Black-owned tech company awarded patent on kiosk
PopCom, owner of PopShop, raised a historic $2.3 million by using Equity crowdfunding
After four years of development, CEO of PopCom, Dawn Dickson has been awarded the patent on the PopShop Kiosk, something she calls a “digital pop-up-shop.”
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 cashless machines accept all major credit cards and PopCom has future plans to integrate digital currency acceptance and “pay with face” options.
With the goal of being completely “contact-less” and to protect customers from COVID-19, each sale can be conducted with a pen, stylus or even gloves.
Read More: Black tech startup founders take on the racial status quo in Silicon Valley
“I was tired of the same ‘box’ shape of machines,” said Dickson. “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.”
Previously, PopCom raised a historic $2.3 million by using Equity crowdfunding, a fundraising instrument that allows companies to secure investments from the general public with both accredited and non-accredited investors, which is outside the traditional fundraising route that most technology start-ups take.
Its latest offerings went live on October 1 on StartEngine, and individuals can invest starting at $252.
Read More: Black women investors help fund women-led start-ups through Pipeline Angels program
“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.
Dickson recently won the 2020 OBWS Entrepreneur of the Year Award presented by SnapChat and was a Finalist for 2020 Rising Pay Tech Star Award.
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