About this raise
Yummy Future, with a valuation of $66.7 million, is raising funds on Wefunder. It is an AI and robotics company that lets robots handle stressful and labor-intensive tasks in the food industry. Yummy Future aims to make food businesses profitable while ensuring workers find satisfaction and sustainability in their roles by reducing the burden on human workers. The business currently has two operational locations, with a third location expected to open in April 2025, and expects to reach profitability in 2025. Guangzhe Jack Cui and Yueming Garrett Yan founded Yummy Future in September 2018. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $45,000 and a maximum target of $93,000. The campaign proceeds will be used for R&D, engineer salaries, hiring, production of new units, licensing and IP development, and reserves.
Investment Overview
Committed $370,571 :
Deal Terms
Company & Team
Company
- Year Founded
- 2018
- Industry
- Food, Beverage, & Restaurants
- Tech Sector
- Distribution Model
- B2B
- Margin
- High
- Capital Intensity
- High
Financials
- Revenue +596% YoY
- $414,341
- Monthly Burn
- $84,113
-
Runway
- 1.1 months
- Gross Margin
- 66%
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Synopsis
Yummy Future is an AI and robotics company specializing in the development of robotic coffee shops. The company aims to replace traditional chain coffee shops by reducing labor costs and enhancing operational efficiency through automation. Yummy Future's primary customers are businesses in the food industry seeking to optimize their operations and reduce reliance on human labor.
The problem Yummy Future addresses is the high cost and unpredictability of human labor in the food service industry. Labor-intensive tasks in coffee shops often lead to increased operational costs and inconsistent service quality. These challenges are exacerbated by rising labor costs and staffing shortages, which can impact profitability and service levels.
Yummy Future's solution involves deploying robots to manage labor-intensive tasks in coffee shops. By utilizing robotics technology, Yummy Future offers a system capable of handling high customer volumes during peak times and reducing running costs during off-peak periods. This approach combines innovations from IoT, consumer robotics, and 3D printing to create a cost-efficient and optimized robot operating system.
In everyday scenarios, coffee shop owners often face challenges such as managing peak hour rushes while maintaining service quality and staffing consistency. Yummy Future's robotic coffee shops address these issues by providing a reliable and consistent service, ensuring that customers receive the same quality of coffee and service regardless of the time of day. This solution not only helps business owners manage labor costs but also enhances the customer experience by reducing wait times and ensuring consistent product quality.
Price
Yummy Future is raising funds through a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) with a valuation cap set at $66.7 million. The SAFE does not offer a discount, which is a notable term for potential investors to consider.
In terms of exit potential, startups in the robotics and AI sector, like Yummy Future, typically require significant growth in market share and operational scale to achieve substantial returns. For investors to realize a 10X return on their investment, Yummy Future would need to achieve a post-exit valuation of approximately $667 million. This calculation does not account for dilution and is a simple threshold for potential returns.
To reach such a valuation, Yummy Future would need to significantly expand its market presence, increase its operational locations, and enhance its revenue streams. The company's current revenue multiple stands at 161.0x, which is relatively high. This suggests that the current deal may be overvalued, considering the company's industry and growth rate. High revenue multiples generally indicate that the investment terms may not be favorable to investors unless the company can demonstrate rapid growth and market penetration.
Market
The U.S. robotic coffee bar market, valued at approximately $450 million, is growing at an annual rate of 12.5%. This growth is driven primarily by rising labor costs and shortages, which encourage businesses to adopt automation to manage expenses and maintain service levels. Additionally, advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence have improved the efficiency and capability of robotic systems, making them more attractive to operators in the food service industry.
Trends such as the increasing demand for operational efficiency and consistency, alongside consumer expectations for novel and technologically advanced experiences, present opportunities for Yummy Future. These trends can positively impact its growth by attracting businesses looking to optimize operations and differentiate their customer offerings through automation. However, the high initial investment and operational costs associated with deploying robotic systems could pose challenges, especially for smaller businesses or those with limited capital.
Yummy Future's product can appeal to a wide range of businesses within this market, particularly those seeking to reduce labor costs and improve service quality. While the company's offering may initially attract a niche segment interested in cutting-edge technology and efficiency, it has the potential to expand into broader market segments as the industry increasingly embraces automation.
Team
Yummy Future is led by co-founders Guangzhe Jack Cui and Yueming Garrett Yan, who serve as CEO and COO, respectively. Jack Cui brings seven years of experience in robotics, having dropped out from a Ph.D. track in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois. His background includes work with Y Combinator and Google, providing a strong foundation in technology development and startup growth. Garrett Yan, also with seven years of experience, holds a Master's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Illinois. His expertise in engineering and operations is crucial for managing and scaling Yummy Future's robotic systems.
The team's skills and experience are well-aligned with Yummy Future's objectives of expanding its robotic coffee shop operations and enhancing technological capabilities. Their backgrounds in robotics and engineering support the company's focus on developing efficient, automated solutions for the food industry. However, as Yummy Future aims to scale its operations and enter new markets, the team may benefit from additional expertise in areas such as business development, marketing, and customer acquisition to complement their technical strengths and drive growth.
Differentiation
Yummy Future operates in a competitive landscape with several notable industry competitors, including Cafe X, Botbar, and Artly. Cafe X is known for its robotic coffee bars and has established a presence in high-traffic areas, offering a premium experience with a focus on speed and consistency. Botbar similarly utilizes robotics to deliver efficient coffee service and targets tech-savvy consumers. Artly focuses on integrating artistic elements into its robotic coffee service, appealing to customers who value both technology and aesthetics.
In terms of company size, Yummy Future is in the growth stage with two operational locations and a third opening soon. This scale is smaller compared to some competitors like Cafe X, which has a more established footprint. Regarding product quality, Yummy Future emphasizes consistency and operational efficiency, aligning with industry standards set by competitors. Pricing strategies across the industry tend to be competitive, with each company aiming to balance cost efficiency with customer experience.
The customer demographics for Yummy Future's product are diverse, targeting businesses in the food service industry that are looking to reduce labor costs while maintaining high service standards. Additionally, end consumers who frequent these robotic coffee shops are likely to be urban professionals, tech enthusiasts, and individuals seeking convenience and consistency in their coffee experience.
Performance
Yummy Future has shown substantial revenue growth, with annual revenue increasing from $59k in the prior fiscal year to $414k in the most recent fiscal year. This represents a significant year-over-year growth rate of 596.5%. This growth reflects the company's increasing market acceptance and expansion of its operational locations.
However, the company continues to operate at a loss, with a net income of -$1 million for the most recent fiscal year. This ongoing financial performance highlights the challenges of achieving profitability amidst rapid expansion and high capital requirements.
The most recent monthly burn rate stands at approximately $84k, and the company reported having $88k in cash on hand as of the latest update. This financial position underscores the importance of managing cash flow effectively to sustain operations and support future growth initiatives.
Yummy Future has successfully opened two locations and plans to launch a third, indicating progress in scaling its business model. The company's ability to maintain high growth rates while improving its operating profit margin, which is reportedly three times that of a typical Starbucks, is a positive indicator of its potential to enhance profitability in the future.
Risk
Yummy Future presents several specific risks that potential investors should consider. One significant concern is its high revenue multiple of 161.0x, which suggests that the current valuation may not align with the company's actual growth trajectory. This high multiple could indicate an overvaluation, posing a potential risk for investors if the company fails to meet aggressive growth expectations.
The company operates in a moderately competitive landscape with high barriers to entry. While this can protect market share, it also poses a risk as new entrants may find ways to innovate around these barriers or established competitors could leverage their resources more effectively. Additionally, the capital intensity required for developing and scaling robotic coffee shops is substantial, and any delays or cost overruns could strain Yummy Future's financial resources.
Yummy Future's founders are full-time dedicated, which mitigates some operational risks, but the company currently incurs significant losses, reporting a net income of -$1 million. This ongoing financial loss, coupled with a monthly burn rate of approximately $84k, highlights the critical need for effective cash flow management to avoid liquidity issues.
Another risk factor is the potential integration challenges with existing systems within the food service industry. Ensuring seamless interoperability between Yummy Future's robotic systems and current point-of-sale and inventory management systems is crucial for operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Bullish Outlook
The bullish outlook for Yummy Future is supported by several positive factors that highlight its growth potential. The company operates in a $450 million U.S. robotic coffee bar market, which is expanding at an annual rate of 12.5%. This growth provides ample market opportunities for Yummy Future, especially as businesses seek to leverage automation to mitigate rising labor costs and enhance service efficiency.
Yummy Future's competitive advantage lies in its focus on cost-efficient robotic solutions that combine IoT, consumer robotics, and 3D printing. This positions the company to effectively address operational challenges faced by its core customers in the food service industry. The leadership team's expertise in robotics and engineering further strengthens Yummy Future's ability to innovate and implement these solutions effectively.
Growth drivers for Yummy Future include its planned expansion with a third operational location and the potential to tap into new markets as automation becomes more prevalent. The company's ability to maintain a high operating profit margin, reportedly three times that of a typical Starbucks, suggests strong operational efficiencies that could support future growth.
Financially, Yummy Future has demonstrated substantial revenue growth, increasing from $59k to $414k year-over-year. This growth reflects positive market acceptance and the potential for continued revenue expansion as the company scales. Although facing cash flow challenges, Yummy Future's valuation cap of $66.7 million offers a favorable entry point for investors seeking exposure to the growing automation trend in the food service sector.
Bearish Outlook
The bearish outlook for Yummy Future is influenced by several key factors that may pose challenges to its growth and sustainability. The company faces market challenges as the robotics industry in food services is competitive, with established players like Cafe X offering similar robotic solutions. This competitive pressure could impact Yummy Future's ability to capture market share and sustain its growth trajectory.
From a financial perspective, the company's high revenue multiple of 161.0x indicates a potential overvaluation, suggesting that the investment terms may not be favorable compared to industry benchmarks. This high valuation could deter investors who are cautious about paying a premium without corresponding growth metrics.
Growth inhibitors include technological hurdles related to the integration of robotic systems within existing food service operations. Ensuring seamless interoperability with legacy systems can be complex, potentially limiting market adoption. Additionally, the company may face regulatory challenges in ensuring safety and compliance of its robotic systems as they operate in public environments.
Financial concerns further contribute to the bearish outlook. While Yummy Future has shown significant revenue growth, maintaining this trajectory amidst high operating costs and a negative cash flow poses risks. The company's cash reserves of $88k, coupled with a monthly burn rate of $84k, highlight a precarious financial position that may require additional funding to avoid liquidity issues.
Executive Summary
Yummy Future specializes in robotic coffee shops, targeting businesses in the food service industry looking to reduce labor costs and improve service efficiency. The company's core customers include operators seeking to optimize operations through automation.
Yummy Future is raising funds through a SAFE with a valuation cap of $66.7 million. Despite significant revenue growth, the company operates at a loss, with a high revenue multiple suggesting potential overvaluation. The most recent monthly burn rate is approximately $84k, with $88k in cash on hand, highlighting the need for careful financial management.
The U.S. robotic coffee bar market, valued at $450 million and growing at 12.5% annually, presents opportunities for Yummy Future. The company positions itself by offering a technologically advanced solution that appeals to tech-savvy businesses and consumers. Competitors like Cafe X and Botbar also leverage robotics, but Yummy Future aims to differentiate through cost efficiency and operational consistency.
The leadership team, with strong backgrounds in robotics and engineering, aligns well with Yummy Future's technical goals. However, additional expertise in business development and marketing may be necessary to support expansion. Key risks include high capital requirements and integration challenges, but the team's technical expertise helps mitigate these risks.
The bullish outlook for Yummy Future centers on its potential to capitalize on market trends favoring automation, while the bearish perspective highlights financial losses and high valuation multiples as growth inhibitors. The company's ability to maintain high growth rates and improve margins will be crucial for long-term success.
Overall, Yummy Future presents a mixed investment opportunity. The company's innovative approach and market potential are promising, but financial challenges and competitive pressures necessitate cautious consideration. Investors should weigh the growth potential against the risks of overvaluation and financial sustainability.
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Company Funding & Growth
Funding history
- Total Prior Capital Raised
- $3,501,500
- VC Backed?
- Yes