From Campus Idea to Global Platform: The Rise of Munch
In the summer of 2020, four Corvinus University students—Kirill Perepelica, Bence Zwecker, Albert Wettstein, and Botond Zsoldos—identified a problem that many of us face daily: food waste. Their solution, the Munch food‑saving service, turned a campus‑level idea into a multi‑country business that now serves millions of users across Central Europe.
Founded during the height of the pandemic, Munch leveraged the surge in digital adoption to connect restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores with consumers willing to purchase surplus food at a discount. The model is simple yet powerful: a mobile app links supply and demand, allowing customers to buy a “mystery box” of leftover items that would otherwise be discarded.
Key Elements of Munch’s Business Model
- Digital Marketplace: A user‑friendly app that aggregates surplus inventory from local food providers.
- Dynamic Pricing: Discounts vary based on product type, expiration date, and quantity, ensuring both affordability for consumers and profitability for partners.
- Logistics Integration: Partnerships with delivery services enable same‑day pickup or curbside collection, keeping the process seamless for all parties.
- Data‑Driven Optimization: Machine‑learning algorithms predict demand patterns, helping partners adjust stock levels and reduce waste.
Rapid Growth and Market Penetration
Within five years, Munch has become one of Hungary’s leading platforms for sustainable consumption. Key milestones include:
- Operating in over 200 Hungarian cities.
- Launching the Munch Market service, which extends the model to manufacturers and wholesalers for near‑expiry or damaged products.
- Entering the Czech Republic in 2022, Romania in 2024, and Slovakia in 2025.
- Building a partner network of 6,000 restaurants, bakeries, and stores.
- Reaching 3.5 million users across the region.
- Employing nearly 100 people and generating 307 million forints in revenue in 2023.
- Achieving almost 1 billion forints in combined revenue for Munch Hungary Ltd. and Munch Europe Services Ltd. in 2024.
Strategic investment from a fund backed by Thomas Peterffy, the Hungarian‑born founder of Interactive Brokers, has further accelerated expansion plans into Southeast Europe.
Implications for Corvinus University Students and Entrepreneurs
Munch’s trajectory offers several lessons for students and aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Identify Real‑World Problems: The founders spotted a widespread issue—food waste—and created a scalable solution.
- Leverage Academic Resources: Corvinus University’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, including incubators and mentorship programs, likely supported early development.
- Adopt a Data‑Centric Approach: Predictive analytics and dynamic pricing are core to Munch’s success, underscoring the value of data skills.
- Scale with Partnerships: Building a network of local suppliers and logistics partners was essential for rapid geographic expansion.
- Focus on Sustainability: Aligning business goals with environmental impact can attract both consumers and investors.
For students interested in launching their own ventures, Munch demonstrates that a strong university foundation can translate into real‑world impact when combined with determination and strategic execution.
How to Get Involved or Learn More
Whether you’re a student looking to apply to Corvinus University, a budding entrepreneur seeking inspiration, or a consumer eager to reduce food waste, there are clear next steps:
- Explore Corvinus University’s application portal and discover programs that support entrepreneurship and sustainability.
- Visit Munch’s website to see how the platform works and to try a mystery box in your city.
- Follow Corvinus University on LinkedIn for updates on student‑led startups and industry collaborations.
Ready to take the next step in your academic or entrepreneurial journey? Submit your application today and join a community that turns ideas into impactful solutions.
Share Your Thoughts
Have questions about Munch’s model or how to start a similar venture? Write to us or leave a comment below. Your feedback helps shape future content and support for aspiring founders.
Explore Further Reading
For more insights on sustainable business practices and startup growth, check out our related articles on the Corvinus University blog.
