Alpakas

Alpakas was a Berlin-based startup founded in 2021 by Antony Roczek, Simon Chorzelski, and Tomy Eitner, with the mission to create a sustainable, zero-waste online grocery shopping experience. The company positioned itself as an alternative to mainstream quick commerce, which often overlooks environmental impact. The business idea originated from Antony Roczek, who served as an Entrepreneur in Residence at MVP Factory and aimed to merge the convenience of same-day delivery with the principles of unpackaged grocery stores.

The business model centered on an online platform and mobile app where customers could order from a selection of over 800 organic and locally sourced products. Items, ranging from fresh produce and pantry staples to household goods, were delivered in reusable glass containers. This created a circular system where customers would return the empty containers to the delivery driver on their next order, which Alpakas claimed could be reused up to 40 times. Deliveries were conducted via e-cargo bikes charged with green electricity, further emphasizing the company's commitment to an emission-free operation. Revenue was generated directly from the sale of these grocery products.

In February 2022, Alpakas secured $5.67 million in a seed funding round led by Vorwerk Ventures, with participation from existing investors like FoodLabs and MVP Factory, as well as several angel investors. The service was initially launched in Berlin, covering over 90 postcodes, with plans for expansion into Munich. Despite its initial traction and funding, the company faced challenges. In March 2023, Alpakas filed for insolvency, citing weak customer demand and hesitant investors as the primary reasons for ceasing operations.

Keywords: zero-waste grocery, sustainable delivery, online supermarket, reusable packaging, organic products, circular economy, e-cargo bikes, food delivery, Berlin, insolvent