Ocado backed robotics startup Karakuri, which was founded in 2018, is winding down its operations.
The firm, which developed technology for the QSR industry, had been in talks to secure additional funding, and had recently discussed a rescue deal with Henny Penny, a US-based food-service equipment manufacturer.
But those negotiations fell through.
Big news! @Jestic_Ltd is the exclusive Sales and Service partner for our /FRYR automated fry lines in the UK 🍟 Learn more here: https://t.co/BUM4FfTaYm #TheFutureOfFastFood
— Karakuri.com (@Karakuri_tech) April 26, 2023
In a LinkedIn post, Barney Wragg, CEO and Founder at Karakuri, said: “It’s with a very heavy heart that I have to report that our journey at Karakuri is coming to an end.”
“For the past five years, we’ve developed and deployed robotics for the QSR industry. We’ve survived many challenges, including the pandemic and our bank going bust us, but sadly we’ve been unable to find the funding we need to move to the next level.”
He added: “Most of all I’d like to thank the incredible team we’ve built. They’ve stayed dedicated to the challenge and built incredible technologies in the face of abject uncertainty.”
“It’s incumbent on me to help these great people find new roles, spread their wings, and share their talents with others. Attached is a list of the folks who are available and their preferred contact details.”
“Please feel free to reach out to anybody you think you need or could help find new roles. I’m also on hand to help in any way I can.”
Ocado
Ocado bought a near 20% stake in Karakuri in 2019 for £4.75 million, with Co-founder Tim Steiner describing its tech as “potentially a game-changer in the preparation of food-to-go”.
Karakuri had also raised cash from a group of venture capital funds.
Nando’s
Nando’s UK recently become the first to trial Karakuri’s /FRYR automated fry line as it aimed to deliver the perfect chips in its Park Royal restaurant.
This combines robotics, edge computing, and hyperscale data analysis to provide restaurants with production of up to 550 portions of chips per hour.
Cameron Roberts, Group Chief Operating Officer at Nando’s, said: “We want to deliver uplifting and memorable experiences for our customers, with delicious quality food and good value at the heart.”
“In testing /FRYR, we wanted to see how we can further improve the quality, consistency, and availability of our chips, while meeting our environmental objectives of reducing food and oil waste and reducing energy consumption.”
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