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KAIKAKU
AI & robotics fuelled food service
- 1-20 employees
- B2C
- Hospitality
- Retail
- B2B
- Artificial Intelligence
- Food
- Robotics
- Bloomsbury, London, UK
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Company mission
Creating Robotics and AI to create a world where you get served by the friendliest people with food that hits that "wow" every single time.
Our take
The market size for service robots in the healthcare and hospitality sectors is projected to grow by 942 million USD during 2020-2024. These numbers will both be concerning for human’s jobs but exciting for the possibilities that robots can bring to these spaces. An interesting fact is that preference has been shown for robot-staffed organisations for hygiene reasons. 22-year-old serial entrepreneur, Ocado’s Ex-Head of Technology 10x and UK’s youngest McDonald’s Manager have banded together to create Kaikaku, a robotics led food service offering tailored food that exceeds consumers wants.
The VC-backed start-up is building its innovative idea to enhance food and beverage experiences, it’s niche being the automation behind repetitive tasks to enhance behind the scenes dynamics. What’s interesting about this factor is it counters our earlier point to human job worry, generally these are the tasks that create low job satisfaction and moral, so in fact, this new lease of life could really transform operations. The company is infant in age and we’re really excited to see what happens as it shifts out of it’s demo stages.
Freddie
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Benefits
- Equity options
- Comprehensive health and life insurance
- Continuous learning and professional development opportunities
- A vibrant and inclusive work culture where innovation is celebrated
Company values
- No Future Proofing
- Hospitality-first
- Accountability
Funding (1 round)
Sep 2023
$1.8m
SEED
Total funding: $1.8m
Leadership
Josef Chen
(CEO)Co-founded Shmarrn and Founding Operator of G Spot. Also founded Velonto (Exited) and Menumise.
David Sharp
(CTO)Previously Head of Engineering - Autonomous Mobility at Ocado Technology and was Head of Techology 10x at Ocado for just under 10 years.
Piers Millar
(CRO)Worked in the Founding Team/Operations for Shmarrn, and was also on track to be the UK's youngest McDonald's Manager but went on to study at LSE instead.
Articles
Endorsements
All
Innovative product (2)
Opportunities to learn (1)
Career progression (1)
Autonomy (1)
Hard working team (1)
People of all backgrounds are welcomed (1)
Team energy (1)
Growing fast (1)
Having joined KAIKAKU as a graduate engineer, I have been given significant responsibility of the mechatronics team. The culture of KAIKAKU is geared towards giving employees autonomy and opportunities to learn more, take on more tasks and progress quickly.
Other Engineering
Career progression
Jan 2024
We're introducing the UK's first robotic/automated restaurants, with an engineering philosophy against futureproofing, meaning progress is extremely rapid and lean. Designing our own robotics hardware, as well as opening our own restaurant, means you work between two exciting forefronts of what is possible.
Other Engineering
Innovative product
Jan 2024
When I joined in June 2023, I was the fourth hire and only engineer. In just a few months we now have dedicated hardware and software teams, and the technology side is only going to keep on growing. This is a perfect time to join if you want the opportunity to gain responsibilities in managing and working with growing teams.
Other Engineering
Growing fast
Jan 2024
KAIKAKU has provided a work environment that encourages employees to innovate, experiment, and try new things as they see fit. Being a member of a young but experienced team, where you are free to work in the way that suits you best, really contributes to the amazing chemistry the team has.
Software Engineering
Autonomy
Jan 2024
I have never worked for a company where everyone in the team is so personally invested in creating something new and exciting. We all want to make something amazing and we have a great time doing it. It really feels like a group of friends building something amazing.
Software Engineering
Team energy
Jan 2024
At KAIKAKU, diversity and inclusion are more than just words; they're part of our core. Here, I've always felt safe and valued for who I am. Our team is not just welcoming; we actively celebrate each person's unique identity, creating a comfortable and inclusive environment for all.
Software Engineering
People of all backgrounds are welcomed
Jan 2024
As an IP heavy business KAIKAKU offers various chances for cross function learning. I have regularly had the chance to learn from the technical team the ins and outs of the technology that they have been developing, enabling me to better understand the business in my own function.
Finance, Legal & Compliance
Opportunities to learn
Jan 2024
The team is highly talented with a range of experience with elite engineering pedigree. They operate with a high degree of accountability but also autonomy making it an optimal place to push yourself and maximise your learning potential.
Finance, Legal & Compliance
Hard working team
Jan 2024
The underlying product that KAIKAKU is fundamentally innovative with various exciting and diverse potential applications to the food and beverage space. This has been demonstrated by the substantial industry capital backing the business.
Finance, Legal & Compliance
Innovative product
Jan 2024
