The two founders Jakob Breuninger (left) and Valentin Belser (right)

Delicious Data: Smart Algorithms To Minimize Food Waste

The Munich startup Delicious Data (formerly Noyanum) wants to fight food waste with machine learning and algorithms. The company based in the gate startup center is winning over commercial kitchens with its idea. More then thirty dining halls and cafeterias are already planning their shopping with assistance from the startup. The two founders have even gotten several renowned investors on board and just recently secured seed financing. Our Seven Questions were answered by Valentin Belser, founder and Managing Director of the startup.

1. Who are you and what do you do?

Delicious Data uses machine learning algorithms to help chefs improve how they plan their food purchases. The aim is to reduce overproduction and food waste. Our software-as-a-service solution uses our customers’ data history. We connect data from the operators of cafeterias, dining halls, restaurant chains, hotels and hospitals with additional external factors, such as the weather or calendar dates.

That allows us to make more accurate predictions about how many guests will eat a specific meal in the future and to deliver valuable information to support the chefs and kitchen management.

Predictive analytics for the food service industry

The idea arose during the last year of our studies in the university dining hall – at the same university where we also met eight years ago during a math preparation course. Jakob Breuninger and I, Valentin Belser, met while we were both studying for our BAs in aerospace technology. We knew even back then that we wanted to found a startup together. After Jakob specialized in the field of machine learning and predictive analytics and I told him about the idea, we knew right away.

It was all systems go for us:

  1. We are solving a technically complex problem with emerging technology.
  2. By avoiding food waste, we’re creating social added-value, which intrinsically motivates us.
  3. And there is an interesting business case that ensures demand.

Win, win, win!

Delicious Data has already won over more than thirty customers

2. But that’s nothing out of the box!

Yes, there are other startups and established companies that offer similar solutions or are working on them. We see that as confirming the fact that there’s a large market for our product.

3. What has been your biggest challenge so far?

After three attempts now, it would have to be naming the company. (Note from editor: They started as FoodOracle, were then Noyanum and are now Delicous Data).

4. Now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: How is business going?

Our course is set for further growth. We worked full-time on the development of our product last year and are now live in more than thirty commercial kitchens. We’re currently generating forecasts for roughly 30,000 meals each day.

We just recently completed our round of seed financing to increase the size of our team and grow faster. (Note from editor: In addition to Bayern Kapital, investments in Delicious Data were also made by Myke Näf (Doodle founder), Clarissa and Michael Käfer (Käfer Capital), GeMü Beteiligung and a private investor).

“We specifically came to Munich”

5. What does Munich mean to you?

We specifically came to Munich to found our startup here because the startup ecosystem is so good for tech companies in particular. Especially when considering our completed round of financing, we’re certain it was worth it. On a personal level, we also really appreciate the high quality of living and being so close to the mountains, where you will often find us hiking or climbing.

6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we be seeing you at an Epic Fail Night soon?

By solving the problem of food waste across the food service industry and internationally.

7. Isar River or English Garden?

Isar!