At TableCrowd, we love to introduce you to new startup founders. Let’s meet Stefan Porter, founder of Market Porter, who we first met at our #FoodTech dinner.

What’s the elevator pitch for your startup?

Market Porter is a series of online artisan food stalls, sourcing and delivering high quality fresh produce to your door. We source from the same producers as top London restaurants, guaranteeing you that gourmet experience every time you dine. Build your own box from scratch, choose from a selection of favourites or opt for a surprise. With our rapid 24-hour turnaround, get a box delivered to your door tomorrow…

When did you launch?

The company was incorporated in February 2014 and our first stall, ‘Meat Porter’, an artisan butcher, will go live with a launch party by the Thames on Saturday, May 10th.

What were you doing before you launched your startup?

I ran a buying and sourcing team with a leading international supermarket chain. I sourced food from across Europe and the world for UK and Irish supermarket shelves. I come from a gastro-family and spent much of my early years working in restaurants.

If you have co-founders, where did you meet them?

I don’t have a co-founder as such. I have an investor who takes a great deal of interest in both the creative and practical parts of the business. I met my investor some years ago at university; we’re old friends. Our paths have been very different up to now, but we always talked about a potential business venture at some point.

What’s your biggest ‘hindsight’ moment?

It’s almost too early to say. I know there will be massive challenges and re-thinks ahead. I think the minor stumbles and hurdles I’ve had so far – such as the ridiculous amount of time, effort and energy to open a business current account – will pale into insignificance as we start to trade.

What will the rest of 2014 bring?

The rest of 2014 initially sees the launch of ‘Meat Porter’, our butcher in May. Soon after, ‘Deli Porter’ – a charcuterie specialist – and ‘Ready Porter’ – a high-end ready-to-cook meals brand will be added to Market Porter’s repertoire. Other food stalls will follow as we move towards 2015. It’s going to be a very hectic year…

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

I benefited hugely from working for a multinational company in the same sector. I have established an enormous selection of contacts, as well as industry knowledge and credibility. My first boss, who ran a very successful restaurant in Worcestershire said to me, ‘Before you change the world, make mistakes with someone else’s money’.

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

Online supermarkets are like spreadsheets and you can never trust what you get. Butchers, delis and cheesemongers are fantastic, but many only open 9 till 5. By shopping online at any time with Market Porter, you’re guaranteed the highest artisan quality, and we’ll get it to you tomorrow.

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

I’m a big fan of ‘Hello Fresh’. I love cooking and they champion families cooking a variety of meals from scratch.

What’s your favourite London restaurant?

I love ‘Le Mercury’ on Upper Street in Islington. It’s everything I love about eating out. A limited, unpretentious menu, simply and brilliantly cooked, and it doesn’t break the bank.

 

Stefan Porter is Founder & Managing Director of Market Porter Ltd.

If you’re interested in coming to the launch of ‘Meat Porter’ on Saturday 10th May in Battersea, then drop Stefan an email at – stefan@marketporter.co.uk