Rohlik Group spins out Veloq AI fulfillment platform and hires former Ocado CCO Richard McKenzie as CEO

Rohlik Group, a European online grocer and tech specialist founded in 2014 in the Czech Republic, is launching Veloq, an AI driven grocery fulfillment platform that has powered its growth across five markets.

Rohlik currently delivers over 1.3 million monthly orders and generates €1.1 billion in annual revenue.

Developed and refined within its grocery operations, Veloq is now launching as an independent company, bringing the technology to grocers worldwide. Built on a proprietary software stack and robotics, Veloq unifies the entire grocery fulfillment process into a single modular platform, according to those involved.

This includes automated picking, intelligent routing, inventory forecasting and personalised customer engagement. An AI engine powers every layer of operations, including dynamic queue and labour management within fulfillment centres, supply chain forecasting and real-time last mile logistics optimisation.

We've successfully raised $170m in fresh growth capital. The investment was led by the @EBRD, alongside existing investors Sofina, Index Ventures, Quadrille, & TCF Capital & complemented by growth capital funding from the EIB under its Scale-Up Initiative.https://t.co/7BXIlVVAxh pic.twitter.com/OIRpks8d6r

— Rohlik Group (@rohlikgroup) June 28, 2024

Veloq has appointed Richard McKenzie, former Chief Commercial Officer at Ocado, as its CEO. He says: “The big challenge for grocers today is how they can meet evolving consumer demands for convenience while still delivering a wide range of excellent quality fresh products. Veloq represents a unique answer to that challenge.”

“Where legacy providers bolt-on tools that are inflexible or not grocery specific, we now offer an operating system that gives grocers everything they need in one box - and that adapts, learns, and evolves alongside its partners.”

“There’s real magic in the software: in how it orchestrates complex operations behind the scenes to deliver simplicity and speed to the end customer. In a market reshaped by consumer expectations for convenience, personalisation, and sustainability, Veloq’s launch marks a turning point – from fragmented software to unified, intelligent orchestration.”

Tomáš Čupr, Rohlik Group Founder, says: “Veloq is the commercialisation of a decade of operational and technological expertise at Rohlik. We see this as a generational opportunity to lead the AI-driven transformation of grocery. The platform is battle-tested, the market is ready, and our model is built for global scalability.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.