Delivery giant DoorDash takes step toward public offering

DoorDash Inc. has overtaken Grubhub as the top digital food delivery company in the U.S., according to data analytics firm Second Measure, capturing 38% of monthly food delivery sales in January, compared to 31% for Grubhub.

Analysts have said both DoorDash and Postmates are burning cash and need money-raising options as the third-party delivery business becomes more fragmented and competitive.

DoorDash was valued at about $13 billion after a Nov. 13 funding round that raised $700 million, according to PitchBook Data.

Wall Street has been wary of fast-growing, money-losing companies. Ride-hailing company Uber — another major delivery player through Uber Eats — has traded well below its IPO price since going public last year, as has rival Lyft.

Besides Uber, Grubhub is the only publicly traded digital food delivery company. Grubhub saw its stock plunge  last fall after slashing full-year revenue expectations, citing costs associated with gaining customer loyalty in a crowded field.

Food delivery apps are fighting over a growing but still small market. Delivery represents only about 3% of all restaurant orders, according to market research firm NDP.

Delivery companies are also facing legal battles over business practices that critics say harm both restaurants and freelance workers that deliver meals.

DoorDash has pledged $30 million to fight a  new California law that would give contractors workplace protections of full-fledged employees. In New York, the City Council is considering a legislation to cap the commissions that food delivery apps charge restaurants.