Catalyst portfolio company ChowNow named Jocelyn Mangan to its Board of Directors. Mangan was previously COO at Snag, and before that SVP Product for OpenTable, where she spent ten years defining the vision, strategy, and development of OpenTable’s products. She has also held senior roles at Ticketmaster.
Catalyst-backed ChowNow, the leading online ordering platform for local restaurants, is now integrated into Instagram, allowing restaurants to accept takeout and delivery orders through the social network. Instagram’s “Start Order” button can be incorporated into restaurant profiles, allowing users to place orders directly through Instagram. An early crop of restaurants tested the feature with unanimously positive results. With its 11,500+ followers, HomeState, a Los Angeles-based Texas taco restaurant and longtime ChowNow partner, was eager to combine the reach of Instagram with the seamless ordering experience of ChowNow.
Chris Webb, CEO of Catalyst-backed ChowNow, speaks with Alan Krueger, Princeton University professor of economics, about building software for small businesses, the competition in the start-up scene, and other labor market elements on Bloomberg TV.
Catalyst-backed ChowNow launched a new publication focused on going behind-the-scenes with restaurants and chefs. Tableside will produce original, in-depth stories for curious eaters, food culture fanatics, and restaurant enthusiasts alike.
ChowNow believes Apple’s new policy affects a much broader universe of companies, not just restaurants but also small nonprofits and other businesses, and has tapped a band of lobbyists to take its message to Capitol Hill.
Catalyst led a $20 million Series B round of funding for ChowNow, a SaaS ordering platform providing restaurants with online ordering tools and branded mobile apps. Existing investors including Steadfast Venture Capital also participated in the round. Catalyst partner Tyler Newton has joined ChowNow’s Board of Directors.