Introducing Zomato and Kimberly Hurd who we met at our recent FoodTech startups dinner.

What’s the elevator pitch for your startup?

Zomato helps anyone who loves food and drink to never say ‘the usual’ again.   

We are the go-to source for restaurant information and help people make smart and personalised decisions for whatever type of eating or drinking experience they are in the mood for. In London alone, we list in-depth information for over 20,000 restaurants ranging from menus, photos, ratings and reviews to over 30 other details like the modes of payment they accept and opening times.  

For instance, we are the only way to find a restaurant open at 7am, which is dog friendly, serves ginger ice cream, has outdoor seating, and takes credit cards.

Whether you are looking for a local kebab shop for a quick takeaway or the most recent Michelin starred restaurant for a special evening, you’ll find it on Zomato.   

What were you doing before you joined Zomato to head UK?

Before joining Zomato, I was a Director at the World Gold Council, responsible for global product, partner, and market development in the financial services and have over 10 years’ experience in growth strategy, product management, and new product development in Asia, Europe, Mexico, and the US.  After exploring the world through my love of food, I came to London to do my MBA   at London Business School – which is how I became interested in entrepreneurship and start-ups.

What’s your biggest ‘hindsight’ moment?

Not starting sooner.  

What will 2014 bring?

International expansion, product development and team growth. 

We’ve launched a revamped version of our product on 9th April – the changes were commissioned based on feedback which mostly came from our UK consumer base. Zomato now allows users to build and rely on their own network of trusted social recommendations. 2014 promises to be a good year for us otherwise too – we’re expanding into continental Europe, with Portugal and the Czech Republic already in the works, and continuing to expand in the UK – estimating 3x growth in the UK alone.

1 piece of advice for someone starting a business in the food space?

No market is so saturated that a good idea and a passionate and energetic team can’t crack it. If you have an idea that you believe in, go for it. Find the right people and the rest will follow.

Convince someone to use your product/service in under 50 words.

Where can you get halal and vegetarian friendly brunch with a roof terrace and a bar on the 1 sunny day in London? Where do you go next for a quick bite and the last drink when the pub closes at midnight?  Who serves maple bacon burgers?  We know you have specific dining and drinking wants and Zomato has the answers. 

What’s your favourite startup in the food space (not including your own)?

Startups in the mobile payment and loyalty card space – hard to narrow it down, watching: TabbedOut, YoYo, Zapper, and Spleat just to name a few.  

What’s your favourite London restaurant?

I don’t believe in A favourite – you’d have to be more specific 🙂

It was great to meet Zomato and to hear more about their business. You can read more startup spotlights here.