Kiwibot acquires Nickelytics to turn delivery robots into mobile billboards

Kiwibot, known for its fleet of semi-autonomous delivery robots, has made a strategic leap into the advertising world by acquiring Nickelytics, a Tampa-based ad startup, for $25 million. This move reflects Kiwibot’s recognition of the untapped potential in turning its robots into mobile billboards, capitalizing on the high visibility they have enjoyed since their debut on the UC Berkeley campus in 2017.

This partnership offers brands an innovative way to engage consumers through data-driven, out-of-home advertising, enhancing the way ads reach targeted audiences. By transforming routine deliveries into interactive, measurable brand experiences, Kiwibot is offering advertisers a unique opportunity to connect with consumers in a meaningful way. The integration of Nickelytics’ platform will allow advertisers to track and optimize their campaigns, providing detailed insights into consumer engagement and the effectiveness of each ad placement.

Innovation in robotic advertising

Kiwibot’s CEO, Felipe Chavez, emphasized the importance of the acquisition: “This acquisition is all about strategically positioning ourselves as a market leader and elevating our offering with Nickelytics’ added approach. By integrating our technologies and scaling our operations, we’re laying the groundwork for global expansion and continued innovation that will bring a new edge to advertising.”

Kiwibot is no stranger to innovation. Since its founding in 2017, the company has been at the forefront of autonomous delivery, operating its fleet of robots on college campuses and urban areas across more than 20 U.S. states. With clients such as Sodexo USA, Grubhub, and AWS already on board, the addition of Nickelytics’ ad capabilities expands the company’s potential, turning each delivery robot into a valuable piece of real estate for advertisers.

The acquisition comes at a time when out-of-home advertising is seeing a resurgence, driven by the return of consumers to public spaces post-pandemic and the increasing demand for innovative advertising methods. As part of the deal, Judah Longgrear, CEO of Nickelytics, will join Kiwibot as a co-founder and lead operations in North America.

With this bold move, Kiwibot is positioning itself not only as a leader in robotics but also as an innovator in the advertising space, offering a unique blend of mobility, data insights, and advertising opportunities in the bustling world of delivery services.