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# Crisp Acquires Shelf Engine: A Game-Changer in Retail Technology for Reducing Food Waste
- URL: https://venture-block.com/crisp-acquires-shelf-engine-a-game-changer-in-retail-technology-for-reducing-food-waste/
- Published: 2025-03-28T18:00:38.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T11:17:31.000Z
- Author: Venture Block
- Tags: Funding

Crisp, a New York-based retail data company, has announced its acquisition of Seattle startup Shelf Engine, though financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed. The acquisition brings together two companies focused on retail technology and inventory management solutions.

Shelf Engine, established in 2016, has developed a machine learning platform that helps grocery retailers optimize their ordering processes for perishable goods. The company’s technology has been implemented in more than 7,000 stores across the United States, contributing to significant reductions in food waste through more efficient inventory management.

The startup’s journey began when co-founders Stefan Kalb and Bede Jordan identified a crucial need in the grocery retail sector. Kalb’s experience with his previous venture, Molly’s, which supplied fresh food to various establishments including hospitals and grocery stores, revealed the challenges of managing fresh food inventory effectively. This insight led to the development of Shelf Engine’s innovative ordering system.

Jordan, who brought valuable technical expertise from his role as principal software engineering lead for Microsoft’s HoloLens team, partnered with Kalb to create a solution that would transform how grocers handle perishable inventory.

The company’s success attracted substantial investment support, securing over $60 million from various investors. Notable among its backers were celebrity investors including Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, Olympic gold medalist Shaun White, and musician Shawn Mendes, who were drawn to the company’s environmental impact and food waste reduction mission.

Additional financial support came from prominent venture capital firms such as General Catalyst, GGV Capital, Foundational Capital, 1984 Ventures, Correlation Ventures, Founders’ Co-op, Soma Capital, Firebolt Ventures, and Initialized Capital. However, like many startups, Shelf Engine faced challenges along the way, including a round of workforce reductions in 2022.

The acquiring company, Crisp, which was also founded in 2016, specializes in providing software solutions for the consumer packaged goods industry. Their platform generates vital sales and inventory data for various stakeholders in the retail supply chain, including brands, retailers, and distributors. The company handles data for a wide range of consumer products, from food and beverages to household essentials like cleaning supplies and toiletries. In 2024, Crisp secured $50 million in funding to support its growth initiatives.

Reflecting on the acquisition, Shelf Engine CEO Stefan Kalb shared his thoughts on LinkedIn, noting the company’s evolution from a side project to a significant player in the grocery retail technology space. “What began as a collaboration with my friend Bede has transformed into a platform making a real difference in thousands of stores, helping to eliminate millions of pounds of food waste,” Kalb remarked.

The merger represents a significant development in the retail technology sector, combining Shelf Engine’s expertise in perishable inventory management with Crisp’s established presence in retail data solutions. The acquisition aligns with both companies’ missions to improve efficiency and reduce waste in the retail supply chain, potentially creating new opportunities for innovation in the retail technology landscape.

The deal marks another chapter in the ongoing consolidation within the retail technology sector, as companies seek to combine complementary capabilities and expand their market presence. This acquisition particularly highlights the growing importance of data-driven solutions in addressing critical challenges in the retail industry, such as inventory management and waste reduction.