The Zaiko Mission

We understand that managing inventory is difficult and time consuming, especially when it's done manually. Existing solutions can be complicated and confusing, further deterring their adoption in stores' operations. This is why we created Zaiko, a simple and easy to use inventory management solution that cuts hours of tedious work into just a few minutes. No more inspecting aisles and shelves, flipping through notebooks or navigating a messy pile of invoices. The path to streamlined operations is here, and its with Zaiko. Sign up today to get started!

Meet the Team

Franklin Taylor
Founder and CEO

Franklin is our multifaceted founder, inspired to create Zaiko during the summer of 2023. He recently graduated from WashU with an MBA. With a passion for sustainable solutions, Franklin is leading the charge in revolutionizing the way food businesses manage perishable foods.

Kelsey Kloezeman
Co-Founder and COO

Kelsey is our creative and inspired co-founder who has been with Zaiko from the start. She recently received her BSBA from WashU with a major in Entrepreneurship. She is eager to help make the world a greener place by bringing Zaiko to grocery stores across the US.

Jason Ti
Co-Founder and CTO

Jason is our skilled leader in product development with a strong passion for technology and innovation. He is currently studying at WashU for a master’s in CS. Every day he strives to improve the Zaiko technology and implements exciting, creative changes.

How it all Started

Zaiko, formerly known as Sustain-a-Plate, was founded on a simple truth: food waste is a major problem for grocery stores, costing them billions of dollars each year. According to the USDA, an estimated 133 billion pounds of food are wasted annually in the US alone!

In 2023, our founders dove into this problem by partnering with retailers and we were shocked to discover that many grocers lacked adequate inventory tracking solutions for the products that come in and out of their stores. Product journeys, expiration dates, and otherwise important stock data are often overlooked leading to lost profits, large amounts of food waste, and poorly used time. That is why we started Zaiko, to equip retailers with the resources they need to make impactful decisions for their business and customers to increase profits, reduce waste, and improve overall satisfaction.  

Zaiko team at the Heartland Challenge
Zaiko Team holding 1st Place trophy for winning the Olin Cup!
Zaiko team participating in the Poet's and Quants Big Idea Bounce

FAQs

Answers to popular questions you might have about Zaiko.

What does Zaiko do?

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Zaiko helps retailers increase profits by automating data entry for Direct Store Delivery (DSD) invoices. Our AI technology reduces errors, eliminates manual labor, and ensures real-time accuracy, allowing you to cut costs and uncover savings. It integrates with existing ERP, POS, and inventory management systems to enhance operational efficiency and boost profit!

Who is Zaiko for?

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Zaiko is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, retail chains, and distribution centers that want to streamline their invoice and inventory processes. It’s perfect for teams seeking to reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and gain valuable operational insights.

How secure is my data on Zaiko?

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Security is a top priority for Zaiko. We use end-to-end encryption, industry-standard data protection protocols, and secure data centers to ensure your information is safe. Additionally, role-based access controls allow you to manage user permissions effectively within your team.

Can Zaiko integrate with existing tools?

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Yes, Zaiko integrates seamlessly with various existing systems, including ERP platforms, POS systems, and inventory management software. Our flexible integration options ensure that your workflow remains smooth and efficient, enhancing your current processes without disruption.

Is Zaiko easy to use if you’re not technical?

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Definitely! Zaiko is designed with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for both technical and non-technical users. The platform allows you to upload invoices, manage inventory, and view insights without needing specialized technical knowledge.

Ready to streamline your operations?

Don’t wait any longer to empower you, your employees, and your store to do more!

Book A Demo