We visited the company LEMONCAT. Here is the interview with Founder & CEO Doreen Huber– have a look at the team and their cool office in Berlin.
Tell us something about your company. When was your company founded? Where is your location?
The access to good food in Germany’s business world is a catastrophe. The catering market is still completely nondigital. But what is even worse, in my opinion and the opinion of every foodie, is the lowered expectations due to decades of disappointments.
The main requirement of everyone who organises catering in his professional life is to avoid disappointments, instead of inspiring business partners and employees through a fantastic catering experience.
Caterers being late, too much or not enough food, wrong expectations: that’s the situation in Germany, which I decided to change by founding LEMONCAT in 2016.
We want to digitize the international catering market to enable companies to connect with the best local caterers, order high quality food easily and reliably online and save lots of time and day-to-day hassle.
First in Germany, very soon in other countries.
Your Business
What is your core business?
“Order. Eat. Love. LEMONCAT is an online marketplace for business catering. Companies can save so much time, as they can find, compare and book the right catering options from their region on a single online platform.”
How did you get to your business idea and when was your company established?
Originally, the idea was born during my time as a COO at Delivery Hero. We had many team events and naturally wanted to order through our own portal, in Germany known as Lieferheld.
Suddenly we were no longer only 10 people but more than 100 and we grew more and more. Delivery services for private individuals can’t provide high quality food for such large groups of people.
Therefore, I watched the catering market a bit more closely. And I was astonished to see that in Europe you couldn’t find any good offers for business customers.
“Afterwards my decision became clear:
That’s great, I will do this!”
Are you using Venture Capital? And if so – who are your Venture Partners?
The international VC fund Northzone, Rocket Internet’s Convenience Food Group, Point Nine Capital, Target Global and Lukasz Gadowski have invested in LEMONCAT and have strengthened our position as the leading German catering portal.
In which countries are you active? Are you planing to expand your venture in other countries? And if so – where?
Right now LEMONCAT’s focus is Germany. With 400 caterers in 80 cities we are Germany’s number one platform in terms of choice and coverage already. We are also excited to bring our product to more international markets this year.
Where do you see the company in 5 years?
We want to build LEMONCAT into a global player, mirroring the Delivery Hero success story – this time in the catering market.
Your Team
How many employees work at your company right now?
31
What is the average age of your team members ?
Approximately 28 years.
What kind of attitude should new employees have in order to work at your company?
To be successful with us, you have to bring a huge appetite for events and supporting our foodie community. We need Team players with great attitudes, interpersonal skills and strong work ethics. You love good food and are a caring host yourself.
Why is it fun to work at your company? Do you offer any employee benefits?
You will work together with a carefully selected Super-Team, which is enthusiastic about our product. Our fast growing company can give you a superb insight into the startup-scene.
LEMONCAT offers the opportunity to expand your skill-set through regular, interdisciplinary trainings. And last but not least: very delicious team-lunch catering and awesome events are waiting for you.
Your Office
How big is your Office?
Approximately 335 square meters.
Did you get help from an interior designer by designing the office? And if so – who did you work together with?
Yes, Annabell Kutucu. She is a good friend of mine.
Thank you Doreen & Lemoncat Team for this interview & the photoshooting!
Location: Berlin, Germany Website: LEMONCAT
Photos: copyright by the photographer Andreas Lukoschek