Cerberus Interactive, a first-of-its-kind game development studio, today announced the acquisition of Austin-based startup, Tastebud. Leveraging Tastebud’s marketplace platform, Cerberus plans to integrate the technology within its location-based mobile game, Atlas Empires, to offer players rewards while helping drive sales for businesses nationwide. Tastebud’s CEO Marcelo Vieira will join Cerberus as an advisor.
Tastebud is a flexible merchant pricing platform that helps brick and mortar businesses, namely in the quick service restaurant (QSR) vertical, fill empty seats more efficiently during down hours by offering consumers limited time offers. Its self service feature allows merchants to sign up in minutes, without the need to install hardware/software or train staff, providing a completely frictionless experience to both customers and merchants. Tastebud also has a proven track record of success, with 500,000 transactions completed across hundreds of brands around the country, including national brands like Qdoba, Which Wich, Domino’s and Schlotzsky’s, to name a few.
“At first glance, what we’re doing as a video game development studio and what Tastebud is doing with its tool might seem disparate,” said Sami Khan CEO and co-founder of Cerberus Interactive. “However, upon closer inspection, it’s clear coupling our expertise in location-based technology with Tastebud’s reach and processing capability creates a mutually beneficial relationship that extends to both mobile gamers and brick and mortar businesses.”
With the acquisition, Cerberus will activate in-game rewards for players that can be redeemed at various QSR establishments, in accordance with a player’s geographical location. In doing so, not only can players gain valuable items to help them progress through Atlas Empires, but businesses can increase profitability by reaching an entirely new audience. Considering Tastebud customers purchase two to five times more frequently and spend more than average consumers when visiting merchants, the gain has the potential to be sizable.
“We are very excited to have Tastebud’s patented dynamic pricing platform be a part of Cerberus Interactive’s innovative location based games,” said Marcelo Vieira, CEO of TasteBud. “This is a big win for mobile gamers and brick and mortar merchants alike. Players will be able to get game resources through real world transactions and merchants get increased on-premise transactions. The integration with Cerberus allows us to scale much faster and beyond the restaurant vertical.”
