Currying favour: SpiceBox hunt for a permanent home after raising £450k

The 18-month old start-up company has raised £450,000 to grow its business, which serves nutritionally balanced Indian food.

It will use the funds - which came from 2enable Partners, a small group of industry experts, entrepreneurs and an impact investment group- to “grow the business beyond the streets”.

The investment comes weeks after the company launched its first permanent stall in Camden’s Kerb street food market.

"The funds will be used to launch our first permanent site, roll out takeaway and delivery, develop our menu and grow our team. Says Company founder Grace Regan.

“Our aim is to build a plant-based food brand with mass-market penetration”.

The plans are expected to begin with a “premium fast food restaurant in East London,” according to a spokesperson.

SpiceBox serves a selection of curries cooked in accordance with healthy, Ayurverdic principles. Options comprise a tandoori cauliflower steak on naan bread with makhani sauce; jackfruit tikka masala; and sweet potato, peanut and spring greens curry.

The company expansion comes amid a growing trend for investors taking interest in plant-based ventures, such as Vurger,​ the Beyond Burger, ​and Essence Cuisine​. 

SpiceBox is 2enable Partners’ first plant-based investment, having previously focused on other start-ups with a positive social and environmental impact, such as Just Giving.

Regan has been voted as one of the UK’s top entrepreneurs on startups.co.uk. SpiceBox is her first food-based venture, having previously run Clippet News, which she founded in Silicon Valley.

“It’s fantastic to be part of a thriving community of plant-based entrepreneurs in London” says Regan

“The backing we’ve received pays testament to the fact that London is fast becoming the plant-based capital of Europe.”