Dunamu Invests 9.2 Billion Won in US 'Beverage Robot'... "Professional Barista Level" [Go Eun-yi's VC Investment Notes]

Dunamu's investment subsidiary, Dunamu & Partners, announced that it has invested 9.2 billion won in the Series C round of Botrista, a beverage automation robot startup headquartered in the United States. This round included participation from several strategic investors, including the global F&B company Jollibee Group.

The core of Botrista's next-generation beverage automation robot is its technology for precisely dispensing liquids of various viscosities, operating based on a system that integrates fluid dynamics, mechanical engineering, and software. The company holds numerous patents in key technology areas such as sensor and motor control, inventory and sales data analysis, and cloud-based OTA updates.

Botrista's robots are characterized by their ability to easily produce premium beverages (coffee, cocktails, bubble tea, smoothies, shakes, etc.) at a professional barista level from a single device. They are currently installed in various franchise stores in the US, including Halal Guys, Jollibee, Shipley Do-Nuts, and Porkworks, and have recently signed supply contracts with F&B partners holding over 50% market share in universities, hospitals, office cafeterias, and theme parks, marking a significant expansion.

Sean Hsu, CEO of Botrista, stated, "With this investment from Dunamu & Partners, we can further enhance Botrista's liquid dispensing technology," adding, "By utilizing technology that precisely sprays high-quality purees, we aim to contribute to improving the profitability of global F&B companies while offering consumers healthier and more delicious beverage experiences."

Im Soo-jin, Partner at Dunamu & Partners, said, "Botrista's CEO Sean Hsu independently implemented liquid dispensing technology based on his four years of experience researching and developing battery dispensing systems at Tesla," adding, "It is already operating in a wide network of stores across the US, proving its scalability and stability, and will be quickly adopted by F&B companies struggling with labor shortages and rising labor costs to enhance profitability."

Dunamu & Partners, an investment subsidiary of Dunamu, has invested in a total of 70 startups with 194 billion won as of May 2025 since its establishment in March 2018. It invests in areas where industries such as AI, data, finance, and healthcare intersect and converge. Its major portfolio includes Korea Credit Data, Travel Wallet, Banksalad, Kraft Technologies, Rebellion, InnoClass (formerly Genome Insight), and Airs Medical.

Reporter Go Eun-yi koko@hankyung.com