The Kaipher Editorial Team 
99 announced on Monday a R$2 billion investment in Brazil by June 2026 to accelerate the growth of its food delivery arm, 99Food. The commitment—double the previously planned R$1 billion—was unveiled during a meeting at the Palácio do Planalto with President Lula and executives from DiDi, which controls 99.
With this funding, 99Food aims to operate in 15 cities by the end of 2025 and 20 cities by January 2026, intensifying competition against market leader iFood and signaling DiDi’s strategic focus on Brazil’s expanding delivery sector.
Infrastructure for Delivery Drivers and Electric Vehicles
Of the total investment, R$50 million will create dedicated support points for over 700,000 motorcyclists across all state capitals, offering seating, water, restrooms and charging stations, as detailed by Poder360.
99 also partnered with Yadea to develop electric motorcycles tailored for delivery, and announced a R$6 billion benefits package—including credit lines for purchasing and renting bikes and e-bikes—to support driver earnings and sustainability.
Fierce Competition in the Delivery Market
After pausing operations in 2023, 99Food resumed in August in São Paulo and Goiânia. 99Food CEO Will Cheng asserts that “few markets combine scale, innovation and opportunity like Brazil.” The expansion includes aggressive consumer incentives—discount coupons up to R$99 and waived restaurant fees—to capture market share from iFood’s 80% dominance, as reported by CNN Brasil.
Partnership with Ministry of Health
99 formalized a collaboration with Brazil’s Ministry of Health, donating R$1 million in transportation vouchers for SUS patients. The service is active in 49 public hospitals, providing free rides for medical appointments and surgeries and representing one of 2025’s largest sector investments.
