Deliveroo loses £18 million as its growth sends it off the map

Deliveroo racked up a loss of £18.1 million last year as the controversial online food deliveries firm spent big to fund its ambitious expansion plans.

Losses spiralled from £1.4 million the year before, accounts filed on Companies House reveal. Revenues were not disclosed.

The news follows unrest among the London start-up’s couriers, who were unhappy at heavily criticised proposals to make pay more closely linked to the number of deliveries they make.

Deliveroo raised $275 million (£221 million) in August while other fledgling companies struggled to attract funding after the Brexit vote.

A spokesman said: “At Deliveroo our aim is to create the best food delivery experience in the world. In 2015, we invested significantly to help us achieve this.

“It is common for ambitious start-ups to prioritise growth at this stage in their development, and our investments in growth are in line with our long-term strategy.”