QSR Automations Announces Majority Growth Investment from Battery Ventures
QSR Automations, a global leader in restaurant technology solutions, has secured a majority growth investment from Battery Ventures. The company, founded in 1996, specializes in kitchen display systems, guest management software, and digital recipe solutions. Their ConnectSmart technology is currently utilized by 21 of the 25 largest casual-dining chains in the nation. Robbie Payne, Battery Executive-in-Residence, will become the new CEO, while current CEO Angela Leet will transition to a board member role. The investment aims to accelerate product development, expand market reach, and enhance innovation while maintaining existing operations.
QSR Automations, un leader globale nelle soluzioni tecnologiche per ristoranti, ha ottenuto un investimento di crescita maggioritario da Battery Ventures. Fondata nel 1996, l'azienda si specializza in sistemi di visualizzazione in cucina, software di gestione degli ospiti e soluzioni digitali per ricette. La loro tecnologia ConnectSmart è attualmente utilizzata da 21 delle 25 principali catene di ristoranti informali negli Stati Uniti. Robbie Payne, Executive-in-Residence di Battery, diventerà il nuovo CEO, mentre l'attuale CEO Angela Leet passerà a ricoprire il ruolo di membro del consiglio. L'investimento mira ad accelerare lo sviluppo del prodotto, espandere la penetrazione nel mercato e migliorare l'innovazione, mantenendo al contempo le operazioni esistenti.
QSR Automations, un líder global en soluciones tecnológicas para restaurantes, ha asegurado una inversión mayoritaria de crecimiento de Battery Ventures. Fundada en 1996, la empresa se especializa en sistemas de visualización en cocina, software de gestión de invitados y soluciones digitales de recetas. Su tecnología ConnectSmart es actualmente utilizada por 21 de las 25 cadenas de restaurantes informales más grandes del país. Robbie Payne, Ejecutivo en Residencia de Battery, se convertirá en el nuevo CEO, mientras que la actual CEO Angela Leet pasará a ser miembro de la junta. La inversión tiene como objetivo acelerar el desarrollo de productos, expandir la presencia en el mercado y mejorar la innovación, manteniendo al mismo tiempo las operaciones existentes.
QSR Automations는 레스토랑 기술 솔루션의 글로벌 시장 리더로서 Battery Ventures로부터 대규모 성장 투자 유치에 성공했습니다. 1996년에 설립된 이 회사는 주방 디스플레이 시스템, 손님 관리 소프트웨어 및 디지털 레시피 솔루션을 전문으로 합니다. 이들의 ConnectSmart 기술은 현재 이 나라에서 25개의 가장 큰 캐주얼 다이닝 체인 중 21개에 의해 사용되고 있습니다. Robbie Payne는 Battery의 Executive-in-Residence로서 새 CEO가 될 것이며, 현 CEO인 Angela Leet는 이사회 구성원으로 전환될 것입니다. 이 투자는 제품 개발을 가속화하고 시장 범위를 확장하며 혁신을 증진하는 것을 목표로 하며 기존 운영을 유지합니다.
QSR Automations, un leader mondial dans les solutions technologiques pour restaurants, a sécurisé un investissement de croissance majoritaire de la part de Battery Ventures. Fondée en 1996, l'entreprise se spécialise dans les systèmes d'affichage en cuisine, les logiciels de gestion des invités et les solutions de recettes numériques. Leur technologie ConnectSmart est actuellement utilisée par 21 des 25 plus grandes chaînes de restauration décontractée du pays. Robbie Payne, Executive-in-Residence chez Battery, deviendra le nouveau PDG, tandis que l'actuelle PDG Angela Leet passera à un rôle de membre du conseil d'administration. L'investissement vise à accélérer le développement des produits, à élargir la portée du marché et à améliorer l'innovation tout en maintenant les opérations existantes.
QSR Automations, ein globaler Marktführer für Restauranttechnologielösungen, hat eine Mehrheitswachstumsinvestition von Battery Ventures gesichert. Das Unternehmen, das 1996 gegründet wurde, ist auf Küchenanzeigesysteme, Gästemanagementsoftware und digitale Rezeptlösungen spezialisiert. Ihre ConnectSmart-Technologie wird derzeit von 21 der 25 größten Casual-Dining-Ketten des Landes genutzt. Robbie Payne, Executive-in-Residence bei Battery, wird der neue CEO, während die derzeitige CEO Angela Leet in die Rolle eines Vorstandsmitglieds wechselt. Das Investment zielt darauf ab, die Produktentwicklung zu beschleunigen, die Marktreichweite zu erweitern und Innovationen zu fördern, während die bestehenden Betriebe aufrechterhalten werden.
- Strong market presence with technology used in 21 of 25 largest casual-dining chains
- Strategic investment from established technology investor Battery Ventures
- Experienced new CEO appointment with software industry background
- Leadership change may create temporary operational uncertainty
- Majority control transition to new investors could affect strategic direction
Insights
Battery Ventures' strategic investment in QSR Automations signals significant competitive implications for Olo (NYSE: OLO). Both companies operate in complementary segments of restaurant technology, with QSR's strength in kitchen display systems and guest management potentially creating synergies or competition with Olo's digital ordering platform.
The deal's importance stems from QSR's impressive market penetration - serving 21 of 25 largest casual-dining chains. Battery's previous success with Olo suggests they see similar scaling potential here. Their track record in hospitality tech investments (Crunchtime, Vita Mojo) adds credibility to this move.
The leadership transition to Robbie Payne, who has experience scaling and selling tech companies (CAMBRIO), indicates potential preparations for aggressive growth or eventual exit strategies that could reshape the restaurant tech landscape.
This investment represents a strategic consolidation in the restaurant technology sector, where private equity firms are increasingly seeking established players with proven market penetration. QSR Automations' strong presence in major restaurant chains provides stable recurring revenue - a highly attractive feature for investors.
The timing is particularly relevant as restaurants continue to seek automation and efficiency solutions amid labor challenges and digital transformation needs. Battery's involvement could accelerate product development and potentially lead to strategic acquisitions, creating a more comprehensive technology stack to compete with integrated solutions providers.
Transition Represents New Era of Innovation and Growth
Founded in 1996, QSR Automations has been at the forefront of developing innovative technology solutions for the restaurant industry, including kitchen display systems (KDS), guest management software, table management, and digital recipe solutions. With nearly three decades of experience, the company has built a reputation for improving operational efficiency, enhancing guest experiences, and driving profitability for restaurant operators worldwide. The company's ConnectSmart technology is currently used in 21 of the nation's 25 largest casual-dining chains including The Cheesecake Factory and Brinker International.
Alongside the new investment, QSR Automations announced that Battery Executive-in-Residence Robbie Payne, a longtime software-industry executive, will become the company's new CEO. Angela Leet, who has served as CEO of the company since 2021, will remain involved with the company as a board member.
"I have been so impressed with the business Angela and her team have built at QSR Automations, and the traction the company has gotten inside large restaurant accounts," said Payne, who previously ran Battery-backed, smart-manufacturing solutions company CAMBRIO, which was acquired by
Leet said: "It's been such an honor to lead this company. But now, my team and I are incredibly excited for QSR Automations' next chapter. Partnering with Battery allows us to re-focus on our product development efforts, expand our market reach, and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers. This acquisition provides the resources and expertise we need to innovate even faster and meet the evolving needs of the restaurant industry."
Battery Ventures has a long history of backing and scaling business-focused software companies, including those in the hospitality technology space. In restaurant tech, Battery has backed Olo (NYSE: OLO), Crunchtime, and Vita Mojo.
"QSR Automations has built an impressive platform that we feel provides a critical service to restaurant operators worldwide," said Battery General Partner Morad Elhafed. "We see a unique opportunity to build on their success and are thrilled to partner with such an innovative team to help drive the next phase of growth." Elhafed will join the company's board, along with his Battery colleagues Satoshi Harris-Koizumi and Becca Jones.
The Battery growth investment is designed to accelerate QSR Automations' ability to deliver cutting-edge technology solutions that help restaurant operators streamline their operations, improve guest satisfaction, and optimize their workflows. The company will continue to operate under its existing brand, with no immediate changes to its day-to-day operations.
About QSR Automations
QSR Automations, headquartered in
About Battery Ventures
Battery partners with exceptional founders and management teams developing category-defining businesses in markets including software and services, enterprise infrastructure, consumer tech, healthcare IT and industrial technology and life-science tools. Founded in 1983, the firm backs companies at all stages, ranging from seed and early to growth and buyout, and invests globally from offices in
William Blair served as exclusive financial advisor to QSR Automations.
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SOURCE QSR Automations
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