The European on-demand landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by both the rise and fall of prominent players.

While companies like Getir and Gorillas faced challenges and ultimately exited the market, others, such as Starship Technologies and Picnic, have secured substantial funding to expand their operations. In 2024 alone, we saw Starship Technologies raise $90 million, and Dutch online grocery store Picnic raised €355 million.

Beyond the traditional gig economy model of fast food delivery, on-demand startups (and scaleups) are carving out unique niches to differentiate themselves from their predecessors. Here are some companies to check out:

Cafler (Spain)

Cafler is an all-in-one marketplace platform for everything a car owner needs, from at-home services such as maintenance and washing to insurance, parking, financing, and renting.

Founded in 2021 in Barcelona, Cafler has grown rapidly,  with over 150,000 services completed and more than 750 trusted partners. It operates in Spain, France, and the UK and serves both consumers and enterprises. 

Laundryheap (UK)

Laundryheap collects, cleans, and delivers your laundry to your doorstep. 98.7 per cent of all standard laundry and dry cleaning is delivered the next day.

Since its founding in London in 2014,  Laundryheap has expanded globally to 14 countries, including Kuwait, Ireland, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, France, Peru, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, and Denmark.

The company recently partnered with ‘Bike as a Service’ specialist Delivery Mates to expand its cargo bike fleet expansion across the UK and Europe. 

Pedal Me (UK)

Pedal Me is a cargo and passenger bike service founded in London in 2017. It operates within a 9-mile radius of Central London (with the option for longer journeys), using a fleet of 55 Urban Arrow bikes and 45 employees. It covers 25,000km each month.

Pedal Me claims to be the only cargo freight service whose bikes can carry the following, in one ride, back to back on the same day while moving at an average speed of 15 km/h in Central London:

● two adults and a small dog 

● 480L of essential products and food 

● 150 kg of liquors and beers ● 50 hot meals 

● a cement mixer 

● a fridge

Significantly, Pedal Me allows their customers to share delivery runs, reducing costs whilst using a sustainable alternative. All Pedal Me riders are employed full-time, with pre-scheduled shifts and hourly pay (as opposed to the per-delivery pay in the gig economy model). Pedal Me also has in-house cycling instructors and a thorough training program. 

Yolla (Germany)

Yolla is an e-grocer for ethnic groceries, focusing on products serving the Turkish-Arabic population in Germany. The company offers  t not just Halal groceries but also follows Halal business values and principles. 

The app is available in four languages and more than 1000 SKU’s, including halal meat. Customers can order in 55 cities Germany-wide already.

Lanch (Germany)

LANCH is a virtual kitchen and food delivery startup with a platform for running online food delivery brands.

The startup builds food brands around artists and creators to tap into their fan bases, including Loco Chicken in partnership with German rapper Luciano.

Jonas Meynert, the chief operating officer of LANCH, joined forces with Kevin Kock and Nono Konopka to create the company. Kock founded virtual kitchen startup Honest Food, which was acquired by Delivery Hero.

The company raised €2.5 million Pre-Seed funding in May 2023, with a further €8.3 million in October 2023. Its investors include German soccer players Mario Götze and André Schürrle.

Sparqle (The Netherlands)

Sparqle is a sustainable delivery platform aiming to reduce emissions in the logistics industry

Sparqle’s platform offers easy integration between retailers, e-commerce brands, and sustainable delivery methods. 

The company’s proprietary software, rider app, and a dedicated fleet of e-cargo bikes and electric vehicles optimise delivery routes for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact. This ensures prompt, reliable deliveries and lowers carbon footprints, pollution and urban congestion. 

Lead image: Spaqle. Photo: uncredited.