inKind has secured $450 million in capital to accelerate its restaurant commerce platform, which currently serves 6,000 restaurants across the U.S. The funding, a combination of equity and debt, is expected to expand the platform to an additional 10,000 U.S. restaurants over the next year.
Founded to provide a smarter, more sustainable funding alternative for restaurants, inKind connects over 4 million customers with its restaurant partners. To date, the company has provided more than $600 million in funding to top restaurant groups such as José Andrés Group, MINA Group, and Ethan Stowell Restaurants, as well as independent establishments including Okàn, Kann, and Superiority Burger. Its platform also supports 20 Michelin-starred destinations and 50 James Beard nominees.
inKind’s business model exchanges funding for food and beverage credits rather than traditional equity or debt. These credits are redeemed by high-spending diners through the inKind app via a 20% back rewards program. The approach allows restaurant operators to maintain cash flow, access capital quickly, and invest in business growth without the pressures of conventional financing.
The company’s growth trajectory has been strong, with gross order volume increasing by over 100% annually from 2020 to 2024, and projections to exceed $350 million in 2025. inKind has also delivered over $175 million in dining rewards to its users while attracting hundreds of thousands of new subscribers each month.
The newly raised capital will support expansion into underserved markets, enhance proprietary technology, and develop financial products tailored to restaurant needs, including growth capital, equipment financing, and improved access to debt. inKind’s model has earned recognition from Fast Company, Deloitte and Touche, and Built in for innovation, growth, and workplace excellence.
KEY QUOTES:
“Restaurants are the heart of our communities and they deserve partners who understand the unique support they need to thrive. Traditional restaurant financing models can drain equity, cash flow, and long-term viability. We created inKind to change that—offering a smarter, more sustainable way to fund restaurants without the burdens. Our model helps operators maintain cash flow, access capital quickly, and build more resilient businesses. Thanks to our partners that led the funding we’re able to amplify those efforts on a massive scale to up to 10,000 additional restaurants. We’re proud to support thousands of locally owned restaurants nationwide, not just with funding, but as true partners in their success.”
Johann Moonesinghe, CEO and Co-Founder of inKind
“inKind understands what it really takes to operate a restaurant. They move at our pace because they know first-hand what works in the hospitality trenches. While traditional lenders see spreadsheets, inKind sees the late nights, the razor-thin margins, and the passion that drives our business. Their capital isn’t just funding; it’s freedom—freedom to invest in our people and perfect our craft. Johann genuinely cares about restaurants and has built something that’s not only incredible for diners but transformative for operators.”
Sam Bakhshandehpour, CEO of José Andrés Group
