Deliveroo is searching for more riders after reporting growth of over 5,000% in parts of Kent over the last year.

The company, which delivers meals from restaurants, has tripled its number of riders to more than 200 across Kent over the period as demand has swelled.

It enjoyed growth of 5,271% in Canterbury over the last 12 months, 549% in Sevenoaks and 474% in Tunbridge Wells.

It launched its delivery service in Maidstone in August.

The company is poised to become a ‘unicorn’ – the name for a tech business valued at more than £1 billion – after securing a $385 million (£293m) investment from US firms Fidelity and T. Rowe Price last month.

The cash injection puts a $2 billion (£1.5bn) valuation on the business, founded in London in 2013 by US entrepreneurs William Shu and Greg Orlowski.

The company works with 52 restaurants in Canterbury, 40 restaurants in Tunbridge Wells and 20 in Sevenoaks – and claims to have boosted their revenues by up to 30%.

It is now pushing to hire more riders, offering its present crew £250 for referring new people.

UK managing director Dan Warne said: “Everyone at Deliveroo is delighted that our rapid growth across Kent means customers have more choice, restaurants are able to increase their revenue and riders have opportunity to choose well-paid, flexible work.

“Deliveroo’s fundraising will mean greater growth and new innovations.

“Now, right across Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Canterbury we are looking for more riders to join us as we grow, so we can deliver even more amazing food to our brilliant customers.”