FoodTech Popchef, specializing in connected company canteens, announced on May 31 that it had raised 15 million euros from numerous investors. This money will allow the company to begin its transition to zero waste, to offer entirely fresh and seasonal products and to replace the self-service with more modern and connected solutions.
From delivery service to connected fridges
Founded in 2015, Popchef offered a meal delivery service before being forced to move towards corporate business with the arrival of Uber Eats and Deliveroo on the French market. To bounce back, the start-up started offering connected fridges to equip the kitchens of client companies. Using a card or a smartphone, employees can access a meal prepared by the Popchef teams.
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While teleworking has become a norm, company canteens have found themselves deserted and activity in the sector has declined. However, for François de Fitte, co-founder of Popchef, ” it has been said a lot that the pandemic is the death of the company canteen. We saw that we had to reinvent the canteen. This concept will never die because employees in the office need to find each other and create social ties. “.
An observation that bears fruit: between April 2021 and April 2022, Popchef has “ recorded a growth of 700% on the canteen part “.
15 million euros raised by Popchef
It’s in a post on LinkedIn that the start-up has revealed that it has raised 15 million euros from the investment fund Meridiam Green Impact Growth Fund and Céleste Management, from the Bourrelier Group, of which the Bricorama chain of stores is a part, and from Philippe Salle, former CEO of Elior.
Popchef claims to be ” 3rd European player in the connected fridge market » during an interview for BFM Business. She intends to use this money to commit to sustainable development. To do this, it plans to transition to zero waste, favor short circuits, sustainable agriculture and seasonal products and reduce its packaging.
While some FoodTech giants like Getir and Gorillas are facing a market downturn and are having to lay off a large number of their employees, Popchef continues to grow. Thanks to this fundraising, the start-up plans to expand into several major French cities such as Lyon, Marseille and Bordeaux by the end of the year.