Bostonians may have noticed smart vending machines that dispense health and wellness products, like period care items, popping up in bathrooms in the Prudential Center and Fenway Park.
SOS, the Boston-based female-founded company behind the machines, launched in 2020 and now has more than 100 vending machines out in the world—and with some new funding, it's planning an even bigger expansion.
SOS recently announced $7.6 million in capital to expand its vending machines into sports arenas, entertainment venues and college campuses.
Urban Us Capital led a $5 million round to support machine production and expansion.
“We are being met with overwhelming demand from entertainment venues, office spaces and public access locations,” Robina Verbeek, co-founder and co-CEO of SOS, said in a statement. “Having capital available to expand our operations – currently focused on corporate commercial spaces and transit hubs – into places like schools and universities is of paramount importance.”
Wasserman Ventures supported a $2.6 million investment, which was joined by other angel investors.
The venture arm of Wasserman, a sports marketing and talent management company, plans to help SOS connect with its network of entertainment venues and facilities. SOS said its global expansion would in turn help wellness brands connect with consumers through media sponsorship opportunities and product discovery in entertainment locations.
“Aligning with Wasserman provides us the opportunity to work alongside a global partner who can help us open doors, shape our consumer narrative and scale our business to provide our wellness service and products to millions of fans and consumers,” Susanna Twarog, co-founder and co-CEO of SOS, said in a statement.
SOS also appointed Thayer Lavielle to its board of directors. Lavielle is the executive vice president of The Collective, Wasserman’s women-focused practice.
“SOS’s mission to elevate the needs of consumers – particularly women – through innovative technology is unique, filling a void in a fan’s experience at a venue while providing surprise and delightment,” Lavielle said.
SOS said its machines feature products from brands like Rael, Hero Cosmetics and Luxury Brand Partners. The vending machines have a touch screen where consumers can peruse the products. When not in use, the screens display advertising and educational content. In addition to its Boston locations, SOS has expanded to places like Rockefeller Center in New York and TIAA Bank Field in Florida.
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