600 – Making Last Mile Delivery Safer And Healthier

600 was founded in June 2017. It has its headquarters in Shibuya-Ku, Japan. The company manufactures and sells unmanned convenience stores (vending machines) to corporations across the world. If the vending machines are under warranty, the company even services them free.

600 was founded by Kei Kubo who earlier started a payment platform called WebPay but later sold it Line for an unknown sum in 2015.

People working in corporations across the world prefer snacks and drinks from vending machines these days rather than retail outlets or companies’ cafeterias because vending machines are foolproof, faster, and easier to operate than manned retail outlets. The only drawback is that they cannot operate without power, which is not a problem for corporations as they are supplied power 24/7 barring exceptions.

How Automated Vending Machines Work

Various snacks and drink items are arranged in various rows and columns in the machine (they are placed on top of metallic grills). Each section is given a unique serial number (which tells which column and row number the item is located) and contains a specific snack or drink item. The prices of various items are displayed below the serial numbers in the machine.

You just need to key in the serial number and insert the money required to get that particular snack or drink item. Unmanned convenience stores eliminate the problems faced in manned retail outlets like incorrect billing, searching for items, arguments, and theft. These machines have become so popular that they are now an iconic (even mandatory) feature of any MNC. Some vending machines even sell sweets and stationery items.

The Road Ahead

The company raised 100 million yen (around $920,000 USD) lead by AG Capital, Apricot Ventures, Asahi Media Lab Ventures, and SMBC Venture Capital. 600 is using the funds to rapidly expand its logistics and streamline its operational capabilities. It would be safe to conclude that the company is doing well because vending machines are in huge demand by corporations all around the world. They provide a hassle-free purchasing experience.   

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