Crave Robotics Secures $2 Million Seed Funding to Build a New Ready-to-Eat Food Channel

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Crave Robotics, an innovative hot food vending machine solutions provider, recently announced the successful completion of a $2 million (approximately NT$60 million) seed funding round. Investors include SparkLabs Taiwan, 500 Global, and U.S. supply chain partner Onus Global Fulfillment Solutions, as well as the Japanese Sanpu Tourism Group. This successful funding round provides Crave Robotics with ample operating capital to support its technological innovation and market expansion strategies.

Founder Poyan Chen stated that the funds will be used to expand the market deployment of the company's core product, CraveBot™, particularly in the U.S. hotel and campus markets. CraveBot™ is a vending machine capable of delivering a variety of hot meals within three minutes, combining advanced AI technology to offer a range of dishes from breakfast to full meals, such as pizza, burgers, and fried rice. Currently, the machines are operating in four locations in Los Angeles, with plans to expand to seven locations by the end of the month.

Crave Robotics' strategic focus is on partnering with major hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott, which not only increases brand visibility but also enables scalable operations. Additionally, the company is actively expanding into the campus market, having engaged in discussions with the University of California System, the California State University System, and numerous community colleges. These campus locations will provide nutritious and convenient meal solutions, particularly during evenings or when cafeterias are closed, significantly meeting students' dietary needs.

Chen emphasized that this ready-to-eat food channel not only provides 24/7 hot meal services but also allows hotels and schools to save on related labor costs. Each CraveBot™ can hold up to 36 different meal items, tailored to the specific needs of each location. Furthermore, the team utilizes the vending machines to quickly test market reactions and continuously adjust the meal offerings, optimizing the product mix.

To support product innovation and diversification, Crave Robotics has also hired an in-house food R&D team to continuously develop new food items and collaborate with local small restaurants and brands to offer a wider variety of dining options. The company's long-term goal is to establish a brand-new ready-to-eat food channel and plans to launch its next round of funding by the end of 2025 to further expand its business scope and market impact.

Image source: Crave Robotics