La Belle Assiette

La Belle Assiette emerged in the Parisian food-tech scene in 2012, founded by Stephen Leguillon and Giorgio Riccò, who met while studying at ESCP Europe. Inspired by the on-demand models of platforms like Uber, they applied a similar concept to the private dining sector. Leguillon had prior entrepreneurial experience in the food delivery space, having founded "Appetise.com" in 2008, an online ordering service. The company began as an online marketplace for booking private chefs for in-home dining experiences, catering to both individuals and corporate clients.

The business operates on a marketplace model, connecting clients with a curated selection of professional chefs. Revenue is generated by taking a commission on each booking made through the platform. The service was designed to handle all aspects of a private dinner party, from the chef purchasing fresh ingredients to cooking, serving, and cleaning up afterward. This provided a comprehensive solution for clients seeking a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of their own homes. Initially launched in Paris, the company expanded its operations across Europe, establishing a presence in countries including the United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Germany.

Over the years, La Belle Assiette secured funding to fuel its growth, raising €1.3 million in October 2014 to facilitate its European expansion. Total funding reached approximately $3.57 million over several rounds from various investors. The platform grew to feature over 700 chefs across its European markets. However, the company has since pivoted its business model. While it was once an active marketplace for booking chefs, La Belle Assiette has been described as a dead-pooled company in its original format and now primarily operates as a culinary blog. The site features articles on recipes, cooking tips, and food culture, marking a significant transition from its initial operational focus.

Keywords: private chef booking, on-demand chef service, in-home dining, culinary marketplace, food-tech, personal chef platform, catering services, European food startup, gourmet meal delivery, professional chefs, fine dining at home, corporate catering, event catering, dinner party service, chef marketplace, online chef booking, private dining experience, hospitality technology, Stephen Leguillon, Giorgio Riccò