How we changed business during a pandemic: the story of three “covid” startups

A year and a half has passed since the start of the pandemic, and many companies are beginning to adjust to the idea that the world is gradually returning to a semblance of normality. But there are those for whom there is no going back - they have changed beyond recognition to cope with the problems caused by the coronavirus. However, now these “covid startups” are again at risk - the most acute period of the crisis has passed, but the delta strain threatens the world, and a new phase is beginning in the fight against coronavirus. Here are the stories of three such companies.

At the beginning of last year, Sam Bernstein created what he considered a successful start-up with 50 employees - the company was engaged in helping students rent housing. Then the pandemic began. “The business completely collapsed, with no options,” says Bershtein, and it was not clear how much longer this would last. The entrepreneur fired 80% of the employees, and two months later created a new startup called Table22 with the rest, which helps restaurants sell home cooking kits, as well as food and drinks. Restaurant owners appreciated the predictability of the business and relatively high returns, and in December, Bernstein managed to raise $7 million in venture capital investments.

But when it became possible to go to restaurants again, they were suddenly flooded with returning customers who were itching to celebrate the opportunity to spend time in public places. The establishments immediately ran out of staff to both serve customers and keep the kit business running. “All the restaurants we talked to were sold out,” says Bernstein. “Demand for such a pastime has only intensified during the pandemic.” Accordingly, restaurants are trying to manage both at the same time, but it does not work out well. Some clients have abandoned Table22 services altogether as demand for this type of business has declined.