Innovation

💰 Boostly raised $5.6 million in seed funding from Trestle Partners, Relish Works, Singularity Capital, and Y Combinator. The platform has driven over $50 million in restaurant sales. Jaime's pizzeria reported a 20% sales increase in April and May and 33% in June's first week, attributing an extra $20,000 monthly sales to Boostly. Founded by Shane and Mikey Murphy, Boostly plans to expand its team and market presence with the new funding.

🚗 3V Infrastructure launches to provide Level 2 EV chargers mainly in multifamily housing and hotels. With up to $40 million from Greenbacker Capital Management, they aim to address the gap in charging infrastructure. JD Power found over half of potential EV buyers are deterred by charger scarcity, while less than 5% of rentals and only 20% of hotels offer this amenity. 3V targets properties with more than 20 sites to accelerate deployment and simplify implementation for real estate owners.

🍴 PwC research indicates that excellent service can command up to 16% higher prices, and a one-star increase on Yelp can increase revenue by 5-9%. A 2024 BrightLocal survey found 77% of customers check two or more review sites before making a decision. Moreover, 32% of customers would stop doing business with a brand after one bad experience. In the digital era, restaurants must have a mobile-optimized website, use SEO, engage on social media, and offer online reservations. During dining, POS systems and digital menus enhance the experience. Afterward, personalized follow-up via email or SMS, and responding to online reviews within two to three days, is expected by 34% of consumers. Kim Lawton, with 25 years of experience, is the founder and CEO of Enthuse Marketing.

💰 3V Infrastructure, a new EV charging infrastructure operator, announced its launch today, aiming to increase access to EV charging at long-dwell properties such as multifamily housing and hotels. The company has a $40 million capital commitment from Greenbacker Capital Management and will focus on Level 2 EV chargers. A JD Power study shows over half of potential buyers are deterred by charger scarcity. 3V Infrastructure aims to address this by targeting underfunded Level 2 charging access, with 27% of apartment tenants and 20% of hotel guests seeking this amenity. The company targets real estate with over 20 sites for broad and rapid deployment, offering operational expertise in permitting, utility setup, maintenance, and monitoring without upfront and ongoing costs for property owners.

🚗 3V Infrastructure, an EV charging infrastructure company, announced its formation to provide Level 2 EV chargers for multifamily housing and hotels. The company received a commitment of up to $40 million from Greenbacker Capital Management. Citing a JD Power study, over half of potential EV buyers are deterred by charger scarcity. 3V Infrastructure aims to serve the 27% of apartment tenants and 20% of hotel guests demanding EV charging amenities. The company targets properties with more than 20 sites for broad, rapid charger deployment.

🔌 3V Infrastructure, backed by up to $40 million from Greenbacker Capital Management, launches to provide Level 2 EV chargers for multifamily homes and hotels, filling a gap where fewer than 5% of rentals and 20% of hotels currently offer such amenities. With EV adoption surpassing charger availability, 27% of apartment tenants and 20% of hotel guests demand this service. 3V targets properties with more than 20 sites to deploy projects widely and expedite the transition to EVs.

🔌 3V Infrastructure, an electric vehicle (EV) charging company, announced its formation, focusing on Level 2 EV chargers for multifamily housing and hotels. The company received up to $40 million from Greenbacker Capital Management. Studies reveal over half of potential EV buyers are discouraged by insufficient chargers, while 27% of apartment tenants and 20% of hotel guests desire EV charging amenities. 3V offers a no-cost solution for property owners, aiming to service portfolios with more than 20 long-dwell sites.

🌱 Plates, a plant-based-centric restaurant by Kirk and Keeley Haworth, began as a pop-up in 2017 and now operates permanently near Old Street station, London. Kirk, with a Michelin-starred background, creates original dishes without meat, fish, or dairy, offering seven-course (£75) and eight-course (£90) tasting menus. The 25-seat venue, fully booked until February, will expand with a 14-seat terrace for walk-ins. The wine list curated by Alexandra Price features European vegetation zones, and creative cocktails are also available.

💸 Stayntouch, a leader in PMS and guest-centric technology, has launched UpsellPRO, enabling hotels to market individual room features. A report with NYU showed about half of travelers with a one-month booking window would pay more for attribute-based selling (ABS). Experts see ABS providing greater control, increased visibility, and dynamic pricing benefits. Participants included Flo Lugli, George Roukas, John Burns, Klaus Kohlmayr, and Nichole Dehler. ABS could revolutionize hotel profitability and the guest experience.

🏡 In the travel and hospitality sectors, 73% of IT decision-makers plan to invest between $500,000 and $5 million in AI in one year, an increase from the previous year. Challenges include data management, cybersecurity, and trust in AI/ML outputs, with 55% prioritizing fraud detection, 52% concerned about data security risks, 58% stressing data privacy, and 59% identifying cybersecurity as the greatest risk in AI adoption. Meanwhile, 68% believe AI/ML accuracy needs significant improvements for full trust.