Delli, founded by Simon Beckerman, has successfully raised £4.6m in funding.
- The platform seeks to transform the independent food market, echoing Beckerman’s success in the second-hand fashion industry.
- CEO Marie Petrovicka highlights a move toward uniquely crafted food items over mass-produced goods.
- Delli aims to utilise strategic partnerships and storytelling to enhance its competitive edge.
- Investors express strong confidence in Delli’s potential amidst changing consumer preferences.
Delli, a new venture by Simon Beckerman, known for revolutionising the second-hand fashion industry with Depop, has successfully secured £4.6 million in funding. The platform, co-founded by Marie Petrovicka, is designed to facilitate the buying and selling of unique, small-batch food products, striving to mirror Beckerman’s past success in creating fashion cultures. Beckerman’s goal is to replicate this by tapping into the growing consumer demand for authenticity and storytelling in food products.
Marie Petrovicka, serving as CEO, emphasises the growing consumer shift from mass-produced goods to those crafted independently. She notes that consumers increasingly value food with a personal story, and Delli aims to support this trend by providing sellers with tools to compete against large retailers. Petrovicka states, “We see a mega trend in the way food is consumed,” expressing her enthusiasm for broadening access across the UK.
Delli’s operational model draws heavily from experiences and strategies honed in the fashion sector, notably through engaging influencers and focusing on product storytelling and aesthetics. This approach is expected to enrich the consumer experience, setting the platform apart from traditional food retail sectors. By doing so, Delli hopes to offer diverse local products like pastries, sauces, confectionery, beer, and wine.
Financial backing has been bolstered by Balderton and HV Capital, alongside personal investment from Beckerman himself. These investors have reinforced their confidence, as noted by Daniel Waterhouse of Balderton, who commented on Delli’s proactive alignment with shifting consumer preferences. The strategic reinvestment is seen as a clear signal of the platform’s promising trajectory.
The company’s focus on quality and independent craftsmanship aligns Delli with a broader shift in consumer behaviour towards prioritising unique creations over mass-market alternatives. The management’s vision is to deliver ‘real food’ experiences, fully leveraging its e-commerce capabilities to reach a larger audience.
Delli represents a promising shift towards independent food sourcing, capitalising on evolving consumer tastes.
