Palona AI secures $20M in funding to launch restaurant AI platform

Palona AI has launched a multimodal AI operating layer designed for physical businesses, initially targeting the restaurant sector. The launch follows a Series A funding round that brings the company’s total funding to $20 million, including converted SAFE notes. Investors in the round include Ardenwood Ventures, CrimsonOx, UpHonest, Turbo, Llama Ventures, Neo, Fusion Fund, Defy, and Maynard Webb.

The platform aims to connect customer demand with real-time operations through three core areas: revenue expansion, revenue intelligence, and operations excellence. It is designed to capture and convert demand from phone calls, catering requests, private events, and large-order inquiries by flagging intent and urgency for managers. The technology is already deployed with brands such as Din Tai Fung, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, Giordano’s, Rooted Hospitality, and Cali BBQ.

A production study involving Cali BBQ, Rooted Hospitality, and Giordano’s tracked 481 orders across 194 location-days. Early results indicated significant impact; for instance, Cali BBQ reported a 20% year-over-year revenue increase on Father’s Day after implementing the platform. The company plans to expand its technology to other brick-and-mortar sectors beyond restaurants.