Tech Tracker: Even Matthew McConaughey is investing in restaurant business tech

As digital solutions take centerstage at this late point in the pandemic, the most prominent news in the restaurant technology world has been more rounds of funding for restaurant industry tech giants, from virtual restaurant companies like C3 (which received funding from Brookfield and Reef Technology this month) to technology stalwarts like Zenput, which recently raised $27 million in Series C funding.

ConverseNow is targeting restaurant drive-thrus with new $15M round

One year after voice-based AI technology company ConverseNow raised a $3.3 million seed round, the company is back with a cash infusion of $15 million in Series A funding in a round led by Craft Ventures.

The Austin-based company’s AI voice ordering assistants George and Becky work inside quick-serve restaurants to take orders via phone, chat, drive-thru and self-service kiosks, freeing up staff to concentrate on food preparation and customer service.

Is AI-powered Ordering the Future for Drive-thru?

Drive-thru is more important than ever. Covid-19 has accelerated the enthusiasm for convenience that the channel offers with drive-thru visits up 26% from April to June this year and representing a staggering 42% of all restaurant visits.

AI is Emerging as the Savior of Restaurant Operators During Covid

The restaurant industry has its fair share of problems at the best of times.

Overworked staff must navigate long shifts, burnout, high-pressure situations, work-life imbalance, and the dangers of substance abuse. As food business owners tackle rising labor costs, high turnover, and tight margins.