What Smoothr does

Smoothr, legally Sterlix GmbH, is a Berlin-headquartered (registered in Bremen) provider of digital ordering and checkout solutions for the quick-service restaurant, hospitality, and adjacent industries. The company's portfolio centers on hardware-software bundles including self-ordering terminals (Essence, Outdoor SOT, Table SOT, Slim SCO Express, AI Self-Checkout), mobile ordering apps (web, iOS, Android, iFrame), drive-in systems with AI voice ordering and Order Confirmation Units (OCU), digital signage, AI-powered smart vending (Coolr), and the Smoothr Connect integration layer that routes orders from Lieferando, Wolt, and Uber Eats directly into POS. Underlying capabilities include camera-based product recognition for cashier-less checkout, basket-aware AI upselling, time-of-day adaptive query pacing at drive-in, and a live Monitoring Board for device and sales analytics.

The platform is designed as a modular ecosystem: clients can adopt individual products or the full stack, with the Order Confirmation Unit consolidating orders from self-ordering terminals, web apps, and third-party delivery platforms into a single employee interface. Smoothr reports 40+ integrations into POS (Oracle, Lightspeed, Vectron, SAP, Toshiba, Deliverect, Hellotess, Polynorm), payment (Adyen, Worldline, VR Payment, Datatrans), hotel PMS (Opera Cloud, Apaleo), delivery (Lieferando, Wolt, Uber Eats, Uber Direct), and display hardware (Samsung, Iiyama, Pan Oston) systems. Operational metrics cited by the company include 99.7%+ system uptime, a 28% average ticket increase from AI upselling, a 6-week average implementation time, and 94% multi-location retention.

Smoothr monetizes through hardware sales and rentals combined with software licensing and subscription fees, sold via direct enterprise sales targeting multi-site chains. Named customers span Burger King, Dunkin', Pret A Manger, Accor, Heide Park Resort, Tank und Rast, The ASH, Backwerk, Dean & David, L'Osteria, O'Learys, and Maloa, with deployments in more than 10 countries. The company is privately held and founder-managed by Samir Al-Issa and Sead Berisha, with no disclosed external institutional investors beyond early-stage funding rounds in 2018 (~$0.43M) and 2019 (~$1.2M).

Name

Smoothr

Legal name

Sterlix GmbH

Website

https://smoothr.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Smoothr (Sterlix GmbH) is a Berlin-headquartered provider of AI-powered self-ordering terminals, mobile ordering, loyalty, drive-in, and smart-vending solutions for QSR, hospitality, and hotels, serving enterprise chains like Burger King, Dunkin', Pret A Manger, and Accor across 10+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Restaurant Digital Ordering & Checkout Solutions

NAICS

Limited-Service Restaurants (722513), Convenience Retailers and Vending Machine Operators (44513)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Restaurant Reservations & Dining Booking Platforms (BPAMAIAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Booking Engines & Direct Web Booking (THALACAD), Convenience Store QSR / Foodservice (Prepared Foods) (THAFAAAM)

Keywords

• Self-ordering terminals
• Digital ordering solutions
• Mobile ordering platform
• AI-powered checkout
• Restaurant loyalty systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Software Licensing/Subscriptions: Proprietary software combined with hardware for self-ordering terminals, mobile ordering, drive-in systems, and digital signage. Available as rental and purchase options.
2. Hardware Sales and Rental: Sale and rental of self-ordering terminals (Essence, Outdoor SOT, Table SOT, Slim SCO Express, AI Self-Checkout), Coolr vending machines (Single, Double, Combi, Cabinet), and drive-in hardware (Pre Menu Screen, OCU, Triple Menu). Comprehensive installation and service packages included.
3. Mobile Ordering Platform: Multi-platform ordering solutions available as web app, iOS app, Android app, and iFrame. Customized pricing based on ordering method.
4. Coolr AI Vending Solutions: AI-powered vending machines with up to 150% more turnover and 250% higher average ticket compared to conventional vending machines. Cloud architecture for management.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Smoothr provides digital ordering and checkout solutions for the hospitality industry, combining proprietary software with purpose-built hardware. Its core offerings include self-ordering terminals (SOT), branded mobile ordering apps, AI-powered drive-in systems, smart vending machines (Coolr), digital menu boards, loyalty programs, and delivery platform integration. The platform is sold and rented as a complete ecosystem to enterprise restaurant, hotel, theme park, and travel hospitality operators across 10+ countries.

Product overview

Smoothr is a comprehensive checkout and ordering solutions platform providing end-to-end solutions for the hospitality and retail industries. The product portfolio centers on Self-Ordering Terminals (SOT) as the core hardware platform, complemented by Mobile Ordering and Drive-In solutions for customer-facing ordering. The Loyalty module adds rewards, tiers, coupons, and gamification across ordering channels. Digital Signage provides dynamic menu board management while Coolr offers AI-powered smart vending. Smoothr Connect integrates external delivery platforms (Lieferando, Wolt, Uber Eats) directly into the POS. The architecture is modular, allowing restaurants to deploy individual solutions or combine multiple products for a unified ordering ecosystem with centralized inventory, pricing, and order management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SOT (Self-Ordering Terminals) Self-ordering terminals combining customized software with a selection of high-quality hardware variants. Features AI upselling, gamification, and flexible POS integration for QSR and hospitality venues.
• Mobile Ordering Mobile ordering solution available as web app, iOS app, Android app, and iFrame with fully branded design, AI upselling, multi-platform support, and payment flexibility including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Klarna.
• Loyalty Loyalty solution with rewards programs, loyalty tiers, coupons, and gamification. Supports first registrations, birthdays, subscriptions, and tier-based exclusivity with point multipliers to drive repeat visits.
• Drive-In AI-powered drive-in solution with dynamic menu boards, Order Confirmation Unit (OCU) combining payment, intercom and sonar technology, AI Voice Ordering, AI upselling, and Pre Menu Screen for advertising.
• Digital Signage Digital menu boards with dynamic content management, automatic price management, and real-time synchronization. Compatible with Samsung, Sony, Android, Dynascan, Iiyama, NEC, Linux, Windows, and LG displays.
• Coolr AI-powered smart vending solution with cameras recognizing removed products. Available as Single Coolr, Double Coolr, Combi (chilled/non-chilled), and Smart Cabinet. Claims up to 150% more turnover and 250% higher average ticket than conventional vending machines.
• Smoothr Connect Delivery platform integration connecting Lieferando, Wolt, and Uber Eats directly to POS. Automates order transfer with Auto-Sync for product availability and opening hours synchronization across all platforms.
• AI Self-Checkout Camera-based self-checkout terminal using AI for product recognition. Designed for self-service products without barcodes such as bakeries and self-service restaurants.
• Barcode Self-Checkout (Slim SCO Express) Barcode self-service checkout system for retail products with integrated barcode scanner and storage area, designed to optimize cashier processes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 28% increase in average ticket compared to conventional orders
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration35 records

AI capability9 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• OraclecoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Oracle for seamless integration with comprehensive business workflows ensuring efficient management of all operational processes. With real-time order retrieval, companies can streamline operations and improve overall performance.
• LightspeedcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Lightspeed offering a powerful solution allowing businesses to send orders directly and retrieve item data effortlessly. Features extensive configuration options and customizable pricing tiers for tailored experiences.
• VectroncoreTechnology or IntegrationEnables companies to streamline operations by sending orders directly to Vectron and retrieving item data with ease. Improves efficiency and accuracy of order management while providing outstanding customer experience.
• ToshibacoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Toshiba offering robust integration with comprehensive business workflows that streamline operational processes. Seamless order retrieval helps businesses increase efficiency.
• DeliverectcoreTechnology or IntegrationEnables seamless transfer of orders including menu push and synchronization. Streamlines processes and ensures precise order management and consistent menu experience across all platforms.
• SAPcoreTechnology or IntegrationEnsures direct transfer of order data and seamless retrieval of item information. Increases operational efficiency, ensures accurate order management, and provides companies with real-time insights.
• Opera CloudcoreTechnology or IntegrationHelps hotels improve guest experience by enabling direct booking of orders from hotel rooms. Enables effortless service and convenience, guaranteeing guests a luxurious and personalized stay.
• Pan OstoncoreTechnology or IntegrationPremium hardware and engineering partner delivering world-class self-order terminals and customized solutions. With state-of-the-art technology and expert engineering, Pan Oston enables companies to optimize operations.
• IiyamacoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Iiyama offers premium screens suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, delivering stunning picture quality in any environment. Improves customer engagement with high-quality displays combining durability and exceptional clarity.
• SamsungcoreTechnology or IntegrationCooperation with Samsung offers high-quality screens suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, providing unparalleled clarity and vivid visuals. Improves customer interaction and brand visibility.
• VR PaymentcoreTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration with VR Payment offers comprehensive payment solutions for both e-commerce and brick-and-mortar retail. Optimizes transactions and increases customer satisfaction with secure, flexible payment options.
• AdyencoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Adyen offers comprehensive payment solutions for both e-commerce and in-store transactions. Improves customer experience with secure, seamless payment options.
• LieferandocoreTechnology or IntegrationEnables seamless order entry and direct transmission to cash register with menu push functionality. This integration streamlines operations and ensures accurate order management.
• Uber EatscoreTechnology or IntegrationFacilitates seamless receipt of orders and enables direct transfer to cash register with menu push functionality. Optimizes processes and ensures precise order processing.
• WoltcoreTechnology or IntegrationStreamlines ordering process by taking orders directly and routing to checkout with menu push functionality. Increases operational efficiency and ensures accurate order management.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Square (Block): Block's Square offers POS, self-ordering kiosks, online ordering, and loyalty as part of a broader payments and SMB software suite; an incumbent that competes with Smoothr especially among multi-location restaurants.

Emerging players

• Cuboh: Delivery aggregator that consolidates third-party orders into a single tablet/POS for restaurants; comparable in scope to the Smoothr Connect delivery-integration module for small and mid-market QSRs.
• Checkmate: Multi-brand digital ordering and delivery enablement provider for restaurant groups; overlaps with Smoothr's Mobile Ordering and Connect modules, particularly for chains consolidating ordering across multiple concepts.

Direct peers

• Toast: Leading US-based restaurant POS and digital ordering platform offering kiosks, online ordering, and loyalty to QSR and full-service restaurants — the most direct large-scale competitor to Smoothr's end-to-end restaurant ordering stack.
• HungerRush: QSR-focused technology provider offering POS, online ordering, kiosks, and delivery management to pizza and fast-food chains; comparable vertical focus and product mix to Smoothr's QSR suite.
• Deliverect: Delivery-aggregation and menu-sync platform serving restaurants across Lieferando, Uber Eats, Wolt and others; the closest direct competitor to Smoothr Connect and increasingly broader restaurant-OS ambitions.
• Lightspeed Commerce: POS and commerce platform for restaurants and hospitality that Smoothr explicitly integrates with via Lightspeed; Lightspeed's restaurant module directly overlaps with Smoothr's ordering and SOT modules.
• Zivelo (a Stratacache company): Self-ordering kiosk hardware and software vendor for QSR and retail; competes most directly with Smoothr's SOT hardware line as well as its outdoor and drive-thru form factors.
• Appetize (Block): Enterprise POS and self-ordering platform for foodservice, stadiums, and entertainment venues; competes with Smoothr for theme park and large-venue QSR deployments such as Heide Park-type accounts.
• Olo: Public SaaS provider of digital ordering, dispatch, and rails for restaurant chains; overlaps with Smoothr's Mobile Ordering and Connect modules in serving enterprise QSR and casual dining brands.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInde.linkedin.com/company/sterlix
• Instagraminstagram.com/smoothr.de
• Facebookfacebook.com/Smoothr.de

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Smoothr