Institutional cafeterias have long grappled with an array of challenges, from planning and procurement to waste reduction and staff training. Meanwhile, clients endured the arduous process of engaging caterers, negotiating rates, and managing communication, while vendors faced operational hurdles without a unified platform for efficient management. Seeking to inject consistency into the disorganized catering industry, childhood friends Arjun Subramanian and Raj Jain embarked on a mission in 2019. Fueled by a shared passion for innovation, they founded PlatOS in May 2020, aiming to overhaul cafeteria management through bespoke technology.
“We previously managed several cafeterias in Chennai, relying on manual processes. The pandemic underscored the urgency for technological solutions to streamline canteen operations,” explains Subramanian, CEO and Co-founder of PlatOS. “We believe in startups addressing real-world issues, and PlatOS is our endeavor to restore joy to daily workplace dining.”
Since its inception, PlatOS, with a team of 35, claims to have transformed 45 cafeterias across eight Indian cities, including Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR (Gurugram), Noida, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, and Hyderabad. With over 45,000 monthly users placing more than 200,000 orders, the startup boasts an annual GMV run rate of Rs 18 crore.
PlatOS operates on a B2B2C model, serving as a technology partner for companies and food vendors alike. Offering end-to-end cafeteria management, including vendor selection, food trials, audits, and daily coordination, PlatOS ensures seamless operations and consistent service.
“Our goal is to simplify the catering experience, providing a convenient solution that benefits both clients and vendors, thereby creating a connected ecosystem that enhances the cafeteria experience for all stakeholders,” remarks Jain.
The tech-driven cafeteria enables employees/students to order, pay, pick up, and provide feedback. Its suite of applications facilitates order lifecycle management, inventory control, menu management, and reporting, fostering an efficient cafeteria environment.
PlatOS charges a subscription fee for its SaaS product and earns a commission per transaction. Additionally, it offers end-to-end cafeteria operations management for a percentage of the Gross Food Value.
Despite initial challenges, PlatOS has experienced a 15% month-over-month revenue increase. With the Indian institutional cafeteria market witnessing significant growth, PlatOS anticipates operating over 250 cafeterias in the next 24 months, with plans to raise $1 million from seasoned B2B SaaS investors as strategic partners.
“Finding the right lead investor is pivotal for steering our startup towards success,” Subramanian affirms, underscoring PlatOS’s commitment to revolutionizing cafeteria management with innovative technology.
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