Raise closed, search for fresh raises on Seedstage

San Francisco, CA

Building a franchise-driven, tech-enabled delivery network for college students.

• Proven model: Founded by former Duffl CTO, applying direct experience from a successful campus delivery startup.
• Fast delivery: 10-minute delivery times made possible by localized logistics using e-scooters.
• Franchise growth: Capital-efficient expansion strategy driven by franchisees, not corporate buildout.
• Massive market: Targeting a $40B/year college convenience delivery market with $2K/year per student spend.
• High retention and margins: 90% expected retention with $7 profit per order and low $5 CAC.

Need is raising capital to support the next phase of its growth as a hyper-local convenience delivery service tailored for college campuses. By leveraging a franchise-first model, the company plans to enable rapid expansion with minimal corporate capital, relying on recent graduates and student operators who are deeply networked within their campuses. Using a proprietary in-house app, centralized micro-warehouses, and student delivery via e-scooters, Need offers a 10-minute delivery promise for snacks and essentials, solving a clear problem for time-strapped students with limited transportation.

The funds raised will support the launch of pilot programs at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, leading to a larger rollout of franchise operations across high-density student markets nationwide. With a focus on high retention, low customer acquisition cost, and a scalable logistics model, Need aims to become a dominant player in the $40B/year campus convenience delivery space. The company’s founding team brings deep experience from YC-backed Duffl, SpaceX, and Disney, and is building from scratch a data-driven, franchise-enabled delivery ecosystem optimized for profitability and expansion.

Company Info

Need delivers convenience store items to college students in under 10 minutes using a hyper-local franchise model.

Need is a convenience store delivery service tailored for college campuses, offering essentials like snacks and drinks delivered in just 10 minutes. The company addresses the common problem faced by students: limited transportation, time constraints, and a lack of accessible options for essential goods on campus. By deploying micro-warehouses and utilizing student couriers on e-scooters, Need ensures hyper-local, efficient logistics that keep students productive and satisfied.

The platform is built on a proprietary in-house ordering system and operates through a franchise model, allowing for rapid, low-capital expansion. This lean, tech-driven structure supports high-density campuses with minimal customer acquisition costs, leveraging student ambassadors and local networks for growth. With an experienced founder who previously built and exited a similar YC-backed startup, Need plans to scale through strategic campus launches and franchisee partnerships, aiming to redefine convenience for the college demographic.