Food and drink discovery app nez has raised £2m in funding to change how Londoners lunch.
Funding from investors such as Martin Robinson, the chairman of Burger King UK, takes the app’s total funding to £3m since its 2016 inception.
The start-up plans to boost its marketing, develop its advanced technology and data capabilities and update its new B2B offering, nez perks, an employee benefits platform.
The app recently announced that more than 385,000 food and drink offers have been redeemed in the app by its 150,000 users, and nez is expecting to hit 200k users by the end of September.
Redemptions have grown tenfold over the last 12 months, including a 40 per cent month-on-month jump in April, following its launch in the City.
The app was created by CEO Joe Zender, who recognised the need for a digital platform that could connect traders with a local customer base through technology which could deliver local discounts straight to Londoners’ phones.
nez is now working with over 330 partners, from cafes, to bars and restaurants, across central London, and is proving to be a valuable marketing partner, delivering a genuine increase in footfall and returning customers.
“I came up with the idea of nez as I walked past a restaurant that had a ‘half price’ sign outside, yet it wasn’t getting much attention,” said Zender.
“I realised there must be a gap in the market for an app that features hyperlocal, real-time offer in London.
“To see this vision come to life in an easily functional app, with now over 330 partners is truly incredible and rewarding. I can’t wait to see how this funding will help local food and drink businesses and help revive the high street, while providing Londoners with exceptional offers and a vast choice of meals to choose from.”
The app provides targeted emails and push notifications, street promo teams, social media support, as well as invaluable data insights, on top of the core product proposition of sending customers through their doors.
Martin Robinson, chairman of Burger King UK, said: “We believe nez’s offering is truly unique in the industry, and is a breath of fresh air in terms of their marketing opportunity for their partners.
“We are looking forward to embarking on this journey with the brand and continuing to watch its exceptional growth.”