image: goPuff

The food-delivery market is one with intense competition. The likes of DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, Deliveroo, Swiggy, Just Eat, Yelp Eat 24, and more are steadily competing for global market share while also raising huge funding. Just recently, Deliveroo raised $575 million in a round led by Amazon. DoorDash has also raised $600 million Series G funding at a $12.6 billion valuation.

Amid the intense battle, it turns out there’s one hot startup that has stayed low key to avoid the eye of rivals, but it seems word is getting out. That low-key hot startup is goPuff, an on-demand delivery service that was valued at $1 billion last November (after an investment), according to regulatory filings reviewed by The Information. goPuff ships products to customers from centrally located facilities — as opposed to direct pickup from stores — in 81 U.S. cities.

goPuff delivers beer, wine, liquor and even Juul pods

The company — based in Philadelphia — stocks more than 3,000 products at its facilities which it then ships to customers who order. This model is unique, compared to other major delivery apps that fetch products directly from stores. One advantage to goPuff’s model is that it doesn’t have to work-around a store’s schedule, likely implying no surge delivery fees, price hikes, or middleman involved.

goPuff charges a flat $1.95 for deliveries. The company, founded in 2013, delivers beer, wine, liquor and even Juul pods, a difference to other delivery apps. It appears to have raised more than $150 million so far from investors. Other known stats about the company include:

• Its launch of a 300,000 sq ft distribution center in New Jersey last December
• Founded by Rafael Ilishayev and Yakir Gola, who both grew up in New Jersey
• More than 500 employees
• Operates 24/7 in some regions
• Investors include e.ventures and Anthos Capital

goPuff is essentially a digital convenience store

goPuff makes for an interesting look for its ability to lie low while making waves in a very competitive market. The delivery and on-demand market at whole makes for an amusing read with its constant innovations and new initiatives. These include Ford’s delivery robot, Uber’s pilot of Jump in London, Brad Bao taking over as Lime CEO, Uber Eats global dominance, and Rappi’s $1 billion raise from Softbank.