By Business & Finance 
Pictured: Co-founders Conor and James McCarthy
In our Ones to Watch section, we highlight some of the top up and coming businesses in Ireland. This week we feature Flipdish.
What is it?
Flipdish is an online ordering company that provides food service businesses with their own branded online ordering platforms, developing branded websites and apps through which their restaurant clients can receive orders directly from their own customers. This fully integrated ordering system also gives their clients tools to track performance and measure online sales. In addition, their customer success team and marketing tools help promote customer loyalty and retention; and the timing couldn’t be better, as food marketplaces continue to hike fees and put the squeeze on SMBs.
Who’s behind it?
Irish brothers and entrepreneurs, Conor and James McCarthy are the co-founders behind Flipdish. Their business idea stemmed from their frustration when trying to order food online. They couldn’t order directly from the restaurant online and it took too long to complete the order using third party portals. With a background in software, Conor developed the idea for the system four years ago and the firm now helps over 1000 brands. James is head of sales and manages the sales team both at home and internationally.
How is it funded?
The McCarthy brothers received funding from angel investors to roll out their idea in 2015. The second round of capital came from Growing Capital and Enterprise Ireland who invested €500,000 in 2016.
Last year, Flipdish received a total of €7.5 million in funding from Global Founders Fund, Elkstone Capital, and Growing Capital. This cash will fund the expansion of the business, driving recruitment both in Ireland and abroad. It will also go towards enhancing the product itself as the company targets new markets.
Future plans?
Flipdish wants to break into bigger international markets to give food service business owners the tools they need to be successful online and overcome punitive food portals. Flipdish aims to be the global market leader in white-label online ordering with a focus on customer and employee success.
