Grocode launches VendGame – Smart Vending Machines for Brands

Digital technology company, Grocode, recently announced the launch of VendGame – a range of smart vending machines for brands.

With touch screen display and capability to host interactive games, these machines cleverly combine engaging gameplay with vending to create a socially rewarding experience.

Typically used for product sampling and branded giveaways, VendGame is the first-of-its-kind, free drop vending machine solution in the Pakistani market.

Brands can choose from a variety of social triggers to create meaningful engagement with these smart vending machines, including:

- Interactive Branded Games (Touch screen, camera, Kinect)

- Emotion Based Triggers (e.g. smile to dispense)

- User Data (Quizzes, forms etc.)

- Social Connect (Connect your brand FB, Instagram,Twitter profile)

Brands can also choose from multiple reward options to engage customers, including:

- Dispense physical products and samples

- Send branded SMS and direct emails to participants

- Print a coupon or voucher

- All of the above!

“With VendGame, our aim is to enable brands to create unique and intelligent brand engagement on the ground. These machines are versatile and can be customized and branded for your target audience, while matching the brand’s overall look and feel,” – says Grocode CEO Zair Abbas.

The product development for VendGame was spearheaded by SaadAftab. One of four partners and CTO at Grocode, he highlights the tech that makes these machines “smart”.

“VendGame machines use ultrasonic sensors that precisely detect the free drop of the product – from the screen to the actual physically dispensed product in real time. This software and hardware integration is what makes VendGame machines smart.”

As a company, Grocode has been active since 2013, working on innovative technology products for local and international clients.

In 2017, the company launched its first original technology product, Jambro - a social networking app for musicians. Jambro managed to gain global recognition and raise funds from some of the top start-up incubators and technology conferences in the ASEAN region.

Today, Jambro connects musicians from over 400 cities across the world and operates as an independent company based in Singapore, while Grocode continues to serve as its technology partner/accelerator.

With VendGame, the company adds another innovative technology product to its portfolio of original initiatives. “Innovation is not always profitable in the short run. It’s risky and costly to refuse paid client projects and work on your own ideas that may or may not work. However, we have always been willing to forgo short term gains and take risks to create something truly innovative.” says Entrepreneur in Residence and former CEO of Grocode, RishadShaikh.

“None of this could have been possible without a great team that is passionately committed to a shared vision. In that regards, Grocode has been lucky to attract exceptional talent in key leadership positions. This is what gives us the license to innovate.”

Originally founded by Rishad, Grocode now has four equal partners including CEO Zair Abbas, CTO Saad Aftab, CIO Shahzaib Mirza, and EIR Rishad Shaikh.

With VendGame, the company aims to leverage its first mover’s advantage in the “smart vending machines” category here in Pakistan.

The fact that it has already piqued interest from major brands in the region gives the founders a positive sign regarding the growth and revenue generation potential of VendGame.

VendGame is now open for business. Visit http://www.vendgame.co to learn more.