The New York-based company, which promises to bring customers their grocery order within 15 minutes, reached a US$1.2-billion valuation in the round involving new and existing investors, including Tiger Global. (Bloomberg)

Talking point: The company will use the funds to expand operations in cities in which it already operates, as well as enter new ones in the countries where it already offers services: the U.S., Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru. Jokr previously raised US$170 million in July. Ultra-fast delivery firms are having a moment in Europe and the Americas. Philadelphia-based Gopuff raised US$1 billion in July, bringing it to a US$15-billion valuation, as it looked to expand in North America and Europe. Berlin’s Gorillas, another ultra-fast delivery unicorn, raised nearly US$1 billion in October. These startups are putting pressure on grocery-delivery companies. Instacart is reportedly planning a 15-minute delivery pilot in parts of the U.S. early next year.