Technology

Tech provider Checkmate raises $10M to grow AI ordering

The company got into the AI voice business via an acquisition earlier this year and now wants to bring the technology to more restaurants.
Checkmate acquired AI supplier VoiceBite earlier this year. | Photo courtesy of Checkmate

Checkmate, a digital ordering provider for restaurants, has raised $10 million in a Series B funding round led by Tiger Global.

The New York-based company plans to use the money to help grow one of its newest products: AI-powered phone and drive-thru ordering. Checkmate got into the AI ordering business with the acquisition of VoiceBite back in May.

That business is profitable, and Checkmate wants to bring it to more medium and large restaurant chains. 

“With this investment, we’re doubling down on our development of the technologies that are helping restaurants scale their operations, grow digital revenue and improve efficiency,” said Vishal Agarwal, founder and CEO of Checkmate, in a statement.

At the time of the acquisition, VoiceBite used AI to allow restaurants to take orders over the phone. It was planning to launch a drive-thru version in the fourth quarter. It said its AI could handle 95% of calls without human intervention.

AI-powered voice ordering is growing quickly among fast-food chains as they look to automate labor-intensive roles and lower costs.

Checkmate, formerly known as ItsaCheckmate, began as a digital order integration system. It has since expanded to offer a variety of digital order products, including online and app ordering, catering and kiosks.

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