Vado, a startup that automates delivery by transforming vending machines into smart points of sale connected to the main delivery apps, announces that it has closed a seed round with a €444,000 raise. The deal is led by Startup Wise Guys, with the participation of Angels 4 Impact, represented by Alberto Adorini, Mooney executive and former McKinsey, as champion, Eberhard Schmidt German investor and entrepreneur, former McKinsey, Gianni Tagliapietra Italian entrepreneur, and business angels Hugo Valdivia and Silvestro Russo.
With the funds raised, Vado aims to accelerate international expansion, with a focus on the markets of DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and France, to strengthen integrations with other vending machine manufacturers, and to implement new technologies based on generative AI to further optimise delivery processes and improve the customer experience.
In addition to the capital increase, Vado announces the entry of Andrea T. Orlando as late co-founder, former managing partner and managing director in Italy of Startup Wise Guys, back to the other side of the table after completing the fund investments.
“We are thrilled with the support we have received from our investors and with the addition of Andrea to our core team,” says Alessandro Ursino, CEO and co-founder of Vado (pictured with the team), in a note. “This funding round, together with Andrea’s experience and strategic vision, will allow us to accelerate our expansion in Europe and continue to innovate with cutting-edge technology solutions, revolutionising the automated delivery industry.”
“I am really excited to be back in operation in a start-up, especially in an innovative company like Vado, during such a strategic phase for its growth,” says Orlando. “Vado has all the credentials to launch the vending industry and automated retail in particular towards great heights. . Con il sostegno dei nostri investitori e un team dinamico, siamo pronti a crescere rapidamente nei mercati europei e ad ampliare la suite di prodotti digitali per servire al meglio i nostri clienti”.
Founded in Turin at the end of 2020, Vado is an innovative startup offering digital solutions for delivery, enabling retailers to integrate an automated and efficient sales channel in various sectors, including food, pharmacy, beverages, beauty and pet care. Vado’s mission is to transform a traditionally static vending machine market into a dynamic ecosystem, connected to modern delivery platforms and capable of responding to the growing needs of consumers; the startup is, in fact, part of a market in which consumers are looking for convenience and speed, especially in the evening hours or in areas with a low density of physical outlets.
By connecting with delivery apps such as UberEats, Just Eat, Glovo and Deliveroo, this solution opens the door to a new generation of vending machines, which are no longer limited to direct on-site sales, but become true automated delivery hubs. With VadoDelivery, in fact, the retailers are able to handle deliveries in less than 30 minutes, generating higher revenue per machine, 24-hour sales, without the fixed costs of a physical shop. In this way, Vado allows retailers to reduce operating costs by up to 80%. thanks to the complete automation of the sales and distribution process. Vado facilitates access and use of these new solutions thanks to the QR Code Branded Payment System, a system that allows users to purchase products from vending machines without having to download apps or use physical POS. This turns every vending machine into an e-commerce accessible to anyone, expanding the potential user base.
In addition, the V-Locator platform allows users to find the nearest vending machines, check product availability in real time and choose between direct pick-up or delivery via delivery apps. For retailers, on the other hand, the VADO Dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of sales performance, helping to optimise the management of orders, stock and popular products. The company not only meets the growing demand for automation and delivery, but also offers a scalable solution that allows retailers to operate seamlessly. This continuity in operations is a significant competitive advantage, especially in a rapidly changing global market.
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