DUBLIN RIDER AND ENTREPRENEUR SECURES THOUSANDS IN FUNDING FROM DELIVEROO

Monday, 12th September: A Dublin based Deliveroo rider has secured thousands in funding from Deliveroo after he took part in the company’s competition for riders, the ‘Big Pitch’. The Dragon’s Den-style initiative saw entrepreneurial riders from across Ireland and the UK pitch their business ideas to an expert panel including Sarah Venning, Global Chief Digital Officer at Pret A Manger, Nigel Sherwood, Chief Operating Officer of wagamama and Camilla Kater, VP Restaurant, Rider and Care at Deliveroo.

It is the first time Deliveroo’s Big Pitch competition has been open to riders based in Ireland. Guilherme Zogbi - a Dublin based Brazilian who moved to Ireland in 2015 and has been riding with Deliveroo for one year - applied and made it to the final out of 1,300 applicants. He has been crowned one of the winning finalists receiving just over €10,000 in prize money to develop his business, ‘StarCheese’. The business, which he started with his mother Miriam, produces a Brazilian delicacy called ‘pа̃o de queijo’ - a small, soft bread roll that’s made using cassava and cheese.

Initially started as a catering business, Guilherme impressed judges with his ambitions to expand StarCheese by opening a cafe where the public can purchase pа̃o de queijo and get a taste of Brazilian culture.

Over 60% of Deliveroo riders are interested in entrepreneurship and the Big Pitch enables riders with new businesses or concepts to present their business case and pitch for prize money to make their entrepreneurial dream a reality. This is just one of the ways Deliveroo supports riders to develop skills which will support them in future careers.

Guilherme Zogbi said: “I was over the moon to take part in this year’s Big Pitch and present my business idea to industry experts. Whilst I have always believed in my idea, it was heartening to get such positive feedback from Deliveroo. As the first Ireland based Deliveroo rider to reach the Big Pitch final, I was very proud to represent the country which has been home to me for seven years now. I am so excited to use this funding to bring a taste of Brazil to Dublin and introduce the masses to pа̃o de queijo.”

Breffney Brass, Deliveroo Ireland Country Manager said: “Over 60% of Deliveroo riders are interested in entrepreneurship. The Big Pitch is Deliveroo’s way of giving those riders a way to get their idea off the ground. Deliveroo Ireland was delighted to expand the Big Pitch to riders based in Ireland this year - needless to say we were all rooting for Guilherme. We’re sure his business will be a success and look forward to the day when the Irish public can order pа̃o de queijo straight from his cafe through the Deliveroo app!”