LAUNCH

LAUNCH is a California-based organization that supports entrepreneurs and fosters innovation within the technology sector. Established in 2010, it encompasses multiple initiatives, including the LAUNCH Fund, which focuses on early-stage investments in technology-related companies. Additionally, LAUNCH operates an incubator designed to nurture startup development. Its flagship event, the LAUNCH Festival, attracts over 12,000 participants, including venture capitalists, angel investors, founders, and industry professionals, serving as a premier platform for startups to showcase their innovations. The organization also produces the podcast "This Week in Startups," which discusses trends and insights in the startup ecosystem. Through its various endeavors, LAUNCH aims to empower founders and promote the growth of emerging companies.

Jason Calacanis

Founder and CEO

Ashley Whitehurst

Managing Director

Past deals in HoReCa

OpenTab

Pre Seed Round in 2025
OpenTab is a Columbus-based fintech company that digitizes tab management for bars and restaurants. Its mobile platform integrates with existing point-of-sale systems to let patrons open, view, and close tabs from their phones, eliminating manual payments at the table. The solution speeds transactions, reduces wait times, and enables staff to focus on service rather than handling payments. By aligning with current workflows, OpenTab helps venues increase table turnover and enhance the guest experience, while driving adoption through a scalable model.

OpenTab POS

Convertible Note in 2025
OpenTab POS provides point of sale software designed for the restaurant and bar industry. The platform offers features such as predictive search, alternative payment types including digital wallets, and private label cards. It aims to streamline operations by integrating payments and POS functionalities on a single device. The software is created by business owners to meet the specific needs of the hospitality sector.

Eatsee

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Eatsee is a visual menu platform designed to enhance the dining experience for a digitally-savvy generation. It allows cafes and restaurants to showcase enticing photos of their dishes, enabling customers to view their options before placing an order. The platform features a dish-based discovery app that allows users to explore new dining venues by swiping through images of food, with personalized filters for distance, price, dietary preferences, and meal types. By utilizing QR technology, Eatsee not only enhances customer engagement but also helps restaurants improve their online presence and conversion rates, making it easier for patrons to discover and connect with new culinary experiences.

Cafe X Technologies

Seed Round in 2018
Cafe X Technologies, Inc. operates a robotic café in San Francisco, specializing in a variety of coffee beverages including espresso, cappuccino, cortado, and Americano. Founded in 2014, the company aims to enhance productivity in the service industry through automation. By integrating robotic technology into the coffee-making process, Cafe X Technologies seeks to provide a unique and efficient customer experience while offering high-quality coffee. The company is privately backed and has attracted funding from notable investors, positioning it as an innovative player in the beverage service sector.

Daycation

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Daycation LLC is an online booking platform based in Miami, Florida, that specializes in providing access to hotel amenities for day use. Founded in 2015, the company allows users to book various hotels and villas through its website and mobile application. Daycation's platform features a curated selection of upscale hotels where individuals can reserve and unlock on-demand amenities, enjoying a social and relaxing experience without the need for an overnight stay. This service caters to both locals looking for a nearby getaway and visitors seeking to experience the best of the city's hospitality. By focusing on creating enjoyable day experiences, Daycation aims to provide consumers with the instant vacation feel, enabling them to escape the everyday routine for a day of relaxation and leisure.

Cafe X Technologies

Seed Round in 2017
Cafe X Technologies, Inc. operates a robotic café in San Francisco, specializing in a variety of coffee beverages including espresso, cappuccino, cortado, and Americano. Founded in 2014, the company aims to enhance productivity in the service industry through automation. By integrating robotic technology into the coffee-making process, Cafe X Technologies seeks to provide a unique and efficient customer experience while offering high-quality coffee. The company is privately backed and has attracted funding from notable investors, positioning it as an innovative player in the beverage service sector.

Cafe X Technologies

Seed Round in 2016
Cafe X Technologies, Inc. operates a robotic café in San Francisco, specializing in a variety of coffee beverages including espresso, cappuccino, cortado, and Americano. Founded in 2014, the company aims to enhance productivity in the service industry through automation. By integrating robotic technology into the coffee-making process, Cafe X Technologies seeks to provide a unique and efficient customer experience while offering high-quality coffee. The company is privately backed and has attracted funding from notable investors, positioning it as an innovative player in the beverage service sector.

Requested

Seed Round in 2016
Requested is a mobile application that facilitates the booking of tables at local restaurants, bars, and cafes. Founded in 2014 and based in Sacramento, California, the platform allows users to name their own price for reservations and earn rewards by sharing their dining experiences. Additionally, the application offers the capability to send gift cards to users. For restaurants and bars, Requested serves as a promotional tool, enabling them to attract customers by paying a reservation fee for bookings made through the app.

Cafe X Technologies

Seed Round in 2016
Cafe X Technologies, Inc. operates a robotic café in San Francisco, specializing in a variety of coffee beverages including espresso, cappuccino, cortado, and Americano. Founded in 2014, the company aims to enhance productivity in the service industry through automation. By integrating robotic technology into the coffee-making process, Cafe X Technologies seeks to provide a unique and efficient customer experience while offering high-quality coffee. The company is privately backed and has attracted funding from notable investors, positioning it as an innovative player in the beverage service sector.

Cafe X Technologies

Angel Round in 2015
Cafe X Technologies, Inc. operates a robotic café in San Francisco, specializing in a variety of coffee beverages including espresso, cappuccino, cortado, and Americano. Founded in 2014, the company aims to enhance productivity in the service industry through automation. By integrating robotic technology into the coffee-making process, Cafe X Technologies seeks to provide a unique and efficient customer experience while offering high-quality coffee. The company is privately backed and has attracted funding from notable investors, positioning it as an innovative player in the beverage service sector.

Requested

Pre Seed Round in 2015
Requested is a mobile application that facilitates the booking of tables at local restaurants, bars, and cafes. Founded in 2014 and based in Sacramento, California, the platform allows users to name their own price for reservations and earn rewards by sharing their dining experiences. Additionally, the application offers the capability to send gift cards to users. For restaurants and bars, Requested serves as a promotional tool, enabling them to attract customers by paying a reservation fee for bookings made through the app.
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