Berlin-based on-demand delivery service Gorillas scores $290 million in series B round, becomes fastest European unicorn ever

Berlin-based ultra fast delivery service Gorillas has raised $290 million and become Europe’s fastest unicorn to date.

The round was led by Coatue Management, DST Global and Tencent, with participation from Fifth Wall, Greenoaks and previous investor, Atlantic Food Labs.

The delivery service previously raised $44 million in a series A round in early December of last year, and has grown 10x in the past three months. With this raise, the company has surpassed a $1 billion valuation, thus making them the fastest company in Europe to achieve unicorn status. As part of this round of funding Gorillas management is promising a $1 million bonus distribution amongst its riders and micro fulfilment staff.

In just over 10 months, Gorillas has expanded to more than 12 cities including Amsterdam, London, and Munich and now counts more than 40 micro fulfilment centres. The new round of sounding is expected to further drive expansion to more than 10 countries with 50+ cities on the roster. Paris is next on the hit list, and Gorillas is eyeballing the US, where New York City is first up.

Gorilla’s users have access to more than 2000 essential items, all priced at retail prices, and can have them delivered to wherever they may be, home, a friend's place, or even a public park, in 10 minutes or less for a fee of just over $2.

“By effortlessly enabling immediate access to fresh and healthy food at retail prices, we essentially simplify the process of doing groceries,” says Kağan Sümer, CEO and founder of Gorillas. “We’re radically focused on our customers and their needs: With a team of more than 2000 people and by working closely with our community, our investors and our partners, we’re building an infrastructure for the fastest last-mile delivery of essential human needs.”

Moreover, Gorillas has seen the writing on the wall when it comes to “other” gig economy players, and employs its riders. In so much, they benefit from employment contracts, and have a clear career development programme.

Dan Brody, Managing Director of Tencent Investments, adds: “Grocery e-commerce is an industry which we are positive about the long-term growth outlook. We are delighted to partner with Gorillas in their journey of becoming a leader in European market.”

It would appear as though the 10 minute order-to-your-door market is heating up, as earlier this month London's Dija went live with the exact same promise.