Made In Cookware Company Profile

Background

Company Overview

Made In Cookware, established in 2017 by co-founders Jake Kalick and Chip Malt, is a premium cookware brand headquartered in Austin, Texas. The company specializes in producing high-quality kitchen tools designed for both professional chefs and home cooks. Rooted in a fourth-generation, family-owned kitchen supply business, Made In aims to bridge the gap between professional-grade cookware and home kitchens by offering durable, performance-oriented products at accessible price points.

Mission and Vision

Made In's mission is to revolutionize the cookware industry by providing thoughtfully constructed kitchen tools that enable home chefs to create restaurant-quality meals. The company's vision encompasses disrupting the traditional $17 billion-a-year cookware market by offering direct-to-consumer products that combine quality, affordability, and transparency.

Industry Significance

By collaborating with renowned chefs and leveraging a direct-to-consumer model, Made In has positioned itself as a significant player in the cookware industry. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has garnered trust from over 2,000 restaurants worldwide, including more than 100 Michelin-starred establishments.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Product Excellence: Develop and offer cookware that meets the rigorous standards of professional kitchens while being accessible to home cooks.

• Direct-to-Consumer Model: Eliminate intermediaries to provide high-quality products at more affordable prices.

• Chef Collaborations: Partner with esteemed chefs to design and refine products, ensuring they meet real-world culinary demands.

Areas of Specialization

Made In specializes in a diverse range of cookware, including stainless steel, carbon steel, non-stick, copper, and cast iron products. The company also offers knives, bakeware, and tabletop items, catering to comprehensive kitchen needs.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Five-Ply Stainless Clad Construction: Ensures even heat distribution and durability.

• Carbon Steel: Combines the heat retention of cast iron with the lightweight properties of stainless steel.

• Non-Stick Coatings: Utilizes high-quality, PFOA-free coatings for enhanced cooking performance.

Primary Markets Targeted

Made In targets both professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts, focusing on individuals who value high-quality, durable cookware. The company has expanded its reach internationally, serving customers in 17 countries and all 50 U.S. states.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

In April 2019, Made In closed a $5 million seed funding round led by Brian Spaly, founder of Bonobos and Trunk Club, and Ezra Galston of Starting Line Ventures. Additional investors included The Alinea Group co-founders Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas, Chef Tom Douglas, and Barry Sternlicht, founder of Starwood Capital. This round brought the total funding to $8.33 million.

Utilization of Capital

The funds have been allocated towards product development, scaling production, expanding the team, and enhancing the direct-to-consumer platform to better serve customers.

Pipeline Development

Product Expansion

Made In continually expands its product line based on customer feedback and culinary trends. Notable additions include:

• Carbon Steel Skillet: Combines the best attributes of cast iron and stainless steel.

• Universal Lid: Recognized as one of TIME Magazine's Best Inventions of 2018.

• Chef's Knife: Designed in collaboration with professional chefs for optimal performance.

Anticipated Milestones

The company plans to continue introducing innovative products and expanding its international presence, with a focus on maintaining quality and meeting the evolving needs of both professional and home chefs.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Five-Ply Stainless Clad Construction: Provides superior heat conductivity and durability.

• Carbon Steel Cookware: Offers a lightweight alternative with excellent heat retention.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Material Sourcing: Utilizes high-quality metals sourced from the U.S. and Europe to ensure product excellence.

• Manufacturing Processes: Collaborates with skilled craftsmen in the U.S. and Europe to produce cookware that meets stringent quality standards.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

• Jake Kalick, Co-Founder and President: Brings a deep understanding of the cookware industry from his family's century-old kitchen supply business.

• Chip Malt, Co-Founder and CEO: Leverages his expertise in e-commerce and brand building to drive Made In's growth and customer engagement.

Key Contributions

Under their leadership, Made In has successfully disrupted the traditional cookware market by offering high-quality products directly to consumers, fostering strong relationships with professional chefs, and achieving significant growth in both professional and home cooking segments.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global cookware market is valued at approximately $17 billion annually, with significant growth potential driven by increasing consumer interest in home cooking and high-quality kitchen tools.

Competitor Analysis

• All-Clad: Known for high-quality, American-made cookware with a focus on stainless steel products.

• Le Creuset: Renowned for enameled cast iron cookware, offering a wide range of colors and designs.

• Calphalon: Offers a variety of cookware lines, including non-stick and stainless steel options, catering to different price points.

Made In differentiates itself by offering high-quality cookware through a direct-to-consumer model, allowing for competitive pricing and strong customer relationships.