German startup Nesto raises €11 million to expand AI workforce platform across Europe
Nesto, a Karlsruhe-based startup, has secured €11 million in growth equity funding from Expedition Growth Capital. The company builds AI-driven workforce management software for restaurants and hospitality groups, automating scheduling, payroll, and HR workflows.
Labour represents the highest controllable cost in hospitality, yet most operators still rely on fragmented systems and manual processes. Nesto addresses this by combining demand forecasting, workforce planning, and operational execution in a single platform.
The company's core technology is a proprietary forecasting engine that predicts demand and staffing needs in real time. It integrates data from point-of-sale systems, suppliers, and payroll providers to automate scheduling and administrative tasks. Restaurant groups using the platform report labour productivity improvements of up to 10% while reducing administrative workload.
Nesto operates across more than 3,000 restaurants serving over 100,000 employees daily. Clients include McDonald's, L'Osteria, and Lagardère. The company has grown without institutional backing until this round.
With the new funding, Nesto plans to expand its AI capabilities and develop NORA, its AI assistant framework for operational and administrative workflows. The company will also accelerate expansion into additional European markets.
Felix Kaiser, co-founder and CEO, said the hospitality industry faces mounting pressure from rising labour costs, staff shortages, and operational complexity. "Our platform gives managers and employees the insights and automation to focus on what matters most - incredible food and great guest experiences," he said.
For hospitality professionals managing operations across multiple locations, AI for Hospitality & Events and AI Agents & Automation are reshaping how workforce decisions get made.
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