Blackbird Labs Secures $24 Million in Funding for Blockchain-Based Restaurant App
Date: 2023-10-06 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: CRYPTO PAYMENTS, IN WORLD
Blackbird Labs, a company on a mission to revolutionize the restaurant industry, has recently made headlines with its innovative blockchain-based application. The company announced the successful completion of its Series A funding round, securing a substantial $24 million investment, with leading venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) at the forefront.
The Blackbird app, built on the second-level blockchain Base, allows customers to connect their smartphones with NFC technology. This enables the generation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), serving as exclusive restaurant tickets for its users.
Blackbird's unique feature opens the door to rewards and insider privileges, such as access to exclusive menus and SMS concierge services, as mentioned in the press release. What makes this startup particularly intriguing is the fact that its CEO is none other than Ben Leventhal, co-founder of the Resy restaurant network.
Interestingly, this week, The New York Times published an article about Blackbird without ever mentioning the word "crypto." The company's leadership also seems to downplay the fact that their system and infrastructure are blockchain-based. However, visitors to Blackbird can earn interchangeable FLY tokens.
"Blackbird will become the first decentralized platform specifically designed for the hospitality industry," states the release. "Unlike outdated loyalty platforms that freeze and delete earned points, the Blackbird protocol will ultimately allow users to earn points wherever they are."
In addition, Blackbird has entered into a partnership agreement with Privy, eliminating the need for users to register a separate crypto wallet. Users can log in using their phone numbers, gaining access to 80 restaurants in New York City that have already joined the network.
This funding round and Blackbird's innovative approach are sure to make waves in the restaurant industry, potentially transforming the way customers and restaurants interact.
