Payment Processing: Cashless Payment Systems, Mobile Payment Integration
Product Categories
Available Products
Wall-mounted
Contactless
Age-Verified Vending Machines
ID.me Integration
Biometric Facial Recognition
Vend21 Client Dashboard
Remote Inventory Management
Pricing Optimization Tools
Cashless Payment Systems
Mobile Payment Integration
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.
Vend21 - Smart Vending Machines, Age Verification Systems | World Tea Expo 2025