Why Sun Basket Is More Like Stitch Fix Than Blue Apron
The troubles Blue Apron's faced since going public last year has raised one big question for other meal-kit delivery start-ups in the ever-more-crowded space: what makes you stand out?
But Sun Basket's CEO doesn't think that question applies to his company.
“For us, it’s a fundamentally very different business,” Adam Zbar told Cheddar.
While Sun Basket does deliver packaged, pre-portioned meal-prep kits, it specializes on specific diets from Paleo to Mediterranean to gluten-free. Zbar says that gives his customers a more curated experience, more akin [Stitch Fix](https://cheddar.com/videos/how-stitch-fix-navigated-a-male-dominated-vc-landscape), the online styling subscription service.
Grocery shopping is harder for people sticking to strict diets than it is for those who don't have restrictions, explained Zbar. He says the convenience provided by Sun Basket makes it less likely customers abandon their subscriptions.
“Our retention rates are much higher than other players in the field, and the reason why is that we focused on a need.”
The company’s business model seems to resonate with investors too. Earlier this year, Sun Basket raised another [$57.8 million](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sun-basket-raises-578-million-in-new-funding-led-by-august-capital-300588291.html) in funding.
For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/healthy-cooking-made-easy).
Art Hogan, Chief Market Strategist at National Securities, joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell, where he says investors are taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to the situation between Russia and the Ukraine and elaborates on the impact higher oil prices stemming from the conflict would have on the market.
Kyle Jaeger, senior editor for Marijuana Moment, joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell, where he explains why a stigma still exists for the cannabis industry in advertising and social media after NBC rejected Weedmaps' ad for the big game even though more states across the country are legalizing cannabis.
A bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) aims to tackle the spread of misinformation on social media platforms, as well as the addictive nature of the sites and negative mental health impacts they have on users. The 'Nudge Act' would require studies to find and compile potential interventions that platforms could use to encourage people to think before they share a post, or log off after spending too much time on an app. The FTC would create rules based on these findings, and hold the platforms accountable. But will it work? Jesse Lehrich, co-founder of Accountable Tech, joins Closing Bell to discuss the bill, whether real results and regulations could come from it, and more.
We know that the Los Angeles Rams emerged as Super Bowl champions, but the crypto industry also came out a winner on Sunday with several notable companies getting airtime in primetime. However, Richard Smith, author of the Risk Rituals Newsletter, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell, where he says the campaigns were a 'disappointment' and adds that crypto companies would be wiser spending their resources on creating value.
A.I.-based entertainment company, Deedub, recently raised
$20 million in a Series A round, led by Insight Partners. Deepdub uses A.I. technology to automate the dubbing process for foreign-language movies or TV shows, while using actors' original voices. The company says it can take just two to three minutes of data from an actor's voice and transform the voice into a different language. The funding comes as foreign-language films and shows like Netflix's 'Squid Game' have recently become more popular with audiences in the U.S. and around the world. Oz Krakowski, Chief Revenue Officer at Deepdub, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Energy Vault, the company developing sustainable, grid-scale energy storage solutions, is now trading on the New York Stock Exchange following the completion of its business combination with Novus Capital Corporation II. Energy Vault develops sustainable, grid-scale energy storage solutions designed to advance the transition to a carbon free, resilient power grid. Robert Piconi, co-founder and CEO of Energy Vault, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to disucss.