CUPS

CUPS operates as a technology-driven platform targeting the independent coffee shop industry in the United States. Founded in Tel Aviv, Israel, in September 2012 by high school friends Gilad Rotem and Alon Ezer, along with three other co-founders, the company initially piloted a subscription-based model offering unlimited coffee. Gilad Rotem, who served as CEO, previously worked as a private equity analyst and holds degrees in Economics and Film Studies from Tel Aviv University. Alon Ezer, the initial CEO, is an industrial engineer with an MBA from Tel Aviv University. In October 2013, the founders relocated to New York and participated in the Entrepreneur's Roundtable Accelerator program before launching in the city in April 2014.

The company's core offering is a multi-faceted platform for independent cafe owners, designed to provide them with resources typically available only to large chains. One of its key services is "Cover That Shift," a staffing solution that allows coffee shops to book experienced, on-demand baristas to fill last-minute vacancies. This service addresses the operational challenge of staff shortages, enabling businesses to maintain consistent operations. Additionally, CUPS provides a marketplace for cafe supplies, allowing small businesses to benefit from bulk purchasing power on various items.

Initially, CUPS launched a consumer-facing mobile app that served as a discovery and payment platform. The app's business model evolved over time. It started with monthly subscription plans for unlimited coffee and later shifted to offering pre-paid cup packages and a flat 15% discount on all drink purchases. Revenue was generated through transaction fees on app purchases, pre-paid plans, and subscription fees from partner cafes for enhanced visibility. The app connected coffee drinkers with hundreds of local cafes in cities across the U.S., including New York, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. For coffee shops, the platform acted as a marketing tool to attract new customers. The company would reimburse the cafe for the transaction, retaining a portion of the sale.

Keywords: independent coffee shops, cafe services, barista staffing, on-demand baristas, coffee shop supplies, bulk purchasing, cafe operations, restaurant tech, Gilad Rotem, Alon Ezer, mobile payment app, coffee subscription, cafe marketing, small business tools, specialty coffee industry, Cover That Shift, cafe management, food and beverage staffing, coffee shop platform, hospitality technology