After winning over more than a hundred companies in Belgium and Luxembourg with its healthy, organic and package-free snack dispensers, BulkBar is now heading to Paris for the next phase of its growth. On the menu: dried fruits, nuts and cereals for healthier, more sustainable workplace snacks.
Sustainability and employee well-being
While the pandemic seemed to signal a fundamental shift in work habits, with remote work expected to take over traditional office life, the trend has proven to be more balanced. In fact, many employers are now focusing on improving the office environment to boost employee well-being.
That’s exactly what BulkBar is seeing. “CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is becoming more and more central for companies, and many of them are ready to take action. Green committees and happiness committees are multiplying, and sustainability and well-being are now a core part of corporate strategy”, explains Virginie de Selliers, co-founder of BulkBar.
Since its launch in 2020, the startup has stayed true to its mission. As a pioneer of zero-waste, healthy snacking at work, BulkBar offers a unique solution to meet two growing needs: employee well-being and corporate sustainability. Its dispensers provide organic, package-free snacks in self-service mode and without electricity, helping businesses improve quality of life at work and boost their employer brand while reducing environmental impact.
“These are values that matter deeply to both of us, so it was only natural that sustainability and well-being would be at the heart of our approach”, adds Gilles Waterkeyn, who co-founded BulkBar with Virginie de Selliers.
Target market: 13.000 companies in Paris
Given the success of the dispensers installed so far, the concept seems to have gained strong traction in its home market. That was enough to convince the two founders to explore new territory for their expansion.
“With over 13.000 companies that match our target profile, the French capital offers huge growth potential and exciting opportunities”, says Gilles Waterkeyn.
Fundraising underway
To support this new chapter, BulkBar is finalizing a 300.000€ fundraising round. 80% of the amount has already been secured through private investors, and the remainder will be completed via a crowdlending platform in the coming weeks. These funds will be used to cover the initial investment needed to set up a team and operations in Paris.
Next steps
BulkBar plans to launch its dispensers in the City of Light in early 2024, with the goal of signing 50 new Paris-based clients within the first year. With that goal in mind, BulkBar expects its French branch to reach profitability by early 2026.
“This next chapter is undoubtedly challenging, but also incredibly exciting. We can’t wait to start writing it”, concludes co-founder Virginie de Selliers.
Published on 05/01/2024
