So, farewell then, Grabango - checkout-free technology firm shuts down after failing to bag sufficient funding

US-based checkout-free stores technology startup, Grabango, is shutting up shop.

“Although the company established itself as a leader in checkout-free technology, it was not able to secure the funding it needed to continue providing service to its clients,” a spokesperson said in a statement to RTIH.

“We would like to thank our employees, investors, and clients for all their hard work and dedication.”

Launched in 2016, Grabango raised just over $73 million, according to Pitchbook data.

7-Eleven

In July, we reported that 7-Eleven had upgraded its first stores to use the Grabango checkout-free system. 

These were all located in Australia and represented a new continent for Grabango.

7-Eleven Australia announced last year that it was partnering with the company to develop My 7-Eleven App Pay and Go 2.0.

The Grabango technology uses AI to enable customers the choice to skip the register, without the need to scan purchases using their device.

7-Eleven Australia General Manager -Technology and Strategy, Stephen Eyears, said at the time: “Our current My 7-Eleven App Pay and Go feature lets consumers scan their items, or fill their vehicle at the pump, and complete their transaction on their phone without the need to queue at the register.”

“The enhancement the team is working with Grabango to develop will make it even more convenient for our customers who choose to pay with the Pay and Go feature as they won’t need to scan merchandise items individually.”

“This Australian first partnership with Grabango follows on from our launch of Australia’s first cashless and cardless convenience store in 2019, and the national roll-out of pay and go solutions into all of our stores nationally earlier this year.”

CEO Will Glaser commented: “As with all Grabango upgrades, the installation happened without any closures or interruptions to business, and 7-Eleven continues to sell all of the same merchandise in the same way they always have.”

“I'm delighted to see the success of this phase of the project and couldn't be prouder of how smoothly this all went.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Checkout-free technology is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which is now open for entries.

The awards, sponsored by Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.