Mercato, Inc.

Mercato, Inc. is a US-based online grocery delivery platform that connects consumers with local independent grocers, enabling convenient access to a variety of high-quality food products and supporting community businesses. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Diego, US, Mercato, Inc. offers a unique platform that facilitates grocery shopping from local merchants.

The company has successfully raised USD 26 mn in its Series A funding round on January 22, 2021, led by Velvet Sea Ventures, with participation from Greycroft Partners, Loeb. nyc, and Team Europe. Bobby Brannigan serves as the CEO and is among the multiple founders, although further specifics about prior ventures are not disclosed. Mercato provides an online grocery delivery service that connects customers with local independent grocers, offering a wide selection of food products ranging from fresh produce and hand-cut meats to artisanal cheeses and specialty beverages.

The platform allows consumers to shop from multiple merchants in their neighborhood, ensuring access to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients while supporting community businesses. Mercato operates in major urban markets across the US, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, enhancing the grocery shopping experience through convenience and personalized service. Mercato generates revenue by facilitating customer transactions through its platform, which operates primarily on a B2C (business-to-consumer) model. Customers can order groceries directly from independent retailers, with options for scheduled delivery or in-store pickup.

The platform also offers a subscription service that provides free delivery for members. Product pricing varies by merchant, but Mercato emphasizes the quality of its offerings, claiming that merchant products are 85% fresher than those found in traditional supermarkets, thereby positioning itself well in the growing online grocery market. Following the Series A funding round in January 2021, which raised USD 26 mn, Mercato plans to enhance its team, which currently consists of 80 employees. The company aims to expand its operational capacity and explore further growth initiatives, including the introduction of new products and potential geographic market expansions as it continues to refine its service offerings.