Elanpro led the $2.5 million (roughly Rs 21 crore) seed funding round for the smart vending platform Wendor. A combination of debt (₹16 crore) and equity (₹5 crore) make up the investment’s structure. Wendor will also benefit from Elanpro’s operational support, which will allow it to take advantage of India’s vast service and logistics network.
According to a press release from the company, the money will be used to improve computer vision solutions, grow Wendor’s market share in India and abroad, and develop AI-powered vending technology.
Wendor, which was founded in 2021 by Lakshit Anand, offers automated retail and AI-driven vending solutions in India. It seeks to influence the direction of retail automation with an emphasis on mobile integration, digital payments, and smart vending technology. Compact, adaptable, cashless vending machines with a cloud-based management system are available from the company, which specializes in cutting-edge vending technology and IoT solutions with an emphasis on retail and service experiences.
Wendor intends to upgrade its AI-powered vending machine technology in order to increase operational effectiveness, reduce shrinkage, and manage inventory better. For real-time tracking, it also intends to introduce camera-based product and quantity detection systems. The company provides sophisticated automation to create a smooth, data-driven retail experience, as well as AI-powered demand forecasting to examine customer behavior and optimize product offerings.
In the next two months, Wendor plans to open ten experience centers in major metro and Tier-1 cities to strengthen its market presence. Wendor’s cutting-edge vending solutions, such as AI-based product recognition, automated inventory tracking, and refrigeration-integrated vending technology, will be available for customers to experience firsthand at these centers.
Wendor asserts that it has installations at government buildings like Rashtrapati Bhawan and has formed solid partnerships, including with NAFED. In collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism and Agra Development Authority, its vending machines have also been placed at the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri. Coca-Cola, Amul, Nivea, Apollo Hospitals, Unilever, and Fortis are among its other partners.
