Owner.com, a key player in providing digital solutions for restaurants, has just closed a monumental Series C funding round, securing \(120 million and pushing its valuation to the coveted \)1 billion mark. This critical milestone elevates Owner.com to the status of a ‘unicorn’, a prestigious designation presented to startups that achieve a $1 billion valuation.

Strategic Investments Propel Growth

The latest infusion of capital was spearheaded by Alex Kurland from Meritech and Shalini Rao from Headline. Notably, the CEOs of popular restaurant chains Cava and Sweetgreen also contributed strategically, signaling robust confidence in Owner.com’s mission. According to Restaurant Business Magazine, these alliances are expected to bolster Owner.com’s trajectory from a promising startup to an influential generational company.

Empowering Small Businesses in the Digital Era

Owner.com is revolutionizing how local businesses, especially restaurants, operate online. By providing cutting-edge websites, loyalty programs, and digital marketing tools, it aims to level the playing field against larger chains. The company’s commitment is clear: to assist these establishments in harnessing the power of digital transactions which are booming across industries.

Innovating with AI

Adding to its arsenal, Owner.com recently introduced AI Executives—innovative chatbots to aid restaurants with marketing, finance, and technology. These AI-driven assistants, developed from comprehensive data accumulated across its thousands of restaurant clients, are designed to bring efficiency and expertise without the hefty price tag of human consultants.

From Humble Beginnings to Stellar Success

The journey of Owner.com is particularly inspiring; founded by high school dropout Adam Guild in 2018, it began with a focus on reservations but pivoted to online ordering amidst the pandemic. This strategic shift, along with a previous $33 million Series B in January 2024, has spurred its rapid expansion to over 10,000 restaurant partners globally. The company prides itself on multiplying its annual recurring revenue each year since its inception.

Despite its success, Owner.com faces challenges, including a lawsuit from competitor Popmenu. The rival accuses Owner of manipulating a website-grading tool. Owner.com, however, stands firm in its defense, dismissing the claims as baseless accusations from an “unhappy competitor.”

Owner.com’s journey is a testament to innovation, resilience, and the transformative power of technology. As it stands on the cusp of further expansion and technological advancement, the industry watches closely to see how this digital pioneer will continue to reshape the restaurant landscape.