Dunamu and Partners Invests in US Beverage Automation Robot Startup "Botrista"

9.2 Billion KRW Invested in Series C Round

Dunamu and Partners, the investment subsidiary of Dunamu, announced on May 23 that it has invested 9.2 billion KRW in the Series C round of Botrista, Inc., a beverage automation robot startup headquartered in the United States. Several strategic investors, including global food and beverage (F&B) company Jollibee Group, also participated in this round.

The core of Botrista's next-generation beverage automation robot lies in its technology for precisely dispensing liquids of various viscosities. The system operates based on a fusion of fluid dynamics, mechanical engineering, and software. The company holds multiple patents in key technological areas, including sensor and motor control, inventory and sales data analysis, and cloud-based wireless updates.

Botrista CEO Sean Shiwu poses in front of the next-generation beverage automation robot. Dunamu and Partners

Botrista's robots can easily prepare premium beverages?such as coffee, cocktails, bubble tea, smoothies, and shakes?at a level comparable to that of a professional barista, all from a single device. Currently, they are installed in a variety of franchise locations across the United States, including The Halal Guys, Jollibee, Shipley, and Porkworks.

In particular, the company has recently signed supply contracts with F&B partners that hold over 50% market share in sectors such as universities, hospitals, office cafeterias, and theme parks, marking the beginning of a full-scale expansion.

Sean Shiwu, CEO of Botrista, stated, "With this investment from Dunamu and Partners, Botrista will be able to further advance its liquid dispensing technology." He added, "By leveraging our technology for precisely dispensing high-quality purees, we aim to enhance profitability for F&B companies worldwide while providing consumers with healthier and tastier beverage experiences."

Im Sujin, Partner at Dunamu and Partners, commented, "Sean Shiwu, CEO of Botrista, independently developed liquid dispensing technology based on his four years of research and development experience with battery dispensing systems at Tesla." She continued, "The robots have already proven their scalability and stability through operation in an extensive network of stores across the United States, and are expected to be rapidly adopted by F&B companies facing profitability challenges due to labor shortages and rising wages."

Meanwhile, Dunamu and Partners is the investment subsidiary of Dunamu. Since its establishment in March 2018, the company has invested a total of 194 billion KRW in 70 startups to date. It focuses on investments in areas where industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data, finance, and healthcare intersect and converge. Its major portfolio companies include Korea Credit Data, Travel Wallet, Banksalad, Kraft Technologies, Rebellion, InnoCras (formerly Genome Insight), and Airs Medical.