Chowbus Raises $33M to Elevate Authentic Asian Food Delivery
In a competitive food delivery market dominated by giants, Chowbus has carved out a niche by specializing in hard-to-find regional Asian cuisines. The Chicago-based startup recently secured $33 million in Series A funding, led by Altos Ventures and Left Lane Capital, with participation from Hyde Park Angels, Fika Ventures, FJ Labs, and Silicon Valley Bank.
A Hyper-Specialized Approach to Food Delivery
Founded in 2016 by Suyu Zhang and Linxin Wen, Chowbus connects diners with authentic dishes from:
- Northern and Southern China
- Japan
- Korea
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
The platform focuses on mom-and-pop restaurants often overlooked by mainstream delivery apps, offering:
- No hidden fees for restaurants
- Multi-restaurant bundling in single deliveries
- Mandarin/Cantonese menus in select markets
Strategic Growth and Leadership Expansion
Chowbus has seen rapid traction since its $4M seed round in 2019. Key developments include:
- 20+ North American markets served (NYC, Boston, Chicago, LA, etc.)
- Hiring of Kenny Tsai (ex-Jump Bikes COO) as Chief Operating Officer
- Jieying Zheng (former Groupon product lead) joining as Head of Product
“We only succeed if our restaurant partners do,” emphasizes CEO Linxin Wen. “By eliminating hidden fees and showcasing their best dishes, we’re true partners in their success.”
Future Expansion Plans
The new funding will fuel:
- Geographic expansion across the U.S.
- Product innovation, including a contactless “dine-in” feature for post-COVID reopening
- Enhanced support for local Asian restaurants
The Rise of Niche Delivery Platforms
Chowbus exemplifies a growing trend of vertically-focused delivery services:
- Black and Mobile: Focused on Black-owned restaurants (founded by David Cabello in 2017)
- Other regional specialists: Emerging to serve underserved culinary communities
“Chowbus is driving the permanent shift from offline to online ordering,” notes Harley Miller of Left Lane Capital. “Their capital-efficient, vertical approach creates exceptional value for both diners and restaurateurs.”
With its unique positioning and strong investor backing, Chowbus is poised to become the go-to platform for authentic Asian dining experiences across North America.
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