HomeCooks lands fresh funding to grow chef-powered meals
London startup HomeCooks has raised €1.6 million to expand its marketplace for home-cooked meals prepared by independent chefs, underscoring investor confidence in new models of urban food delivery. The round will help the company scale operations in the UK capital and refine its technology platform.
Positioned between traditional takeaway and meal kits, HomeCooks connects customers directly with vetted home-based and independent professional chefs. The platform allows chefs to list rotating menus, set prices and manage orders, while diners browse by cuisine, dietary needs and location.
A marketplace built around independent chefs
The startup’s model aims to unlock underused culinary talent across London. By giving chefs a digital storefront and logistics support, HomeCooks lowers the barrier to entry compared with opening a restaurant or dark kitchen. Chefs can work from their own kitchens, maintain flexible hours and build a loyal local following.
For consumers, the appeal lies in access to authentic, often niche cuisines and recipes that are rarely found on mainstream delivery apps. The company emphasizes food safety and quality control through vetting, training and regular checks, alongside transparent chef profiles and customer reviews.
Riding the wave of food delivery innovation
The new capital will be used to enhance HomeCooks’ technology stack, including smarter recommendation algorithms, improved logistics management and tools that help chefs forecast demand and reduce food waste. The startup is also expected to invest in targeted marketing to grow both sides of its marketplace.
With consumers increasingly seeking more personalized and local food experiences, platforms that empower independent creators are gaining traction. HomeCooks aims to position itself as a leading destination for home-style meals in London, while testing a model that could be replicated in other dense urban markets across Europe.