BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 26. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is investing 20 million euros in STIQ, a fast-growing Greek foodtech company pioneering AI-powered cloud kitchen technology, Trend reports citing the EIB's latest reports.
The financing, backed by the InvestEU programme, will support the company’s R&D, digital innovation and international expansion, helping transform the future of food delivery in Europe through smarter, more sustainable and scalable operations.
The investment is part of the EIB’s strategic focus on digital transformation, innovation and cohesion, and reflects its continued support for high-potential technology ventures in Southern and Eastern Europe. Structured as venture debt with quasi-equity features, the financing will enable STIQ to accelerate the development of its proprietary platform, deploy advanced AI features, and expand its operational footprint beyond Greece into new EU markets.
EIB Vice-President Yiannis Tsakiris, said: “This investment reflects the EIB’s firm commitment to supporting innovation, digital transformation and entrepreneurship across Europe. STIQ is reshaping the food delivery model through technology, and we are proud to support a Greek company that is building scalable, sustainable solutions with European reach.”
Strategic impact and EU policy alignment
The EIB financing is backed by the InvestEU programme under the “Future Technologies” window and addresses key market gaps in access to growth capital for early-stage European tech companies. It reflects the EU’s broader commitment to:
- Accelerating the deployment of artificial intelligence and advanced digital services
- Enhancing food system resilience through innovation and data
- Reducing environmental impact in urban logistics and delivery networks
· Supporting economic cohesion by investing in regions with high growth potential but limited access to venture financing.
Scaling foodtech innovation from Greece to Europe
Founded in Athens in 2022, STIQ has quickly emerged as a trailblazer in the virtual restaurant (cloud kitchen) space. Its model integrates software, logistics and food operations into a single platform that allows multiple digital restaurant brands to be prepared and delivered efficiently from a network of culinary hubs.
Key features of the platform include:
- AI-powered demand forecasting, dynamic menu engineering and inventory optimisation
- Smart routing and grouped order delivery, reducing CO₂ emissions and delivery time
- Data-driven operations that enhance consistency, food safety, and customer satisfaction.
With five live kitchen hubs in Athens, serving over 20 brands to a potential market of 3 million residents, STIQ currently employs 200 staff and plans to reach 30 hubs across Europe by 2029. The company is scaling rapidly while maintaining a strong focus on food quality, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, including zero-waste targets and the adoption of electric delivery fleets.
Konstantinos Davaris, Founder & CEO of STIQ said: “We are thrilled to welcome the European Investment Bank as a strategic partner in our mission to redefine fast-casual dining. At StiQ, we’re leading a new era of healthy eating by blending cutting-edge technology and AI with culinary excellence. Through our diverse portfolio of brands, including Protein Garden, Dinas, Healthy Concept, and more, we deliver delicious, nutritious, and affordable meals that make healthy dining accessible to everyone. With EIB’s support, we’re ready to scale our vision, fostering a more sustainable, health-conscious future for communities worldwide.”
