∙ PopCom is an automated retail technology company that builds software to revolutionize automated retail. The company leverages the latest computer vision, machine learning, IoT connectivity technology to help retailers collect valuable customer insights.
∙ In the age of COVID-19, PopCom supports retailers adopting automation for sales and delivery of products.
∙ PopCom has developed technology to securely verify customer identity, enabling the sale of regulated products including cannabis and alcohol in vending machines
∙ The company has previously raised two fully subscribed Regulation CF rounds totaling $2.3M and is generally accepted to be the first company that is led by a female black founder to do so.
(Los Angeles, CA – October 14, 2020) – PopCom, an automated retail technology company specializing in software as a service (SaaS) is once again using equity crowdfunding to raise capital for the rapidly-growing startup. PopCom has immediate plans to grow its operations, build its sales team, expand software development, reach more customers, and support the demand for more automated retail machines in the wake of COVID-19, with their proprietary patented retail hardware, the PopShop Kiosk, what they call a “digital pop-up-shop.”
PopCom CEO Dawn Dickson refers to the PopShop as the “iPhone of vending machines,” because of the sleek and innovative design coupled with a range of novel features that are not available on traditional vending machines. This feature set includes exterior cameras to anonymously collect customer data including age, gender, emotion and engagement. The PopShop kiosk features a large display monitor to allow retailers to monetize their kiosks by selling advertisements and promoting products. The machines are cashless, accepting all major credit cards (chip, swipe and tap). PopCom has future plans to integrate digital currency acceptance and “pay with face” options. With a goal to be completely “contact-less” and protect customers from COVID-19 each sale can be conducted with a pen, stylus or even gloves. Retailers will love that the machines can accommodate various product sizes and packaging types and come equipped with wheels to allow for easy transportation.
“I was tired of the same ‘box’ shape of machines,” said Dawn, “I am excited that after over four years of development we have been awarded the patent on the PopShop design. It was my vision to completely redesign the vending machine as we know it today and change the way people interact with automated retail. I have always been inspired by Apple and their approach to design, the PopShop was created by channeling that mindset of innovation.”
It is the company’s intent to eventually power all machine-driven transactions in the retail space with their automated retail operating system that enables connectivity for retailers to see realtime sales, inventory, and performance data as well as crucial anonymized customer insights such as age, gender, and emotion. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it apparent that mitigating the need for human contact is a critical step in preventing lines and crowding in retail spaces.
“Although the timing is sensitive due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we must continue to look towards the future and build products for our customers”, said Dawn Dickson, PopCom Founder & CEO. “While some industries are hurting, the requirement for social distancing validates the need for vending and retail automation. We believe that the market will continue to move towards self-service and contactless retail. Vending machines and convenience services are becoming more essential and retailers are looking for more ways to deliver their products direct-to-customer with less human friction. We are excited about what is to come and want to continue to share this opportunity with our investors.”
The company also intends to service the regulated retail market with its newly developed regulated retail technology. PopCom has secured retail partners to launch cannabis and alcohol vending in 2021 powered by digital-ID and has made substantial progress in seeking regulatory approval.
Equity crowdfunding is a type of fundraising instrument that allows companies to secure investments from the general public, both accredited and non-accredited investors, which is outside of the traditional fundraising route that most technology start-ups take. Previously PopCom raised a historic $2.3 million in its previous two oversubscribed offerings using this method of investments. In its latest offering (now live on StartEngine) individuals can invest starting at $252. “It was important to me to be able to raise capital this way to build and encourage intergenerational wealth in often overlooked communities,” Dickson said. “I aim to bridge the gap between venture capital and everyday people.”
Using securities laws passed by Obama in the JOBS Act of 2012, equity crowdfunding levels the playing field for underrepresented startups and for micro-angel investors to invest in private companies – a privilege once only reserved for rich venture capitalists. Equity crowdfunding platforms allow everyday people to get in early stage tech deals, and offers them the opportunity to share in the exciting journey with the companies they invest in.
Dawn Dickson recently won the 2020 OBWS Entrepreneur of the Year Award presented by SnapChat and was a Finalist for 2020 Rising PayTech Star Award. PopCom has been featured in CNN Business, Black Enterprise, Forbes, Essence, Fast Company, The Huffington Post and she appeared on The Breakfast Club to discuss black women in tech.“The global community is calling for self-service retail to become more easily accessible, considering the shifts in our climate and technological advancements,” said Dickson. “With investment becoming more inclusive and open to forward-thinkers, my family, friends, community, and supporters, I believe we will reach the next milestones to success.”
Learn more about how you can invest in PopCom right now: https://startengine.com/popcom
About PopCom
PopCom is an automated retail technology company that builds software to revolutionize automated retail. The company is venture-backed and an alumnus of TechStars and Canopy Boulder accelerators. Other investors include Backstage Capital, NCT Capital, and Black Star Angel Fund.
Currently based in Columbus, Ohio, PopCom was founded as a software company in 2017. Self-service and automation are the future of retail. PopCom is at the forefront with an automated retail technology platform for vending machines and kiosks that allows retailers to engage and understand customers, sell more products, and learn from big data.
For more information, visit PopCom Shop
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Offering Circular: https://bit.ly/3059jVk, Selected Risks: https://bit.ly/2G4awoM Reg A+ offering available through StartEngine Primary, LLC.
This investment is speculative, illiquid, and involves a high degree of risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment.