Yhangry Raises $1.5M Seed Funding - Private Chef Parties

The Rise of In-Home Private Chef Services

The trend of on-demand services, often likened to “Uber for X,” has extended to the realm of personal chefs. Platforms like PopTop and 100 Pleats exemplify this shift. Now, London welcomes Yhangry, a service specializing in bringing private chef parties directly to homes.

Yhangry's Founding and Pandemic Pivot

Heinin Zhang and Siddhi Mittal established Yhangry prior to the pandemic, offering a platform to order customized dinner parties. While initially progressing steadily, the company adapted during lockdowns by transitioning to virtual chef classes.

With London’s reopening, Yhangry is strategically positioned to capitalize on the resurgence of in-person dining experiences.

A Shift Towards Decentralized Experiences

The pandemic has accelerated a trend towards decentralized experiences. Previously, activities like gym workouts and restaurant visits were commonplace. Now, there's a growing preference for at-home alternatives, effectively bringing services like restaurants directly to consumers.

Simplifying Private Chef Bookings

Traditionally, arranging private dinner parties can be a complex undertaking. Yhangry aims to streamline this process, making it as straightforward as ordering from delivery services like Uber Eats or Deliveroo.

Seed Funding and Investor Support

Yhangry has secured $1.5 million in seed funding from a diverse group of investors. This includes prominent U.K. angel investors, several U.K. venture capital firms, and even Ollie Locke, a personality from the “Made In Chelsea” television program.

The investor list comprises Carmen Rico (Blossom Capital), Eileen Burbidge (Passion Capital), Orson Stadler (Antler), Martin Mignot (Index Ventures), Jack Tang (Urban), Adnan Ebrahim (MindLabs), Alex Fitzgerald (Cuckoo Internet), Georgina Kirby (Vinehealth), and Deepali Nangia (Alma Angels). Notably, Yhangry reports that all investors are also active users of the service.

Customer Base and Service Details

According to co-founder Siddhi Mittal, Yhangry is making private chef experiences more accessible and affordable. A significant 70% of their clientele are first-time users of a private chef, valuing the flexibility and control over their dining event.

Currently, Yhangry boasts a network of 130 chefs, all of whom undergo a rigorous cooking trial and adhere to current COVID-19 safety protocols. The newly acquired funding will be allocated to expanding the company’s team.

Pricing and Expansion Plans

Menus begin at £17 per person for a party of six. This price encompasses all costs, including fresh ingredients, with options for customers to add extras like wine. Since its December 2019 launch, the company has served over 7,000 customers in London.

Yhangry intends to extend its services to key European cities, including Paris, Berlin, Lisbon, and Barcelona.

Navigating the Post-COVID Landscape

The question arises: how will Yhangry maintain its momentum as restaurants and bars reopen?

Mittal suggests that demand will persist because people appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and extended time spent with friends, unconstrained by the time limits of a restaurant setting. Furthermore, Yhangry caters to individuals who may not yet feel comfortable returning to crowded public spaces.