Acton Food Firm Makes Business Final

Startup company could win prestigious award

An internet meal delivery firm in Acton, which was turned down in the Dragons' Den, has been named as a finalist in a national business competition.

Gousto, based on Swainson Rd, is the brainchild of former bankers Timo Schmidt and James Carter who loved cooking but say they didn't have time to go shopping.

Their idea was rejected on the BBC TV programme but undeterred the partners went on to secure a £1.2million from MMC Ventures.

They sell boxes of organic, locally sourced ingredients, along with recipes and deliver around 26,000 ‘meals’ a month in the UK.

Gousto is one of 17 London based companies in the final of the Startup Awards 2014.

The company is named in two categories - Product Business of the Year and Venture Funded Business of the Year.

The main prize is the much coveted title of Simply Business Startups Business of the Year, the recipient selected from the winners of the other categories.

The results will be announced at a ceremony at Kensington Roof Gardens, London, on 27 November.

6th November 2014