Atlanta-based startup Cookonnect is whipping up a recipe for success, having recently secured a $1 million pre-seed funding round from Los Angeles-based venture firm Slauson & Co.
Founded by Erica Tuggle, the company connects families with local chefs who prepare meals in the comfort of their own homes.
“Our service is all about helping people eat better, saving their time so they can focus on what matters most to them,” Tuggle explained to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We also prioritize supporting our chefs and assisting them in building more lucrative and flexible culinary careers.”
Cookonnect targets busy families, particularly working mothers, who often face time constraints. The service offers a distinctive solution: the opportunity to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without the hassle. Chefs undergo background checks and quality screenings to ensure a professional and reliable experience for families. Meal prices start at $20 per plate, with options available to accommodate dietary needs and preferences.
Currently, Cookonnect exclusively operates in Atlanta, but expansion seems imminent with this recent funding infusion. The company’s vision is to extend its services to families nationwide, providing them with a taste of culinary convenience and a helping hand in the kitchen.
To join the company, chefs must undergo interviews, and background checks, and possess up-to-date food safety certifications. Presently, there are over 30 chefs on the platform.
Tuggle identifies Cookonnect’s competition as delivery services like Uber Eats and Grubhub, as well as meal kit providers. Currently, Cookonnect serves a 38-mile radius of Atlanta’s city center, encompassing suburbs like Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Marietta, and Sandy Springs.
This year, Tuggle aims to onboard more chefs onto the platform, expand the Atlanta client base, and prepare to enter another market. She plans to utilize the $1 million raised to increase marketing efforts, hire a backend website engineer, and recruit a head chef.
