a16z Leads Blackbird's $24M Series A Funding to Elevate Dining Experiences Through Web3

In the heart of New York City, where a culinary adventure awaits at every corner, a new endeavor is brewing that aims to redefine the dining experience for restaurateurs and patrons alike. This aspiration is embodied by Blackbird, a venture that is stepping into the intersection of blockchain technology and gastronomy. The captain steering Blackbird’s ship, Ben Leventhal, is no stranger to the culinary world, having been at the forefront of restaurant innovation through platforms like Resy and Eater, according to a16z's official blog.

Blockchain Meets Gastronomy

The advent of blockchain has facilitated a direct conduit between creators and consumers in various sectors like music and art. Blackbird, under Leventhal’s leadership, seeks to extend this blockchain bridge to the restaurant industry. This initiative proposes a myriad of possibilities that could revamp the value proposition for both restaurants and their patrons, spelling a potential win-win scenario in a sector known for its razor-thin profit margins.

Ben Leventhal: A Culinary Visionary

Ben Leventhal’s name resonates with evolution within the modern-day restaurant scene. His narrative began with co-founding Eater in 2005, a platform that quickly became the go-to online directory for US food and nightlife enthusiasts. The saga continued with Resy, a revolutionary platform that streamlined restaurant reservations, which later amalgamated with American Express in 2019. 

Blackbird is perceived as the pinnacle of Leventhal’s illustrious journey in the food industry, embodying a platform designed to reward and engage diners through web3 technology. Although in its fledgling stage, Blackbird is already making waves within the restaurant community, showcasing a plethora of rewards from free beverages to exclusive memberships for upcoming eateries.

a16z Fuels Blackbird’s Aspirations with a $24M Investment

The potential harbored by Blackbird has captivated the interest of investors, leading to a $24 million Series A funding round spearheaded by a16z on October 4, 2023. This capital infusion is anticipated to accelerate the growth trajectory of Blackbird, fostering a symbiotic ecosystem for restaurants and diners alike.

With a few months into its voyage, Blackbird is orchestrating a novel realm where eateries can augment their offerings and nurture a community of devoted patrons. This endeavor, a meticulous amalgamation of culinary passion and technological innovation, is geared towards ushering a new era of dining in the digital epoch.