Israeli AI-powered voice tech start-up Hi Auto has raised $15 million in Series A funding round to accelerate the rollout of its automated drive-thru ordering system for quick-service restaurants (QSRs).

The round was led by Delek Motors, the Zisapel Family, Vasuki Tech Fund and an undisclosed publicly traded investor from the restaurant industry. Additional backing came from Allied Group, Goldbell Investments and the Meir Barel Group, bringing the company's total funding to $23 million. Hi Auto has also secured a $4 million credit line to support further growth.

Hi Auto’s software-as-a-service platform aims to solve one of the QSR sector’s biggest challenges: staffing drive-thru lanes amid rising labour costs and high turnover. Using proprietary AI voice technology, the system automates the order-taking process with a reported 96% accuracy and over 90% completion rate – allowing restaurant staff to focus on tasks like food preparation and customer service.

Roy Baharav, CEO and co-founder of Hi Auto, said: "Rising labour costs and labour turnover continue to strain restaurant operations. Our AI-powered ordering system acts like an always-available drive-thru specialist – one that never calls in sick, delivers near-perfect accuracy, and can upsell consistently. This funding will help us expand our footprint and refine our product as we become a trusted partner with leading QSR brands."

Hi Auto is already working with QSR brands including Bojangles, Checkers & Rally’s, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, Burger King New Zealand and Popeyes UK. The company is also running paid pilots with several chains across the US and internationally.

Hi Auto’s system uses noise-cancellation technology and a specialised language model designed for the noisy and unpredictable environment of drive-thrus. This helps reduce order errors, even in situations with background noise, indecisive customers, car engines or adverse weather conditions like thunderstorms.

The company’s platform includes a dynamic upselling feature that recommends add-ons or higher-priced items based on factors such as time of day, weather and inventory levels. The company reports that this has helped raise average order values, suggesting the technology may support revenue growth as well as streamline operations.

Baharav added: "Whether it's lunchtime at a busy urban drive-thru or late-night in a suburban setting, we can determine which products to promote and when. We've seen increased check sizes directly impacting the bottom line."

He continued: "We saw earlier attempts at AI-based ordering that never quite made it. But Hi Auto's focus on real-world conditions – like fragmentation of franchisee menu, employee-AI interface and guest experience – positions us to solve problems that others stumbled on. Our goal is to become the default conversational AI solution for QSRs around the globe."

Top image: © Hi Auto