Cookly, the online service that lets you book cooking classes and culinary experiences in countries around the world, announced today that it has raised an undisclosed “Pre-Series A” round of funding to expand its platform. This round was led by Zcoin founder Paromin Insom, with participation from 500 TukTuks, which is part of 500 Startups.
The Bangkok-based Cookly connects travelers with 650 cooking classes in 65 destinations across 23 countries. Using their mobile app, users can book classes based on factors such as style, cuisine or dietary restrictions, all of which are offered by local professional chefs or cooking schools in that destination.
Cookly Co-Founder and CEO Benjamin Ozsanay told me by phone that the money will be used to expand into more destinations, and will act as a bridge to get the company to a proper Series A round.
While Zcoin’s Insom led the investment, this round was in all cash. However, Cookly plans to use Zcoin’s technology to facilitate “borderless payment transactions” at some point in the future, according to the press announcement.
Ozsanay said that in addition to expanding its global footprint, Cookly wants to evolve beyond just a booking platform. “Our goal is to create a proper community,” he said. Part of doing that will be broadening the audience beyond travelers and using cooking classes as a way for locals to engage with one another in different markets.
Cookly was launched in April of 2016 and had previously raised an undisclosed seed round from 500 TukTuks and dtac Accelerate.
