Biscuit AI
Biscuit AI, with a valuation of $6.01 million, is raising funds on StartEngine. The company addresses key retail challenges through the use of AI-powered solutions in stores via mobile devices, kiosks, and future robotics. Biscuit AI provides personalized support based on the retailers’ data and helps to enhance customer experiences and business operations. The technology aims to enhance revenues and boost efficiency and is currently undergoing testing in retail locations to get refined for real-world use. Lincoln Smith founded Biscuit AI in March 2024. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $9,999.60 and a maximum target of $1.23 million. The campaign proceeds will be used for research and development, company employment, working capital, and marketing.
Investment Overview
Raised: $3,740
Deal Terms
Company & Team
Company
- Year Founded
- 2024
- Industry
- Business Services, Software, & Applications
- Tech Sector
- Distribution Model
- B2B
- Margin
- High
- Capital Intensity
- Low
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Synopsis
Biscuit AI, operating in the business services, software, and applications industry, focuses on enhancing in-store retail operations through AI-powered solutions. The company uses mobile devices, kiosks, and plans for future robotics to deliver personalized support, informed by retailer data. This approach aims to improve customer experiences and streamline business operations. Biscuit AI's primary customers are retail businesses facing challenges such as labor shortages and increasing consumer demands.
The company addresses the problem of slower growth and operational inefficiencies in the retail sector. Retailers often struggle with labor shortages and rising consumer expectations, which can lead to decreased customer satisfaction and reduced sales. Biscuit AI offers a solution by deploying AI technology to provide personalized, data-driven support in physical store environments. This solution is currently being tested in select retail locations to ensure its effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
In everyday terms, consider a retail store where customers frequently wait for assistance due to understaffed floors. This scenario can lead to frustration and lost sales opportunities. Biscuit AI's AI-powered kiosks and mobile devices can assist customers by providing immediate support and product recommendations, reducing the wait time and improving the overall shopping experience. This approach not only aids customers but also helps retailers manage their operations more efficiently.
Price
Biscuit AI is offering Common Equity in its current fundraising round, with a pre-money valuation set at $6 million. The price per share is $0.78. Investing through common equity provides shareholders with voting rights and potential dividends, but it typically ranks lower in the capital structure compared to preferred equity, meaning common shareholders may be last to receive proceeds in the event of liquidation.
To achieve a 10X return, Biscuit AI would need to reach a post-exit valuation of approximately $60 million. This level of return would require significant growth in both the company's user base and revenue streams. Expansion into additional retail locations and successful scaling of its AI technology would be crucial steps toward achieving this valuation. It should be noted that these calculations do not account for potential dilution, which could impact the overall return.
Startups in the AI and retail technology sectors can exhibit high revenue multiples due to their growth potential and market demand. However, high multiples may also indicate that the current valuation is aggressive, potentially offering less favorable terms to investors. For Biscuit AI, demonstrating strong traction and market penetration will be essential in justifying its valuation and attracting investment.
Market
The generative AI in customer service market within the U.S. is valued at approximately $162 million, with an expected growth rate of 25.32%. This substantial growth is driven by several key factors, including the increasing need for digital transformation in retail, the demand for enhanced customer experiences, and the generation of actionable data insights.
Digital transformation is a crucial driver as retailers seek to integrate technology to bridge the gap between physical and digital channels. This shift enhances customer engagement and operational efficiency, creating opportunities for companies like Biscuit AI to provide AI-driven solutions that cater to these evolving needs. The emphasis on improving customer experiences is another pivotal trend. Retailers are increasingly adopting kiosks and AI-powered tools to offer personalized service, which aligns with Biscuit AI’s focus on enhancing in-store interactions.
However, the market also presents challenges that could impact growth. Security concerns related to handling sensitive customer data and the high initial investment costs associated with deploying kiosks and AI solutions are notable obstacles. These factors may slow adoption rates, particularly among smaller retailers with limited resources.
Biscuit AI’s product has the potential to target a broad segment within this market, appealing to both large retail chains and smaller businesses that aim to improve operational efficiency and customer service. The company's ability to provide personalized, data-driven support can attract a wide range of retail clients seeking to modernize their in-store operations.
Overall, the generative AI in customer service market offers significant growth potential. For Biscuit AI, aligning its solutions with the ongoing trends of digital transformation and enhanced customer experience will be critical to capturing market share and driving business success.
Team
Biscuit AI is led by a team with significant expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and retail technology. The founder and CEO, Lincoln Smith, brings over a decade of experience in AI, machine learning, and computer vision, along with 16 years in robotic process automation. Smith has previously led two successful startups, with one projected to reach $100 million in annual recurring revenue. His background in developing AI products for major retail clients, including Apple and Google, is directly relevant to Biscuit AI's focus on enhancing retail operations.
Supporting Smith is Don Hazell, an advisor who provides sales leadership and technical mentorship. Hazell has over 35 years of experience in leadership roles at companies like Broadcom and Oracle. His expertise in global sales and field operations is crucial for Biscuit AI's mission to transform retail with AI customer engagement solutions.
Don Faw, another advisor, is Intel's Principal AI Engineer. With nearly 30 years at Intel, Faw specializes in hardware architecture and AI advancements. His knowledge ensures that Biscuit AI's technology remains competitive and efficient, aligning with the company's objective to provide cutting-edge solutions.
Eitan Bienstock, an advisor from the University of New South Wales Future Leader Lab, brings over 25 years of experience in founding companies, consulting, and venture capital. His focus on strategic planning and business growth supports Biscuit AI's expansion efforts and market strategy.
The team's collective experience in AI and retail technology aligns well with Biscuit AI's goals of enhancing in-store retail operations through AI solutions. However, the company may benefit from additional expertise in marketing and customer acquisition to support its growth and market penetration objectives. Addressing these areas could be critical for achieving future milestones and scaling the business effectively.
Differentiation
Biscuit AI operates within a competitive landscape, facing competition from established companies like KIOSK Information Systems, NCR Voyix, and Advanced Kiosks. These competitors offer various in-store solutions that leverage technology to enhance customer experiences and streamline retail operations.
KIOSK Information Systems is a larger entity with an extensive portfolio of self-service kiosks across multiple industries. Their products are known for robust quality and comprehensive features, often catering to larger retail chains with significant budgets. Pricing for KIOSK solutions tends to reflect their premium positioning in the market.
NCR Voyix provides a range of retail-focused technology solutions, including self-service kiosks and point-of-sale systems. As a well-established player, NCR Voyix offers competitive pricing and a strong reputation for quality, appealing to both mid-sized and large retailers seeking reliable technology.
Advanced Kiosks focuses on providing customizable kiosk solutions. They cater to a diverse client base, including smaller retailers and niche markets. Their pricing is generally more flexible, accommodating businesses with varying budget constraints.
Biscuit AI differentiates itself by focusing on AI-powered, data-driven support tailored for retail environments. This specialization allows it to offer personalized solutions that enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency. The company's approach is particularly appealing to retailers looking to integrate advanced AI capabilities into their in-store operations without the extensive infrastructure investment required by some competitors.
The target customer demographics for Biscuit AI include a mix of large retail chains and smaller businesses. These customers are typically seeking to modernize their operations, improve customer service, and address challenges such as labor shortages. By offering scalable and adaptable solutions, Biscuit AI can cater to a wide range of retail clients with diverse needs and budgetary considerations.
Performance
Biscuit AI is in the early stages of its growth trajectory, with its technology currently undergoing testing in retail locations. The company has yet to generate revenue, which is typical for startups at this stage. This pre-revenue status emphasizes the importance of successful trials and subsequent market adoption for future financial performance.
The most recent cash on hand is approximately $9,938, with a monthly burn rate of $7,000. This financial position indicates a limited runway, which may require the company to secure additional funding to continue operations and support its growth initiatives.
Despite the lack of revenue, Biscuit AI has demonstrated early traction by securing paying clients and deploying its AI solutions in select retail environments. This initial traction is a positive indicator of market interest and the potential for future growth. The company's focus on refining its platform through real-world testing is crucial for validating its product and expanding its customer base.
Overall, Biscuit AI's performance reflects the typical challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage startups. Continued focus on product refinement and securing additional funding will be essential for sustaining its operations and achieving long-term growth.
Risk
Biscuit AI presents several unique risks that investors should consider. One significant risk is the company's current financial runway. With cash on hand of approximately $9,938 and a monthly burn rate of about $7,000, the firm faces a limited financial runway. This situation may necessitate additional funding rounds to sustain operations and support growth efforts.
The company operates in a market with established competitors and high barriers to entry. Given the nascent stage of AI integration in retail, there is a risk of slow adoption, which could impact Biscuit AI’s market penetration and scalability. The company must overcome these barriers to achieve significant market share.
Another potential concern is the high revenue multiple. Although not explicit, investment in Biscuit AI might be perceived as aggressive due to the high valuation compared to its pre-revenue status. This can pose a challenge in justifying the company's valuation and attracting investments under competitive terms.
Despite having an experienced leadership team, the absence of substantial founder ownership details might indicate potential alignment concerns. Maintaining a high level of founder engagement and commitment is essential for navigating the challenges of scaling a startup.
Overall, while Biscuit AI has promising technology, these risks highlight the importance of careful consideration before investment. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for the company’s long-term success and growth potential.
Bullish Outlook
Biscuit AI presents a bullish outlook due to several compelling factors. The market opportunities within the generative AI sector for customer service in retail are substantial, with a valuation of $162 million and a growth rate of 25.32%. This expanding market provides a fertile ground for Biscuit AI to increase its market share by offering AI-driven solutions that enhance in-store customer experiences and operational efficiency.
The company’s unique strength lies in its focus on providing personalized, data-driven support tailored for retail environments. This specialization allows Biscuit AI to differentiate itself from competitors by offering solutions that directly address challenges such as labor shortages and rising consumer demands. The leadership team, led by Lincoln Smith, is another significant asset. Smith's extensive experience in AI and retail technology, coupled with a strong advisory board, positions the company well to navigate the complexities of scaling its operations and developing its technology.
Growth drivers for Biscuit AI include leveraging emerging trends in digital transformation and AI integration. The company's solutions are aligned with the increasing demand for technology that bridges the gap between physical and digital retail channels. Expansion into new markets and further refinement of its AI technology could drive significant growth, particularly as more retailers seek to modernize their operations.
While Biscuit AI is pre-revenue, its early traction with paying clients and deployment of AI solutions in select retail locations indicates positive market validation. This traction, along with the company’s strategic focus on product refinement and market entry, supports a bullish perspective on its financial potential. Though current financial constraints exist, securing additional funding could enhance the company’s ability to scale and capitalize on market opportunities.
In conclusion, Biscuit AI's alignment with key market trends, strong leadership, and differentiated product offerings provide a solid foundation for growth. While financial challenges remain, the company’s strategic initiatives and market positioning offer significant potential for investors willing to embrace the associated risks.
Bearish Outlook
The bearish outlook for Biscuit AI is influenced by several key factors. The company faces significant market challenges, notably its competition with established players like KIOSK Information Systems and NCR Voyix. These competitors have a strong foothold and a broad range of offerings, which may limit Biscuit AI's ability to capture a substantial market share. Additionally, potential customers may be hesitant to adopt new AI technologies due to security concerns and the high initial investment costs associated with implementation.
Technological hurdles also pose growth inhibitors for Biscuit AI. The reliance on continuous innovation and refinement of AI solutions is crucial in maintaining competitiveness. Any delays or inefficiencies in the development process could result in outdated offerings that fail to meet evolving market demands. Furthermore, a limited customer base and the early stage of market adoption for AI-driven retail solutions could slow down revenue growth and expansion efforts.
Financial concerns further exacerbate the bearish outlook. Biscuit AI's current financial position is precarious, with low cash reserves of approximately $9,938 against a monthly burn rate of $7,000. This situation highlights the urgent need for additional funding to sustain operations and scale effectively. The high revenue multiple and aggressive valuation may also deter potential investors, as these factors suggest that the company's financial metrics are not aligned with industry benchmarks.
In summary, the combination of competitive market dynamics, technological challenges, limited market adoption, and financial constraints contribute to a bearish perspective on Biscuit AI. These factors present substantial obstacles that the company must address to achieve sustainable growth and long-term success.
Executive Summary
Biscuit AI is a company focused on enhancing retail operations through AI-powered solutions, targeting retail businesses that face challenges like labor shortages and increased consumer demands. The company is raising funds through common equity, with a pre-money valuation of $6 million and a share price of $0.78. Currently in the pre-revenue stage, Biscuit AI has shown early traction by securing paying clients and deploying its technology in select retail environments. However, the company faces financial constraints with a limited cash runway of approximately $9,938 and a monthly burn rate of $7,000.
The generative AI in customer service market is valued at around $162 million, with a growth rate of 25.32%. Biscuit AI positions itself within this expanding market by offering AI-driven solutions that enhance customer service and operational efficiency. The company differentiates itself from competitors like KIOSK Information Systems and NCR Voyix through its focus on personalized, data-driven support. This specialization allows it to cater to a broad range of retail clients, from large chains to smaller businesses.
Led by Lincoln Smith, who brings significant experience in AI and retail technology, the team is well-aligned with the company's objectives. Advisors such as Don Hazell and Don Faw add depth in sales leadership and AI advancements. However, Biscuit AI may benefit from additional expertise in marketing and customer acquisition to support its growth ambitions. Key risks include the high revenue multiple and the challenges of scaling operations with limited financial resources.
From a bullish perspective, Biscuit AI's alignment with market trends such as digital transformation and enhanced customer experiences positions it well for growth. The company's early traction and experienced leadership team provide a solid foundation for expanding its market presence. On the bearish side, financial constraints and competitive market dynamics pose significant challenges. The limited runway and need for additional funding could hinder the company's ability to scale effectively.
In conclusion, Biscuit AI presents a mixed investment opportunity. While the company operates in a growing market with a strong team and differentiated product offering, its financial challenges and competitive landscape require careful consideration. Potential investors should weigh these factors to determine whether the potential rewards justify the inherent risks.
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Company Funding & Growth
Funding history
- Total Prior Capital Raised
- $80,000
- VC Backed?
- No
Close Date | Platform | Valuation | Total Raised | Security Type | Status | Reg Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01/20/2025 | StartEngine | $6,006,000 | $3,740 | Equity - Common | Active | RegCF |