Automated retail specialist Aeguana sees record year of growth after £1.2m FDC investment

Unattended retail technology firm Aeguana reportedly marked up record growth following a £1.2 million ($1.6 million) growth capital investment, according to its main investor, Frontier Development Capital. Aeguana’ sales activity has increased more than 100% in the past 12 months, FDC said.

London-based Aeguana develops state-of-the-art unattended retailing solutions that dispense coffee, food, alcohol and even perfumes. It provides design and product development services, as well as experiential marketing and vending analytics.

During the height of the COVID-19 crisis, Aeguana’s touchless smart fridges were used by the National Health Service, the UK’s publicly funded healthcare system, that enabled essential to access meals.

Aeguana also offers technology to enable touchless automated refill water stations; its Sipple Hydration Station won best product in the sustainability category at the 2021 Vendies. And it will be shipping its new Coffee2Go barista machines to the hospitality sector at the end of this year.

“During the past year, we’ve taken some critical steps on the company's growth journey,” said Aeguana chief executive Manish Shah. “Our aim is to establish Aeguana as the No. 1 supplier of automated retail solutions, engaging global customers using the latest technology and delivering innovative retail experiences.”

FDC provides flexible long-term debt funding of up to £7.5 million for growth capital, shareholder transactions and property development to businesses across the United Kingdom. It manages a £100 million fund.