Apparta

Apparta operates as a restaurant-tech marketplace, addressing the persistent issue of low occupancy rates in the Latin American restaurant industry. Founded in 2020 by Henry Sanchez, Gonzalo Forero, and Elías Acosta in Barranquilla, Colombia, the company provides a digital platform to connect diners with restaurants that have empty tables. The founding team's expertise is notable; CEO Henry Sanchez is a former Rappi employee and restaurateur, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges of attracting foot traffic to dining establishments.

The core of Apparta's business model is the application of a yield management strategy, a concept commonly used by airlines and hotels, to the restaurant sector. Through its mobile app, available for both Android and iOS, restaurants can offer dynamic discounts on their entire menu. These discounts are higher during off-peak hours and lower during high-demand periods, creating a win-win scenario: restaurants maximize their productivity and sales by filling otherwise empty seats, and consumers save between 10% and 50% on their bills. This approach directly counters the average 40% occupancy rate that plagues restaurants in the region, turning unproductive assets into revenue streams.

The platform targets a broad range of restaurant types, from fast-food chains and local favorites to fine dining establishments, all sharing the common problem of underutilized capacity. On the consumer side, Apparta appeals to several demographics, including university students seeking budget-friendly options, office workers looking for after-work social venues, and food enthusiasts eager to explore new culinary experiences. Since its launch in April 2021, the company has expanded its operations from Barranquilla to other major Colombian cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena. The company's growth has been supported by over $909K in funding from investors such as 500 Startups LatAm, Avalancha Ventures, and The Ark Fund. Looking ahead, Apparta has expressed plans to expand internationally, with Mexico City being a primary target.

Keywords: restaurant technology, yield management, dynamic pricing, restaurant booking, FoodTech, Latin America, digital payments, marketplace, diner engagement, restaurant productivity, mobile reservations, AppartaPay, Henry Sanchez, Gonzalo Forero, Elías Acosta, restaurant discounts, table occupancy, hospitality tech, Colombia startup, customer acquisition