Latest news with #AliKashani
TechCrunch
21-05-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
Serve is betting that food delivery and access to public markets are the keys to scaling robotics
'The only thing worse than being a public company CEO is being a private company CEO right now,' says Ali Kashani, co-founder and CEO of Serve Robotics. Access to capital, he argues, is everything in robotics. And in today's 'FOMO-driven' venture climate, securing funds is far from guaranteed. Backed by Nvidia and Uber, Serve recently raised $80 million to extend its runway through 2026. The company aims to scale from 100 sidewalk delivery robots in Los Angeles to 2,000 bots operating across U.S. cities by the end of this year and hit operational profitability once that fleet is fully deployed. It's a bold play in a space where hardware, logistics, and data all collide. Today on Equity, Rebecca Bellan caught up with Kashani to unpack how Serve is navigating public markets, scaling real-world robotics by using food delivery as a test ground, and building what it hopes is the future of last-mile delivery. Listen to the full episode to hear more about: How Serve went from a Postmates spinout in 2021 to a publicly traded company via reverse merger in 2024. What it takes to scale a delivery fleet across cities like L.A., Miami, and Dallas, and why Serve isn't launching on college campuses like its rivals. Why Kashani says Serve's sidewalk bots collect four times more visual data per day than GPT-4's vision model. How ground robots and drones might work together to finally crack last-mile logistics. Equity will be back Friday with our weekly news round-up, and special Google I/O coverage from Max. Don't miss it! Equity is TechCrunch's flagship podcast, produced by Theresa Loconsolo, and posts every Wednesday and Friday. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. You also can follow Equity on X and Threads, at @EquityPod. For the full episode transcript, for those who prefer reading over listening, check out our full archive of episodes here.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Serve Robotics Saddles Up for Autonomous Delivery in Dallas-Fort Worth Via Uber Eats
DALLAS, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Serve Robotics Inc. ('Serve') (Nasdaq: SERV), a leading autonomous sidewalk delivery company, today announced the launch of its service in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. This strategic expansion, in continued partnership with Uber Eats—the delivery platform of Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER)— represents a major milestone in Serve's plan to deploy 2,000 AI-powered delivery robots across the U.S. by the end of 2025. Serve robots have begun operating in the Uptown neighborhoods of Pearl, State Thomas, West Village and South Routh, reaching over 22,000 new households. Customers placing orders through the Uber Eats app in these areas may now receive their meal via Serve's autonomous delivery robots. Participating Uber Eats merchants who have opted-in to Serve robotic delivery include local favorites Ka Thai and many others. Serve's national delivery partnership with Shake Shack will also extend to Dallas.'Texas is known for doing things bigger and better, and we're excited to offer a smarter, more efficient way to get your favorite meals delivered in Dallas,' said Dr. Ali Kashani, CEO and co-founder of Serve Robotics. 'Our entry into the Dallas–Fort Worth market is an important step on our path to scaling as a national platform.' Dallas-Fort Worth is the fourth-largest metro area in the U.S.—and among the fastest growing. The area has a well-developed sidewalk infrastructure and a history of welcoming innovation. Serve has proactively established constructive relationships with local stakeholders to ensure a seamless rollout. The company's expansion will create new jobs, including operations and maintenance roles, and contribute to the local economy. 'We're excited to partner with Serve as they begin operating in DFW, proving that everything really is better in Texas, including food delivery,' says Derek Ho, GM of Ka Thai. 'This technology will allow us to bring Ka Thai to customers who we might not have been able to reach otherwise.' 'Our ongoing partnership with Serve Robotics is a key part in our mission of making food delivery as convenient as possible,' said Megan Jensen, Head of Autonomous Delivery Operations at Uber. 'We look forward to expanding our autonomous deliveries in Dallas Fort-Worth to continue delighting customers with fast, convenient delivery.' The Dallas-Fort Worth launch follows several recent expansions for Serve, which included service expansions in Los Angeles and a new market launch in Miami. Additional U.S. markets are expected to follow throughout 2025. To learn more about Serve Robotics, visit About Serve RoboticsServe Robotics develops advanced, AI-powered, low-emissions sidewalk delivery robots that endeavor to make delivery sustainable and economical. Spun off from Uber in 2021 as an independent company, Serve has completed tens of thousands of deliveries for enterprise partners such as Uber Eats and 7-Eleven. Serve has scalable multi-year contracts, including a signed agreement to deploy up to 2,000 delivery robots on the Uber Eats platform across multiple U.S. markets. For further information about Serve Robotics (Nasdaq:SERV), please visit or follow us on social media via X (Twitter), Instagram, or LinkedIn @serverobotics. Forward Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Serve intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements can be about future events, including statements regarding Serve's intentions, objectives, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events, including Serve's expectations with respect to the financial and operating performance of its business, its capital position, and future growth. The words "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "project", "predict", "will", "forecast", "estimate", "likely", "intend", "outlook", "should", "could", "may", "target", "plan" and other similar expressions can generally be used to identify forward-looking statements. Indications of, and guidance or outlook on, future earnings or financial position or performance are also forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management's current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include those risks and uncertainties set forth in Serve's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and in its subsequent filings filed with the SEC. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Serve undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. Contacts MediaServe RoboticsAduke Thelwellpress@ Investor A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Serve Robotics CEO talks earnings, Nvidia divestment, delivery fleet
Serve Robotics (SERV) stock has been under pressure so far in 2025. Its shares slipped on Friday after the AI-trained autonomous robot company reported fourth quarter earnings that fell short of Wall Street's expectations, adding to its losses fueled by Nvidia (NVDA) disclosing it sold its holdings in Serve Robotics alongside other AI plays like SoundHound AI (SOUN). Serve Robotics CEO Ali Kashani joins Asking for a Trend with Josh Lipton to discuss the earnings print, its growing fleet of robots, tariff impacts, and Nvidia's divestment. "In terms of the entire year, our revenue grew by 700% or more, and our focus is really putting 2,000 robots on the streets by the end of this year. So, we are kind of getting ready for that big scale-up. We're building 250 additional robots on top of the 100 we have already this quarter alone, 75 of them we actually managed to manufacture ... ahead of schedule," Kashani says, adding, "I feel pretty bullish in our plan and our ability to put these 2,000 robots out to use." Watch the video above to learn more about Serve Robotics' expansion plans, the effect of US President Donald Trump's tariffs, and the impact of Nvidia cutting its stake in the company. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Asking for a Trend here. This post was written by Naomi Buchanan. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Serve Robotics Expands to Miami Metro, Offering Autonomous Delivery for Shake Shack and Mister O1
Serve Robotics Expands to Miami Metro Autonomous robot deliveries rolling out in Miami Beach and Brickell via Uber Eats Select Shake Shack and Mister O1 customers may receive their next order from a Serve robot SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Serve Robotics Inc. (Nasdaq: SERV), a leading autonomous sidewalk delivery company, today announced the launch of its service in the Miami metro area, alongside the expansion of its existing partnership with Shake Shack Inc. ('Shake Shack') (NYSE:SHAK) and new partnership with Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza ('Mister O1'). Customers who order from select Shake Shack and Mister O1 locations in the Brickell and Miami Beach neighborhoods with Uber Eats, the delivery platform of Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER), may receive their next order via Serve's autonomous robots. This expansion builds on Serve's successful multi-year growth in Los Angeles and its planned entry into the Dallas-Fort Worth market. With approximately 120,000 residents and bustling commercial districts, Miami Beach and Brickell provide an ideal setting for sustainable robotic delivery. Serve has worked closely with city officials and local stakeholders to ensure a smooth rollout. 'Expanding to the Miami Metro is a major step in our mission to make sustainable, autonomous delivery a reality across the U.S.,' said Ali Kashani, CEO and co-founder of Serve Robotics. 'By bringing robotic delivery to forward-thinking communities that embrace innovation, we're helping reduce emissions and traffic congestion while supporting local restaurants and enhancing the customer experience.' 'We're excited to expand our collaboration with Serve Robotics and Uber Eats to Miami,' said Steph So, Chief Growth Officer at Shake Shack. 'This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of enlightened hospitality, using innovation to elevate the guest experience both inside and beyond our Shacks.' 'We're thrilled to partner with Serve Robotics and Uber Eats to help launch Serve's innovative delivery robot in Miami. At Mister O1, we're always looking for creative ways to enhance the guest experience, and robotic delivery represents an exciting step forward in convenience and innovation,' said Chef Renato Viola, Master Chef at Mister O1. 'We're proud to continue to lead our industry with cutting-edge delivery solutions.' 'Uber Eats is thrilled to expand our partnership with Serve Robotics, bringing autonomous delivery to the vibrant streets of Miami,' said Megan Jensen, Head of Autonomous Delivery Operations at Uber. 'We're always exploring different ways to enhance the delivery experience, and this latest innovation makes getting your favorite meals even more effortless and fun.' Serve's Miami launch further strengthens its position as a leader in autonomous delivery and marks a key milestone in its strategic plan to deploy 2,000 robots across the U.S. by the end of 2025. To learn more about Serve Robotics, visit About Serve RoboticsServe Robotics develops advanced, AI-powered, low-emissions sidewalk delivery robots that endeavor to make delivery sustainable and economical. Spun off from Uber in 2021 as an independent company, Serve has completed tens of thousands of deliveries for enterprise partners such as Uber Eats and 7-Eleven. Serve has scalable multi-year contracts, including a signed agreement to deploy up to 2,000 delivery robots on the Uber Eats platform across multiple U.S. markets. For further information about Serve Robotics (Nasdaq:SERV), please visit or follow us on social media via X (Twitter), Instagram, or LinkedIn @serverobotics. About Shake ShackShake Shack serves elevated versions of American classics using only the best ingredients. It's known for its delicious made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hand-spun milkshakes, house-made lemonades, beer, wine, and more. With its high-quality food at a great value, warm hospitality, and a commitment to crafting uplifting experiences, Shake Shack quickly became a cult-brand with widespread appeal. Shake Shack's purpose is to Stand For Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and employee development, to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC's Madison Square Park, the Company has expanded to over 570 locations system-wide, including over 370 in 34 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, and over 200 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mexico City, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul and more. Skip the line with the Shack App, a mobile ordering app that lets you save time by ordering ahead! Guests can select their location, pick their food, choose a pickup time and their meal will be cooked-to-order and timed to arrival. Available on iOS and Android. Learn more: | IG: @shakeshack | X: @shakeshack | About Mister O1Mister O1 is a renowned pizzeria celebrated for its traditional Italian thin-crust pizzas, complemented by fresh salads and antipasti crafted from a blend of locally sourced and premium imported Italian ingredients. Founded by Chef Renato Viola, Mister O1 seamlessly fuses authenticity with innovation, offering guests a distinctive and memorable dining experience. With over 20 locations across Florida and Texas, the brand continues to expand, bringing its signature flavors to Georgia this spring. About UberUber's mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 58 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities. Forward Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Serve intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements can be about future events, including statements regarding Serve's intentions, objectives, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events, including Serve's expectations with respect to the financial and operating performance of its business, its capital position, and future growth. The words "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "project", "predict", "will", "forecast", "estimate", "likely", "intend", "outlook", "should", "could", "may", "target", "plan" and other similar expressions can generally be used to identify forward-looking statements. Indications of, and guidance or outlook on, future earnings or financial position or performance are also forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management's current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include those risks and uncertainties set forth in Serve's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and in its subsequent filings filed with the SEC. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Serve undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. Contacts Media Serve RoboticsAduke Thelwellpress@ Shake ShackKate DeMarcokdemarco@ Mister O1Puchi Canachemarketingcoordinator@ UberMedia Relationspress@ Investor Relations Serve Shake Shackinvestor@ Uberinvestor@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Delivery robot firm Serve Robotics expands to Miami in first East Coast launch
(Reuters) - Serve Robotics said on Wednesday it was rolling out its sidewalk delivery robot services in Miami, marking its first expansion to the East Coast as part of its goal to deploy 2,000 robots across the United States by the end of 2025. Serve is also strengthening its partnership with fast-food chain Shake Shack and signing on pizzeria Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza as a new client, as part of its entry into the market. Customers who place orders on Uber Eats from select Shake Shack and Mister O1 locations in the Brickell and Miami Beach neighborhoods will receive some upcoming orders through Serve's autonomous delivery robots, the company said. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. San Francisco-based Serve is currently operational in Los Angeles and its planned expansion to the Dallas-Fort Worth market is underway, with the rollout expected by the end of the second quarter. "Everywhere you go, the environment is a little bit different... We had some learnings about how to adapt and train our models when we go to a new location (from our experience in Los Angeles), and we're employing the same playbook here," co-founder and CEO Ali Kashani said in an interview. Serve will also partner with more local restaurants in Miami, Kashani said. The company has been scaling up its operations to become the go-to automation tech supplier for restaurants. It struck a deal in November to acquire Vebu, the company behind the avocado processing robot 'Autocado' seen at burrito chain Chipotle Mexican Grill. Serve has an agreement with Uber Eats to deploy 2,000 robots by the end of this year. In November, the company saw a 97% year-on-year increase in daily active robots for the September-ended quarter.
