Tel Aviv: Retail technology startup Xpand has announced a $6 million funding round led by Ibex Investors and Emerge, with active participation from its Chairman and CEO, Joel Bar-El, and the executive leadership team.
The capital injection will power Xpand’s first commercial launch — a fully autonomous, AI-driven store opening in Vienna — and accelerate the company’s mission to deliver frictionless retail experiences worldwide.
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Founded in 2021 as 1MRobotics and rebranded to Xpand, the company develops modular, plug-and-play “store-in-a-box” units that integrate robotics, advanced computer vision, and real-time inventory tracking.
Designed to operate 24/7 without staff, these autonomous retail systems enable rapid store deployment and provide shoppers with a seamless, personalized experience.
“The Vienna launch is the first step in a global rollout,” said Joel Bar-El, CEO of retail technology startup Xpand. “With this investment, we are transitioning from vision to execution — delivering scalable, autonomous retail infrastructure at a worldwide level.”
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Retail technology startup Xpand at Forefront of Autonomous Commerce
The new funding will support store expansions across Europe and North America while bolstering Xpand’s sales, marketing, and technology teams.
The leadership group combines deep expertise in retail, logistics, and enterprise tech, with Bar-El having previously co-founded Trax Retail, a global AI retail unicorn. Other executives bring experience from SAP, Retalix, Bringg, and Magic Leap.
Retail technology startup Xpand is positioning itself at the forefront of the autonomous commerce revolution, aiming to partner with global retailers to redefine convenience and grocery shopping.
