Xpand, a retail technology startup specializing in fully autonomous, AI-driven retail stores, has secured $6 million in a funding round led by Ibex Investors and Emerge, with additional participation from its executive team, including Chairman and CEO Joel Bar-El. The strong internal investment signals confidence in the company’s vision to create a new generation of retail that is autonomous, scalable, and operational around the clock.
The fresh capital will propel Xpand into its next growth phase, beginning with the opening of its first smart autonomous store in Vienna. This launch marks the transition from concept to commercial execution, as the company sets its sights on rolling out its “store-in-a-box” units globally. These modular, unmanned retail pods integrate robotics, advanced computer vision, and real-time inventory tracking, allowing retailers to rapidly expand with 24/7 operations and a seamless, personalized shopping experience—without on-site staff.
Founded in 2021 as 1MRobotics, Xpand rebranded to reflect its evolution from research and development to scalable deployment. The new funding will accelerate store installations across Europe and North America while bolstering sales, marketing, and technology teams. CEO Joel Bar-El, who previously co-founded retail AI unicorn Trax Retail, leads a team of seasoned executives with backgrounds at SAP, Retalix, Bringg, and Magic Leap. With the Vienna store as its first step, Xpand aims to partner with major global retailers to bring frictionless, always-on shopping to consumers worldwide.
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