Contactless ordering startup Leslie debuts in the US

UK-based table ordering startup Leslie has brought its technology to food and hospitality services in the US, just 12 weeks after its initial launch, according to a Press release Wednesday (January 19).

The company offers customers a simplified and more efficient way to order, pay and tip using their mobile phone, using a QR code with no app download required.

Leslie was founded during the pandemic by owners Joey Barnet and david david. Some of the company’s multi-million dollar investors included KKR co-founder Henry Kravis, Zip founder Larry Diamond and Middleby Corporation.

In the statement, Barnett said there is new demand for QR-based contactless payments.

“We believe the scanning and payment technology market is in its infancy, and that will grow significantly and rapidly in 2022 and beyond,” Barnett said.

Additionally, Middleby Corporation European President Chris Jones said there was a need for more innovation in hospitality.

“Between the challenges of face-to-face work in a pandemic and the big resignation underway, the hospitality industry is primed for innovation,” Jones said. “On the heels of the traction we are already seeing in the UK through our exclusive partnership between Middleby and Leslie, I am delighted to see this thriving in the US market as well.

“We believe technology like Leslie is the key to increasing safety and efficiency while creating a great customer experience.”

Contactless payments have grown in popularity since the start of the pandemic, and PYMNTS’ Next-Gen Debit Tracker, made in collaboration with IMPULSE, found that 36% of respondents prefer contactless payment options.

Read more: Report: Gain from Contactless Payments on Credit Cards

More than three-quarters of merchants said they offer contactless options, with mobile wallets being the most popular offering at 66%. Additionally, 44% of merchants said they offer contactless card payments, while 25% said they offer QR codes.