Door to Door Organics
Subscription-based online organic and natural grocery delivery.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | €0.0 | round | |
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
| N/A | $4.1m | Series C | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Door to Door Organics was an online grocery delivery service specializing in organic produce and natural foods, which ceased operations in November 2017. The company was founded in 1997 by David Gersenson, who started the business from his garage in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with a focus on delivering boxes of organic fruits and vegetables. In 2004, the company relocated to Colorado. Chad Arnold, an MBA graduate from the University of Colorado, joined as COO in 2009 and later became CEO. His involvement stemmed from a consulting project with the founder, David Gersenson, and a desire to explore why internet grocery services had not gained more traction.
The business operated on a subscription-based model where customers could order customizable boxes of groceries online for weekly or bi-weekly delivery to homes, offices, and schools. Beyond produce, the company expanded its offerings to include sustainably raised meat, dairy, eggs, and other artisanal food products by partnering with local farmers and producers. A key feature of its platform was its 'Shop by Recipe' tool, which allowed customers to order all the ingredients for a specific meal with a single click. The business model focused on creating route density and utilized a sophisticated inventory management system to minimize food waste, boasting a spoilage rate about 5% lower than traditional grocers.
The company experienced significant growth, raising over $44 million in funding, including a $25.5 million Series B round in 2014 led by Arlon Group. In June 2016, Door to Door Organics merged with another online grocer, Relay Foods, expanding its reach to 63 markets across 18 states. Despite its growth and a reputation as a solid operator, the company shut down abruptly in November 2017. The closure was attributed to increasing competition from larger players like AmazonFresh, the rise of meal kit services, and unfavorable funding prospects.
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