By limiting people’s trips to supermarkets, the pandemic triggered an enormous demand for home delivery services. Attracting $240 million in seed funding, German start-up Flink joins a number of rapid grocery delivery services riding the wave of increased consumer demand for ultra-convenience.

Lockdowns catapulted grocery delivery services to success in many cities around the world, with apps like Getir, Weezy, and Gorillas offering to send goods to people’s doors in just ten minutes. But is lightning-fast delivery sustainable? And are there other ways to offer convenience without speed?

Grocery home delivery in France is in its infancy but has seen massive acceleration due to the pandemic. While it’s become more normalised, speed isn’t a strength. Cajoo wants to change that, offering Parisians groceries in as little as 15 minutes, all while matching supermarket prices.

From restaurants and clubs to art galleries and theatres, the pandemic has shut down many of the cultural venues integral to city life. By gamifying urban discovery, French phone game Flash Invaders is helping people forge new connections with the urban landscapes that surround them.