Singapore foodtech startup closes 7-figure seed round

Advantir Innovations, a foodtech startup based in Singapore, said it has closed a seven-figure seed round led by Raging Bull Investments.

She1K Global, Expara Asia Ventures, Azerus, and other angel investors also participated in the fundraise, according to a statement.

Advantir Innovations founder Jeremy Tan / Photo credit: Advantir Innovations

Founded in 2018, Advantir created Swirl.Go, a capsule dessert machine that offers four types of soft-serve products – ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt – in over 100 flavors. The desserts come in Swirl Pods, which are individual disposable capsules.

The machine incorporates a system of sensors and processing algorithms to ensure the consistency of each dessert. It also has internet-of-things and analytical capabilities to help businesses understand customer preferences and track inventory levels. In addition, it offers a self-payment vending option that allows for unmanned operations.

Swirl.Go is currently marketed to the food and beverage, hospitality, and events industries, as well as to corporate organizations.

With the fresh capital, Advantir will grow its team, drive the innovation of its new products, and facilitate international expansion.

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Having conducted pilot trials at several locations, the company aims to make its product available to the public within the first quarter of 2021. It is also developing a miniaturized version of the Swirl.Go for the home, which will be launched by the end of this year, as well as two more types of desserts that can be dispensed through the machine: smoothies and acai berry-based products.

Advantir was incubated by NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore.