Four years ago, Local Orbit made a name for itself as the software startup that better connects the local food economy. For instance, its platform made it easier for restaurants to buy fresh produce from local farmers.
Today, the Ann Arbor-based supply chain startup has its sights set on bigger connections in the local food economy. Local Orbit is currently beta testing a new platform, LocalEyes, that connects major institutions, like college campuses and corporate entities, with local food producers.
"This new service is built to support the growing demand for local food," says Erika Block, founder & CEO of
Local Orbit.
Local Orbit has been fine tuning its original version for smaller food producers and food makers. That software platform is used in 80 farmers markets across North America.
"We have customers in 30 states and Canada," Block says. "We have a new customer that is coming online in Argentina."
It is also working on the beta for its new platform for high-volume purchases for big institutions in Metro Detroit, San Francisco and New England. It plans to launch this platform publicly next year.
To make that happen Local Orbit has hired five people over the last year, expanding its staff to eight employees and an intern. Among its recent hires are a recruit from Chicago (working in service management) and keeping one person in Ann Arbor who was on the brink of moving out of town (Local Orbit's new COO).
Local Orbit has raised six figures worth of seed capital this year, bringing its total seed capital raise to more than $1 million. It is also eyeing another multi-million fundraiser soon.
"We will be raising a Series A in 2016," Block says.
Source: Erika Block, founder & CEO of Local Orbit
Writer: Jon Zemke
Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.
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