The London-based chain is set to open more UK sites during 2020
Starting out as a market stall in 2016, The Vurger Co. was founded by Rachel Hugh and Neil Potts in response to the lack of plant-based options in London. Launching their first retail range of burgers in June this year, they plan to expand this arm of the business in 2020.
Thanks to its dedicated vegan fast food menu and a commitment to sustainability, since 2018, the restaurant has continued to thrive. Using 100 per cent compostable packaging and a waste-management system, the company ensures nothing goes to landfill.
Opening their first site in Shoreditch in March 2018, then a second in Canary Wharf in November 2018, two more sites are now opening in the first quarter of 2020; one in Brighton, launching March 2020. This expansion to areas outside of London marks the start of their national UK growth.
In 2018, popular vegan chef Gaz Oakley was appointed as the eatery’s executive chef, with other collaborations including the likes of by CHLOE. founder, Chloe Coscarelli, and Michelin star chef, Tom Aikens.
Now, the burger restaurant has successfully secured a seven-figure investment as it continues its period of rapid growth. With a mission to revolutionise fast food through the power of plants, the restaurant chain has become the fastest ever to reach its funding goal on Crowdcube, securing £300,000 in just three days back in 2017. Named in the Startups 100 List in both 2018 and 2019, they continue to go from strength to strength.
Their latest round of investment, which was led by vegan investor Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni and Miray Zaki of Dismatrix Group, comes as the restaurant celebrates almost two years of trading at its Shoreditch site.
Dismatrix Group is a multinational private equity, private credit, and venture capital firm that focuses on innovative-yet-sustainable trends in technology, wellness, and plant-based food. The firm invests across the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
Rachel commented: “We are so proud to have reached this huge milestone for our business. This investment will allow us to expedite our growth plans, open new sites and grow our retail business as we head into 2020.”
“It’s an honour to be working with Miray and Sebastiano of Dismatrix Group, who not only believe in our vision but bring a wealth of proven experience and knowledge of the vegan market. They have invested in most of the biggest and best plant-based brands in the world. We are so ready for the next phase of The Vurger Co, watch this space!”