Kickfin

Kickfin, Inc. is an Austin, Texas-based software company that provides gratuity and tip management software for restaurants and other hospitality operators. Its platform replaces cash tip payouts by sending real-time, cashless payments directly to employees' bank accounts, available 24/7 and with funds accessible instantly. The system automates tip pooling, uses real-time point-of-sale data to apply customized payout policies, and integrates with existing POS and payroll systems.

Kickfin tracks each payout by location, shift and employee, producing a digital audit record intended to simplify payroll and accounting, reduce tip disputes, and support compliance with tip pooling regulations. Operators using the product are positioned to eliminate bank runs and reduce exposure to theft and human error associated with handling cash. In October 2025 the company released Blended Payouts, described as further automating tip management and reconciliation.

The company is classified under Financial Services (NAICS 52 – Finance and Insurance) and reported a headcount in the 11–50 range, with approximately 29 employees recorded as of mid-2026.

Founding story

The founders started Kickfin after observing that while restaurants had automated most operations, more than 90% of outlets still paid out tips in cash, a practice operators described as difficult but unavoidable. The company was built to digitize that step of hospitality operations and give frontline workers immediate access to their tip earnings.

Business model

Kickfin sells tip management software to restaurant and hospitality operators, processing cashless tip disbursements to employee bank accounts and integrating with customers' existing POS and payroll systems.

Software provided to hospitality operators; third-party estimates place annual revenue in the $25M–$50M range, though the company has not published pricing or revenue figures in the material reviewed.

Traction

Named customers include Marco's Pizza, Twin Peaks, Melting Pot and Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux; the company said it had helped thousands of restaurant teams digitize cash tip payouts as of 2022. Recognition includes 65th place on the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500, a second consecutive Fast 500 listing in 2025, and a third consecutive Inc. 5000 appearance in 2026. Third-party estimates put revenue at $25M–$50M and headcount at about 29.

Latest developments

In August 2025 Kickfin announced a partnership with Union POS to automate tip distribution for high-volume bars and restaurants. In October 2025 it launched Blended Payouts for automated tip management and reconciliation. In November 2025 it was named to the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 for a second consecutive year, and it reported inclusion on the 2026 Inc. 5000 for a third consecutive year.