AI Startup Pie Secures $19.5M to Transform Small Biz Marketing

WHO:

Techmeme - Pie is a startup founded by two ex-Toast engineers.

Inc - The founders of Pie are former engineers from Toast.

WHAT:

Techmeme - Pie has secured $19.5 million in a Series A funding round.

Inc - The funding round was led by Lightspeed.

Inc - Pie aims to help small businesses optimize their marketing for AI search.

WHERE:

Techmeme - Pie focuses on brick-and-mortar small businesses.

WHY:

Techmeme - Pie believes small businesses need assistance in appearing in AI search results, similar to their previous need for visibility on Google.

HOW:

Techmeme - Pie has spent the past year developing its technology in stealth mode.

(UPDATED July 1, 2026 01:45 UTC)

A new startup called Pie, founded by two former engineers from Toast, has successfully raised $19.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Lightspeed. Focused on helping brick-and-mortar small businesses optimize their marketing for AI search, Pie aims to enhance their visibility in a digital landscape that has evolved beyond traditional platforms like Google. After spending the past year developing its technology in stealth mode, Pie is now ready to assist small businesses in navigating the complexities of AI-driven search results.