Grupo Central

Grupo Central is a Chilean startup specializing in dark kitchens and dark stores, providing comprehensive urban distribution solutions for brands, retailers, and entrepreneurs. It was founded in May 2020 by Alejandro Iglesias (CEO), Francisco Apparcel (CCO), Susana Silva (CMO), Rodrigo Mira, and Antoine Escarpentier. The founders combined their experience from the food and delivery industries, including backgrounds at Rappi, to address the growing demand for delivery-focused infrastructure. The company's history traces back to June 2019 with "Cocina Central," a gastronomic co-working space that rented professional kitchen spaces to food entrepreneurs.

The business operates through two main units: "Cocina Central" for dark kitchens and "Store Central" for dark stores, which are retail distribution centers for online shopping. This model orchestrates technology, logistics, and infrastructure to help clients increase online sales. The business model is centered on a monthly fixed rent for the spaces, with prices varying based on location and size. Clients, ranging from large brands to individual entrepreneurs, use these facilities for food preparation or as last-mile urban distribution centers for e-commerce products. Grupo Central's proprietary technology platform integrates with various delivery applications, allowing clients to manage orders and dispatches efficiently.

In April 2022, the company successfully raised a $3 million seed round led by Moonvalley Capital, Global Founders Capital (GFC), and Opera Ventures. This funding was aimed at strengthening its operations in Chile and financing expansion into Peru and Brazil. In August 2023, Grupo Central acquired Ditucí, a national logistics operator for fulfillment and last-mile delivery, to enhance its "Store Central" business line.

Keywords: dark kitchens, dark stores, urban logistics, e-commerce fulfillment, last-mile delivery, food delivery, restaurant technology, omnichannel retail, logistics infrastructure, delivery services, B2B logistics, South America, retail distribution, supply chain, online sales, emerging brands, venture capital, food tech, e-commerce logistics, fulfillment services