SoundHound AI is expanding its reach in the food ordering space. The company announced on Thursday, that it has acquired key assets from Allset, an online ordering platform connecting restaurants with local customers.
This acquisition marks a significant step in SoundHound's vision to create a comprehensive voice commerce ecosystem. The company aims to enable consumers to access goods and services through natural conversation, with plans to facilitate voice-enabled food and drink ordering across millions of cars, TVs, and smart devices.
Allset, founded in 2015, has built a robust platform specifically designed for local pick-up orders. By connecting restaurants and local customers, Allset eliminates the high fees typically associated with delivery apps, providing a seamless and cost-effective dining experience. With nearly 7,000 restaurant partners, including prominent names like Joe & The Juice and Charleys Cheesesteaks, Allset has established a strong presence in the market.
Keyvan Mohajer, CEO and Co-Founder of SoundHound AI, highlighted the synergy of the acquisition: "Allset will help SoundHound bring voice AI solutions to even more restaurants looking to improve operational efficiency. At the same time, the Allset team brings a wealth of marketplace experience and knowledge that will make our bigger vision of a voice commerce ecosystem a reality."
The deal goes beyond expanding SoundHound's restaurant network. Allset's leadership team, including Co-Founders Stas Matviyenko and Anna Polishchuk, will lend their expertise to accelerate SoundHound's voice monetization platform. This platform aims to allow consumers to place food orders conversationally through various voice-enabled devices.
For restaurants, the acquisition promises access to SoundHound's suite of voice AI products. These technologies can handle customer orders in multiple languages, learn restaurant menus, process orders directly to point-of-sale systems, and even upsell items.
SoundHound's ambitions extend beyond the restaurant industry. The company already has a significant presence in automotive and smart device markets, with its solutions integrated into millions of units worldwide.
The move aligns with broader industry trends towards more seamless, voice-activated experiences. As voice AI technology continues to evolve, SoundHound's acquisition of Allset positions it at the intersection of two rapidly growing markets: voice technology and food ordering.
However, challenges remain in this competitive landscape. Consumer adoption of voice-activated ordering in vehicles and other devices is still in its early stages, and tech giants are also vying for dominance in the voice AI market.
Despite these hurdles, the SoundHound-Allset deal represents a bold step towards a future where voice AI plays a central role in everyday consumer interactions. As this technology advances, ordering your favorite meal could soon be as simple as speaking to your car or TV.