Exhibiting at World Tea Expo 2025

Vend21, headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a fast-emerging leader in smart vending and retail automation technology. With a mission to modernize and optimize unattended retail, Vend21 specializes in AI-powered, age-verified vending systems tailored for products requiring regulatory oversight. Founded by Luke Giordano and David Rollins, the company has become a prominent name in the tech-enabled vending space across the United States.

Company Background

Established in response to the growing demand for contactless and compliant retail solutions, Vend21 has built a proprietary ecosystem of vending machines, integrated software, and real-time data tools. The company was conceptualized around improving the operational efficiency and compliance of vending machines selling age-restricted or high-value consumer goods.

Vend21 operates through a hybrid model offering both hardware (smart vending machines) and cloud-based SaaS platforms for remote management, analytics, and inventory control.

Core Products and Services

Vend21’s suite of offerings is built around modular, scalable technology that can be customized to diverse retail environments. Key product categories include:

• Smart Vending Machines

  • Wall-mounted, compact units suitable for small-space environments
  • Modular racks for varied SKUs including vape, snacks, beverages, personal care products
  • AI-powered product recognition and LED-shelf lighting for enhanced consumer experience

• Age Verification Technology

  • Fully integrated with ID.me for real-time identity and age checks
  • Biometric facial recognition for dual-step authentication
  • Lockout mechanisms on failed verification attempts

• Vend21 Software Ecosystem

  • Client Dashboard: Provides access to machine-level metrics, sales data, and restocking alerts
  • Remote Inventory Management: Tracks SKUs across all machines from a centralized interface
  • Pricing Optimization Tools: AI algorithms suggest pricing changes based on purchasing trends

• Payments and Connectivity

  • Supports cashless transactions, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit/debit cards
  • Remote diagnostics and updates via Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity

Specialization and Differentiation

Vend21 stands apart in the retail automation industry due to its regulatory-focused smart vending approach. Its systems are specifically optimized for:

• Age-gated product sales, like vape, tobacco, and supplements
• Contactless service delivery, reducing the need for human interaction
• Retail environments with high shrinkage risk, offering enhanced inventory control

Its machines are currently installed in convenience stores, dispensaries, gym chains, universities, and transport hubs across multiple states.

Financial Insights

While Vend21 is a privately held company and does not release full financial statements, indicators suggest robust early-stage growth:

• Estimated to have deployed over 600+ vending units by Q1 2025
• Unit pricing ranges between $7,000 to $12,000, translating to approximately $4M to $6M in hardware revenue
• Additional revenue streams from monthly SaaS subscriptions, charged per unit for access to dashboards and analytics tools

Shipment and Deployment Activity

Supply chain tracking indicates regular shipments and installations across the Gulf Coast, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions. Machines are manufactured using local assembly partners, with component imports primarily sourced from certified electronics vendors in East Asia.

Vend21 plans to scale up distribution through partnerships with property managers and independent operators, having opened up leasing options in late 2024.

Target Market

Vend21 caters to several high-demand verticals:

• Vape and smoke retailers
• Supplement and energy product brands
• Nightlife venues and college campuses
• Transit centers, gyms, and hotels
• Dispensaries and age-restricted product sellers

Their flexible machine size and compliance-ready infrastructure make them ideal for venues requiring legal oversight and secure distribution.

Capabilities

Vend21 demonstrates strong capabilities across:

• Rapid Deployment: Machine installation within 24–72 hours
• Customized Software Integration: API-ready platforms compatible with CRM and ERP tools
• Compliance Monitoring: Auto-flagging of irregular transactions or expired ID attempts
• Scalable Fleet Management: Operate 1 to 1,000 machines via a unified dashboard

Their machines are also compatible with digital loyalty and affiliate marketing modules for brands.

Certifications and Compliance

Vend21 systems comply with:

• FTC and FDA guidelines for vending machine sales of age-restricted products
• State-by-state age verification mandates via ID.me integration
• PCI-DSS payment standards
• ADA compliance for accessibility

Vend21 continuously updates its software architecture to adapt to new legislative changes at both federal and state levels.

Customer Testimonials

“Vend21 enabled us to expand to six new locations without hiring extra staff. Their age verification system is seamless.” — Chris M., Vape Franchise Owner, Orlando, FL

“The backend dashboard is incredibly intuitive. I can manage inventory and prices in real time from my phone.” — Amy L., Campus Retail Manager

Major Achievements

• Deployed 600+ machines across 20+ U.S. states by early 2025
• Partnered with ID.me, a federal-grade identity verification provider
• Featured at the RetailTech Expo 2024 in Chicago
• Achieved a 99.3% uptime rate across its national vending network
• Currently integrates with over 50 retail product brands

With its cutting-edge blend of compliance, design, and automation, Vend21 is redefining the future of secure, smart retail across North America.