BOSTON, MA, ezCater, the leading web marketplace that helps people discover and order from local caterers everywhere in the U.S., has raised a $630K seed round.

Investors include Spinnaker Trust, Jill Preotle (Director and early investor at ZipCar and TaskRabbit), Mike Masterson (serial entrepreneur, including co-founder and Director at Oak/Kleiner-backed Sundrop Fuels), Ed Belove (former VP of R&D at Lotus and at AT&T), and members of Walnut Venture Associates.

ezCater's strategy takes the best from Airbnb, GrubHub, and Yelp. The site combines reviews, ratings, and menus that help customers discover local caterers, and order online with confidence. "It's an exciting and large market opportunity, and there are two great entrepreneurs driving the bus," said Ms. Preotle.

ezCater's nationwide catering marketplace sells delivered food for corporate events and private parties of roughly 10 to 150 guests. "If a few of you are ordering out, or you need pizza, there are many sites out there to help you. But what if you're a territory-based sales rep needing lunch for 43 at a prospect's office in Wichita? Or an office manager who needs food for the 20-person staff meeting at the satellite office tomorrow? You need to find a reliable caterer with the right food, right price point, and availability for your time slot. That means you need lots of information, but you don't want to spend hours searching the web or making phone calls. ezCater makes it fast and simple," said Stefania Nappi Mallett, CEO and co-founder of ezCater.

"In today's economy, even the best caterers are struggling to grow. Since we exited our private beta two months ago, the number of caterers who have elected to receive orders from ezCater has doubled from 800 to 1,600. The market response has been incredible," said Briscoe Rodgers, co-founder and President.

"This round of funding is all about sales and marketing, to expand our customer base dramatically," said Stefania Nappi Mallett, ezCater co-founder and CEO.

About ezCater

ezCater.com is the latest brainchild of Boston-based entrepreneurs Stefania Nappi Mallett and Briscoe Rodgers. ezCater.com is a fast and reliable way to discover the right local caterers and order online with confidence. It is the only national marketplace focused on catering for groups of 10 - 150 guests. ezCater lists over 45,000 caterers in 49 states, and provides full menus and online ordering for 1,600 caterers and restaurants.

ezCater is completely free for customers. There are no price mark-ups or additional fees. ezCater is supported by commissions paid by caterers who elect to receive orders through the company.