Sometimes you just really want pizza. Slice exists to satisfy that craving.
The NYC-based startup has designed a tech platform to help local pizzerias fulfill online orders. Hungry customers can download the Slice app and order pizza for delivery or pick-up from a number of different places. It’s like Grubhub or Postmates, except only for pizza. But because the company specializes in one type of food, it can offer a more tailored experience for small pizzerias and save money for eaters and restaurants alike.
Now investors are showing their support for this idea. On Tuesday, Slice announced that it raised $43 million in a Series C funding round led by KKR. This new funding will help Slice build new features for its platform and partner with more restaurants.
Currently, Slice has partnered with over 12,000 pizzerias across all 50 states. But Slice sees opportunity to expand in the COVID-19 pandemic. Local restaurants are forced to close their doors to in-person diners, so instead people are placing orders through phone or online. Small pizzerias often rely heavily on foot traffic, so it can be a bit of an adjustment to transition to online orders. Slice is aiming to make that easier.
The company also hopes to give back through its Pizza vs. Pandemic program, which sends pizza to workers battling the pandemic on the front lines. This program has raised $481,000 and fed about 140,000 workers since March 21.
Founder and CEO Ilir Sela said in a statement that the company is committed to helping the small pizzerias that rely on its platform weather this economic storm.
“We started Slice because we believe independent pizza makers are an essential part of our local communities,” Sela said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has also caused a significant surge in demand across our platform and we are focused on providing our pizzeria partners with the resources they need to access online sales channels at a time when in-restaurant demand has reduced significantly.”
