Shelf Engine

Shelf Engine is a Seattle-based software company and developer of an automated prediction platform intended to transform the food supply chain by enabling grocery stores and other food retailers to increase profit margins while drastically reducing food and beverage waste, as well as out-of-stocks. The company's automated prediction engine uses machine learning, historical data, gross margins, and shelf life information to accurately forecast demand for perishable goods, minimizing waste and maximizing profits. The company's stated mission is to "reduce food waste through automation."

Shelf Engine was founded in 2016 by Stefan Kalb and Bede Jordan. In March 2017, the company gained its first client, Metier Cafe. In summer 2018, Shelf Engine joined the Y Combinator S18 Cohort and subsequently raised a $4.3 million seed round. In 2018, the company gained its first national client, Whole Foods. In February 2020, Shelf Engine raised a $12 million Series A funding round and launched the Shelf Engine field team. In March 2021, Shelf Engine raised a $41 million Series B funding round. In April 2021, Shelf Engine was named a #1 startup for women in tech by Elpha.

Shelf Engine offers forecasting, reporting, and guaranteed sales services to its clients, to optimize their supply chain and simplify how retailers order highly perishables. The company provides OaaS intelligent forecasting using machine learning and proprietary, predictive models to generate accurate orders for stores. Shelf Engine's business model handles the entire ordering process from vendor management to shelf optimization, saving retailers money and reducing risk by buying back any remaining unsold items. Shelf Engine offers additional resources to its customers to improve grocery operations, boost sales, eliminate shrink, and develop shopper loyalty, including case studies, videos, webinars, white papers, ebooks, infographics, and its proprietary blog. The Shelf Engine Blog provides news and insights on grocery innovation, customer experience, shelf life sustainability, and tech innovation.

Shelf Engine explanation video