Meez: Recipe Management for Chefs

Meez Secures $6.5 Million to Revolutionize Recipe Management for Chefs

Meez, a company specializing in professional recipe software and a complete culinary operating system, has successfully closed its inaugural funding round, raising $6.5 million.

Origins and Development

The company was founded in 2015 by Josh Sharkey, a chef with extensive industry experience.

Sharkey’s inspiration stemmed from a personal frustration experienced approximately 15 years prior – the loss of a crucial recipe notebook. He observed that many colleagues relied on basic tools like Google Docs, Word, or spreadsheets, but envisioned a more sophisticated, digital solution.

“The concept of fully digitizing culinary processes remained with me,” Sharkey explained to TechCrunch. “While tools existed for inventory or finances, nothing was specifically designed for the unique demands of a kitchen environment.”

A Comprehensive Culinary Platform

Meez was conceived as an all-in-one platform, combining collaboration features with recipe management, progression tracking, training resources, and prep tools.

Sharkey describes it as a “Google Drive for chefs.”

The system comprises two key elements: recipe input and scalability, ensuring usability for both individual chefs and entire kitchen teams. It also provides essential resources such as ingredient yields, unit conversions, a menu cost calculator, and automated allergen/nutrition analysis.

Early Adoption and Notable Clients

Launched in 2020, Meez has quickly gained traction within the culinary world.

Its client base already includes renowned restaurateurs like Jose Andres and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, alongside prestigious culinary schools such as the Institute of Culinary Education.

Investment Details

The funding round was spearheaded by Struck Capital, with participation from Craft Ventures, Relish Works, Aurify Brands, Food Tech Angels, and Branded Strategic Ventures.

Notable angel investors include Bobby Lo, former head of product at Snap, the founders of Shef, and Krystle Mobayeni, founder and CEO of Bento Box.

Growth and Future Plans

Meez began in December 2020 with 20 initial paying customers.

The company has since expanded to serve over 750 clients, encompassing a diverse range of establishments from fine dining to fast casual restaurants and culinary institutions.

During this period, Meez experienced consistent revenue growth, averaging 22% month-over-month, a result Sharkey attributes to the increasing acceptance of digital solutions within the food industry.

“The food world is entering the early stages of digital adoption,” Sharkey noted. “Culinary professionals are recognizing the need to optimize efficiency and reduce reliance on manual labor. Traditional methods are no longer sufficient.”

The newly acquired capital will be allocated to the development of an iOS application, further technology enhancements, including menu planning and automated onboarding, and the launch of direct-to-consumer recipe engagement features.

Meez also intends to expand its team, currently comprised of 17 employees, by adding another 10 members this year.

Industry Perspective

“Culinary professionals are incredibly creative individuals, but the physical nature of their work has historically limited the integration of digital technology to improve workflows and collaboration,” stated Adam Struck, CEO of Struck Capital.

“Josh’s unique background as a chef, restaurant operator, and technology expert has enabled him to identify and address critical pain points within the industry, resulting in a platform that is both intuitive and effective.”