Botrista, a company specialising in data-driven, automated beverage platforms, has closed a Series C funding round led by Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), bringing its total capital raised to $120 million.

This investment underscores Botrista's expanding market presence and a shift in the restaurant industry's approach to cold beverages, driven by global demand for innovative flavours.

Founded in 2017, Botrista has partnered with businesses in 37 states. Its platform allows restaurants to serve a variety of high-margin cold beverages – from boba drinks and refreshers to smoothies, shakes, cold brew coffees, lemonades, cocktails and energy drinks – all from a single machine.

Botrista plans to use the capital to meet growing demand by investing in AI technology to create data-driven beverage menus for brand partners. Additionally, the company will allocate resources to R&D to expand its beverage offerings and seek out global suppliers of high-quality ingredients.

Sean Hsu, CEO of Botrista, said: "JFC's support validates the vision for a more exciting beverage menu. This new funding will fuel our hyper-expansion into new markets and help more of our partners elevate their drink menu without increasing labour or complexity."

Tony Tan Caktiong, JFC Chairman, commented: "Botrista is a game changer for the beverage industry. We're investing in a company that enables foodservice operators to deliver a world-class customer experience and provides substantial runway for sustained profitable growth."

Jason Valentine, chief strategy officer for Botrista, added: "We currently serve partners across 37 states, including national restaurant chains, independent restaurants, college campuses, movie theatres, theme parks and other alternative venues. The timing of this fundraising perfectly aligns with the high demand from new partners and significant interest from growing restaurant brands on a global scale."

Earlier this month, Jollibee Foods also announced the acquisition of Compose Coffee in a $340m deal.

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