Calii Bags $22.5M to Revolutionize Grocery Shopping in Latin America

Calii Secures $22.5M to Revolutionize Grocery Delivery in Latin America

Calii, a grocery delivery startup, is making significant inroads into Latin America’s substantial $1 trillion grocery and food delivery market. The company’s strategy centers on streamlining the food supply chain to provide customers with rapid delivery – under two hours – of produce and a wide array of grocery items.

Series A Funding Announcement

The company revealed on Friday that it has successfully raised $22.5 million in Series A funding. This round was co-led by Dalus Capital and JAM Fund, with additional investment from Forerunner Ventures, Streamlined Ventures, Y Combinator, and Base10 Partners. Calii’s total funding now approaches $35 million.

Founding and Core Technology

David Eduardo Arrambide Montemayor and Maurizio Caló Caligaris, both Stanford-trained engineers, founded Calii. Their mobile grocery application directly connects with producers and brands.

This connection automates the supply chain from beginning to end, enabling the delivery of over 5,000 products, including fresh produce, meats, seafood, and prepared foods, through a network of strategically located micro-fulfillment centers.

Benefits and Sustainability

This approach not only offers cost savings to consumers but also significantly reduces environmental waste – by as much as three times, according to CEO Arrambide Montemayor.

“Eliminating intermediaries and improving efficiency allows us to increase profits for producers while simultaneously providing greater savings to our customers,” he explained. “Our pricing is comparable to, or lower than, traditional supermarkets like Walmart.”

Competitive Landscape

Calii operates within a rapidly expanding market, aiming to increase Latin America’s current online grocery sales, which represent less than 5% of the overall retail market.

Arrambide Montemayor identifies three main competitor categories: marketplaces such as Cornershop, quick commerce providers like Jokr and Rappi Turbo, and full-service grocers like Jüsto and Merqueo – all of which have recently attracted venture capital.

Calii’s Differentiators

Calii distinguishes itself through competitive pricing, delivery speed, and a focused product selection.

“Our technology-driven system, featuring automated micro-fulfillment centers, digitized order processing, machine learning, and big data analytics for product selection and demand prediction, positions us as the highest-rated grocery app,” Arrambide Montemayor stated. “We effectively replace the traditional weekly supermarket trip.”

Early Development and Growth

Since its launch in March 2019, the company dedicated the initial 24 months to refining its model, user experience, and economic viability in two key markets.

Over the last year, Calii has experienced revenue growth exceeding threefold. In Monterrey, its initial market, the company now processes over 2,000 orders daily, with an average order value surpassing $40.

During this period, the company’s workforce expanded by 250%, reaching over 250 employees and operators.

Future Expansion Plans

The new funding will fuel a period of rapid expansion, according to Arrambide Montemayor. Calii intends to broaden its presence throughout Mexico and the wider Latin American region.

The company plans to operate in more than 14 cities across multiple countries within the next six months.

New Products and Services

In addition to geographic expansion, Calii is introducing new products and services, including home appliances and electronics.

• Market: Offering over 40,000 grocery items with same-day or next-day delivery.
• Calii Pay: A buy now, pay later financing option.

The funding will also support a tripling of the company’s headcount, with the goal of exceeding 10,000 daily orders.

Long-Term Vision

“To successfully capture the $1 trillion grocery market in Latin America, we recognize the need to avoid premium pricing,” Arrambide Montemayor concluded. “We are fundamentally rebuilding and automating the grocery supply chain, integrating technology and data at every stage to deliver ultra-freshness and savings.”