, Greg Orlowski shifted part of his focus to mentoring and supporting other startups. He became known as a board advisor and investor, often guiding early-stage companies on technology, product strategy, and scaling challenges. His reputation as a seasoned tech leader made him a sought-after advisor in the global startup ecosystem.
Connection to Polsky Center
Orlowski maintained strong ties with the Polsky Center at the University of Chicago, contributing as an alumnus and serving as an inspiration for future entrepreneurs. His story underscores the importance of interdisciplinary skills and how unconventional academic backgrounds can still lead to success in the technology sector.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Bridging Vision and Execution
One of Greg Orlowski’s defining traits is his ability to bridge vision with execution. He not only understands high-level strategy but also has the technical expertise to translate ideas into reality. This rare combination made him effective as both a leader and a builder.
Human-Centered Technology
Throughout his career, from Deliveroo to Peanut, Orlowski has emphasized human-centered design. His ventures focus on solving real problems—making food delivery more efficient, or reducing isolation among new mothers. This approach reflects his belief that technology should enhance human connections rather than replace them.
Legacy and Ongoing Impact
Greg Orlowski’s contributions to the tech world are significant. Deliveroo changed the way millions of people access food, while Peanut provided a safe digital space for women to connect. Beyond these ventures, his role as a mentor and advisor continues to shape the future of technology startups.
His story is also a lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs: success does not always follow a straight path. From studying history to becoming a tech innovator, Orlowski’s career shows that curiosity, adaptability, and resilience are just as important as technical skills.
Conclusion
Greg Orlowski stands out as more than just the co-founder of Deliveroo. He is a visionary entrepreneur, technologist, and mentor who has consistently applied his skills to improve lives through innovation. Whether building logistics platforms or social communities, his work demonstrates a commitment to using technology as a force for good.
With his ongoing influence in the startup ecosystem, Orlowski continues to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to think boldly, act decisively, and always keep human needs at the center of technological progress.
