参加时间：DEMO 2006
融资金额：$2,500万美元

On-demand ice cream machine maker MooBella LLC (DEMO 2006) has "scooped up" $25 million in its first round of financing, provided by W. Health L.P., a venture fund managed by Inventages Venture Capital Investment Inc. The company also announced the addition of Erich Sieber, an Inventages partner, to MooBella's board of directors.

The financing will help bring MooBella's Ice Cream System to additional locations, according to Bruce C. Ginsberg, MooBella's president and CEO. The multi-patented technology is used to provide several hard-packed ice creams made fresh-to-order in less than a minute.

Product Name
The MooBella Ice Cream System

Market Segment
Consumer hardware

Funding
Privately held company that has raised over $36 million primarily in debt and preferred equity funding. Is in its third round of financing, the most recent occurred in 2005 (approximately $7 million). More than 180 private investors and one venture capital funder, Saturn Asset Management (MooBella’s largest shareholder). Currently engaging in its fourth round of financing activities for the purpose of launching its technology into the marketplace.

Competitors
No direct competitors. Peripheral competitors: Unilever Food Service, makers of Good Humor, Popsicle, Ben & Jerry's, Breyers Nestle Food Service, makers of Haagen Daz, Dreyers/Edys Colombo and other soft-serve products.

Product Description
The MooBella System, a virtual ice cream shop in the space of a vending machine, mixes and instantly freezes fresh ingredients to produce a delicious scoop of ice cream within 45 seconds. Consumers can select from 96 combinations of flavors and mix-ins. Designed initially for food service operators, the system increases sales per square foot; automates inventory and portion control; and captures sales and operations data in any location with wireless capability.

Market Opportunity
According to the International Dairy Foods Association, consumers spent more than $12.5 billion in the frozen dessert industry‘s “away from home” category. Total volume of frozen desserts increased to nearly 1.6 billion gallons of ice cream in 2003, with total per capita sales increasing to 21.83 quarts.

Demo Says
How could I not bring MooBella to DEMO? Sure, the ice cream has its appeal, but the real reason this company is part of our showcase is the tremendous amount of technology that goes into each fresh scoop of frozen treats. From its remote monitoring and inventory management system to its self-maintenance and simple user interface, MooBella is a masterful display of innovation.