Zume - GoKawiil

Robotic pizza-making startups keep failing despite years of investment

A string of automated pizza companies—including Zume, Pazzi, Basil Street and Picnic—have shut down after struggling to reliably assemble food with machines. Analysts note that robots often fumble ingredient placement, while human workers remain faster and more efficient at the task. Despite these setbacks, restaurateur Kindell is building his own 3D-printer-inspired pizza robot, aiming for a working prototype by 2027.

bbc.co.uk · 2026-08-27

Julia Collins on lessons from co-founding unicorn Zume Pizza and building Planet FWD

Julia Collins, who became the first Black woman to co-found a unicorn company after Zume Pizza hit a $1 billion valuation in 2018, later left to launch Planet FWD, a platform helping brands track and cut their carbon footprint. In an interview, she reflected on her entrepreneurial upbringing, her early career as the first hire at food chain Mexicue, and her approach to leadership across the more than $500 million she has raised in venture capital.

entrepreneur.com · 2026-08-26