Latest news with #JasonHarris
7NEWS
5 days ago
- Business
- 7NEWS
Uber Eats users shocked to find at least 14 food brands coming from one restaurant in Victoria's Berwick
A single restaurant has been found hosting at least 14 different food brands on Uber Eats. The brands — offering everything from Mexican and burgers to chicken and ice cream — all share the same address: 44 High Street, Berwick, in Victoria's southeast. On Google Maps, the location appears to be home to a single restaurant called Burgur. But on delivery apps, it hosts a long list of names: Mad Mexican, MAD TACO, BurgerFI, IN OUT BUNS, GOLD BUNS, Milky Bun, CHICKEN, WING WING, MELT SHOP, Milky Scoop, Ronys, Wrap'd, Mr. Chips Man and American Fri. Many of the menus are nearly identical, often using the same photos, but with different prices for the same items. Some locals hoping to try something new have been left frustrated, and the phenomenon has sparked heated discussion online. 'Ghost kitchens have gone too far,' one Reddit user posted. 'Ghost kitchens have existed for a long time on all food delivery platforms,' a comment replied. A ghost kitchen is a food business that typically operates without a public shopfront, offering meals primarily through delivery apps. They've grown in popularity over the past few years, especially during the COVID-19 lockdowns. One person shared that they were caught out three times before realising they'd been ordering from the same place each time. 'Ordered one of the worst burgers of my life. 'Won't buy from them again' I thought. Ordered from what I thought was a different burger joint a week or so later. Then watched as the driver collects from the same damn place (fool me once),' they said. 'Later had some terrible, tasteless, watery Indian food. Next time I ordered from what I thought was a different joint. Watched in dismay as the driver picks up at the same place, which was as terrible as the first (fool me twice). 'Once again ordered from what I thought was yet a different Indian place. The cry of pain when I see the driver stopping out the front of the first one (fool me thrice).' They said they've since stopped using Uber Eats altogether. Another person joked: 'We should all buy frozen meals from ALDI and open ghost kitchens.' Some Reddit users reported submitting complaints about the practice, but said they saw no changes. Uber Eats told the 14 virtual brands operating from 44 High Street are legitimate and compliant businesses. 'A virtual restaurant allows chefs and business owners to utilise the space they already have in their kitchens, to try cooking new cuisines and reach new customers with online-only brands,' a spokesperson said. 'Uber Eats gives restaurants across Australia the flexibility to choose how they partner with us, while continuing to meet our standard requirements and community guidelines.' University of Sydney corporate law and insolvency professor Jason Harris said the practice does not breach Australian Consumer Law. 'A company can operate multiple businesses with multiple brands,' he told 'All the different toothpaste brands are owned by the same company.' has reached out to Burgur for comment.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Button Finance Secures $5 Million Series A to Expand AI-Driven Home Equity Lending Platform Amid Booming Market
NEW YORK, May 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Button Finance, Inc., a fintech company revolutionizing home equity lending, closed a strategic $5 million Series A funding round led by Hildene Capital Management, a structured credit-focused asset manager with approximately $17 billion in assets, with participation from existing investors. The investment comes as Button Finance's innovative AI-powered platform delivers unprecedented access to home equity in a market that has reached historic proportions. Founded in 2019, Button Finance enables homeowners to access their home equity through a streamless digital experience - delivering quick decisions and funding in as few as five days. The company's proprietary AI underwriting engine has unlocked access for qualified borrowers historically overlooked by traditional financial institutions. The funding will support the expansion of Button Finance's product offerings and further development of its technology platform. "Button Finance is democratizing access to home equity at precisely the right moment," said Brett Jefferson, President and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Hildene Capital Management. "Their technology isn't just innovative; it's solving real financial challenges for everyday Americans. We are not just investing in Button Finance; we are committing to powering their next billion dollars in home equity originations." This capital infusion comes as Button Finance demonstrates strong financial health and performance, maintaining profitability, and positive cash flow for consecutive months. "While many startups chase growth at all costs, we've built a fundamentally sound business that's been cash flow positive and profitable for quite some time," said Jason Harris, CEO of Button Finance. "This strategic $5M raise allows us to accelerate growth while preserving equity for our shareholders. We have scaled to over 60 employees in the past two years nearly tripling our monthly volume in just six months-and we are just getting started. The second half of 2025 will bring expanded product offerings and distribution channels to match the explosive demand we're seeing." The timing couldn't be better. U.S. homeowners now control a staggering $35 trillion in home equity as of early 2025, according to Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis data. This robust wealth reservoir has triggered surging demand for home equity solutions as consumers strategically tap their properties for renovations, debt consolidation, and liquidity in today's elevated interest environment. For more information about Button Finance, Inc., visit About Button Finance Button Finance, Inc. is a New York-based fintech company specializing in home equity lending. Leveraging AI-driven underwriting technology, Button Finance offers homeowners a seamless online platform to access their home equity quickly and efficiently. The company's mission is to expand financial access for a broader range of borrowers, empowering them to achieve their financial goals. About Hildene Capital Management Hildene Capital Management, LLC is a Stamford, Connecticut-based asset manager specializing in structured credit. With approximately $17 billion in assets under management, Hildene focuses on identifying and investing in high-conviction opportunities across the credit markets. View source version on Contacts Media: Fran Del Valle (for Button Finance)Influence Consulting GroupFran@
Business Wire
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Button Finance Secures $5 Million Series A to Expand AI-Driven Home Equity Lending Platform Amid Booming Market
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Button Finance, Inc., a fintech company revolutionizing home equity lending, closed a strategic $5 million Series A funding round led by Hildene Capital Management, a structured credit-focused asset manager with approximately $17 billion in assets, with participation from existing investors. The investment comes as Button's innovative AI-powered platform delivers unprecedented access to home equity in a market that has reached historic proportions. 'Button Finance's strategic $5M raise allows us to accelerate growth. We have scaled to over 60 employees in the past two years nearly tripling our monthly volume in just six months-and we are just getting started." - Jason Harris, Button Finance CEO Share Founded in 2019, Button Finance enables homeowners to access their home equity through a streamless digital experience - delivering quick decisions and funding in as few as five days. The company's proprietary AI underwriting engine has unlocked access for qualified borrowers historically overlooked by traditional financial institutions. The funding will support the expansion of Button Finance's product offerings and further development of its technology platform. 'Button Finance is democratizing access to home equity at precisely the right moment,' said Brett Jefferson, President and Co-Chief Investment Officer. "Their technology isn't just innovative; it's solving real financial challenges for everyday Americans. We are not just investing in Button Finance; we are committing to powering their next billion dollars in home equity originations.' This capital infusion comes as Button Finance demonstrates strong financial health and performance, maintaining profitability, and positive cash flow for consecutive months. 'While many startups chase growth at all costs, we've built a fundamentally sound business that's been cash flow positive and profitable for quite some time,' said Jason Harris, CEO of Button Finance. 'This strategic $5M raise allows us to accelerate growth while preserving equity for our shareholders. We have scaled to over 60 employees in the past two years nearly tripling our monthly volume in just six months-and we are just getting started. The second half of 2025 will bring expanded product offerings and distribution channels to match the explosive demand we're seeing.' The timing couldn't be better. U.S. homeowners now control a staggering $35 trillion in home equity as of early 2025, according to Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis data. This robust wealth reservoir has triggered surging demand for home equity solutions as consumers strategically tap their properties for renovations, debt consolidation, and liquidity in today's elevated interest environment. For more information about Button Finance, Inc., visit About Button Finance Button Finance, Inc. is a New York-based fintech company specializing in home equity lending. Leveraging AI-driven underwriting technology, Button Finance offers homeowners a seamless online platform to access their home equity quickly and efficiently. The company's mission is to expand financial access for a broader range of borrowers, empowering them to achieve their financial goals. Hildene Capital Management, LLC is a Stamford, Connecticut-based asset manager specializing in structured credit. With approximately $17 billion in assets under management, Hildene focuses on identifying and investing in high-conviction opportunities across the credit markets.
