Hungry devours $8m

Hungry, the US-based operator of an online marketplace for chefs, has raised $8m in a series A round backed by James Madison Innovations, the technology licensing and venture capital arm of James Madison University.
Marcy Venture Capital, the VC firm co-founded by rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z, co-led the round with fellow VC firm Sands Capital Ventures. Venture investment platform Private Access Network also took part, together with several angel investors.
Founded in 2016, Hungry has created an online marketplace that lets businesses and event organisers order catering services provided by independent chefs, including accomplished professionals with experience working for celebrities and even for the White House.
The company offers a number of buffet-style options, including a “build-your-own burger” menu and a “fully-loaded” taco bar. It claims the service helps increase the hourly rate for independent chefs at least threefold.
Hungry will use the series A capital to continue work on its marketplace and logistics technology, with the aim of accelerating growth in additional US markets to build on an existing presence in Washington DC and Philadelphia.
The latest round follows approximately $1.5m in seed funding from 2017 through to August 2018, adding to $1.7m secured by Hungry in 2016. It has not disclosed the identity of any of its seed investors.