Delivery Much

Founded in 2011 by Pedro Judacheski and Fernando Giaretta in Santa Maria, Brazil, Delivery Much emerged from a simple university-era question: why couldn't ordering a pizza be as easy as browsing a website? This initial idea evolved into a technology platform aimed at digitizing and empowering local businesses, particularly in the country's interior. The company began its journey by building an online portal for food orders and later transitioned to a mobile application, becoming a pioneer in the Brazilian delivery market. A significant milestone was the shift to a franchising model in 2015, which accelerated its expansion into smaller and medium-sized cities, a market segment often underserved by larger competitors. This strategic focus on hyper-local markets, giving franchisees exclusive operational rights in their cities, became a core competitive differentiator.

Delivery Much operates as an app-based, three-sided marketplace connecting end-users, restaurants, and delivery drivers. Its business model is centered on a franchise system, empowering local entrepreneurs to manage the platform in cities with up to 150,000 inhabitants. Revenue is primarily generated through a commission of around 12% on the total value of orders processed through the app. The company targets a wide range of local businesses beyond restaurants, including snack bars, pizzerias, markets, and pharmacies, providing them with an online storefront and access to a broader customer base. For consumers, the platform offers a convenient way to order a variety of goods for delivery. In 2020 and 2021, the company received significant Series B investments from Stone, a major Brazilian fintech company, which enabled Delivery Much to expand its reach to over 300 cities and serve more than 3 million users.

The service is accessible via Android and iOS applications, allowing users to browse local establishments, discover promotions, place orders, and pay online. The platform is designed to be a comprehensive channel for small and medium-sized merchants, helping them to not just process delivery orders but also to build and retain a loyal customer base. Franchisees receive substantial support from the parent company, including marketing and operational guidance, ensuring a standardized and quality experience across its network. This model allows for rapid implementation, with new city franchises typically launching within 60 days. The acquisition by Stone has further solidified its market position, integrating its delivery services with Stone's financial solutions to create a more robust ecosystem for local businesses throughout Brazil.

Keywords: food delivery, Brazil, franchise model, hyperlocal delivery, small cities, restaurant marketplace, online ordering, mobile application, food tech, last-mile delivery, local business empowerment, Stone acquisition, Pedro Judacheski, Fernando Giaretta, commission-based model, app-based platform, Santa Maria startup, delivery services, pizzerias delivery, pharmacy delivery