Links 🖇️

Pitch Deck / Website / Press Coverage

Journey ⛰️

VendGuard is transforming age-restricted vending with a groundbreaking facial recognition system that verifies buyers in under 2 seconds—no network required. Founded by Chris Sentz, Geoff Jacobson, and tech innovator Rob Zwink, this New Albany-based startup enhances security and compliance for alcohol, tobacco, and other restricted sales. With a debut at Land-Grant Brewing and partnerships like Crane Vending on the horizon, VendGuard is accelerating toward a safer, smarter vending future.

Location 🗺️

HQ: 7201 Biddick Ct, New Albany, OH 43054
Market Presence: Ohio-based with expanding partnerships

Meet the Leadership 🤼

Contact email: chris@VendGuard.ai

• Chris Sentz (CEO) – Scaled businesses from startup to nine-figure valuation; Increased online revenue from $28M to $133M in 18 months; Consultant for brands like Paul Mitchell and Burger King
• Robert Zwink (CTO) – Former executive at JP Morgan Chase; Developed SafeWire (first wire fraud prevention software); Created payment software for Citi and Capital One
• Geoffrey Jacobson (CFO) – Former VP of Finance at Helios Service Partners; MBA from University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Alignment 💫

• Key Technological Achievements:
  • Developed verification system that works in under 2 seconds (compared to industry standard of 35+ seconds)
  • Created network-independent verification system enhancing security
  • Delivered beta units in 2023
  • Sold first production unit for 2024 delivery
  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Facial Recognition PDF417 Barcode Scanning Machine Learning Fake ID Detection Integrated Vending Operation Control
• Business Model:
  • Subscription-based, per device
  • Yearly contracts required
  • Minimum account size: 10 machines
  • Hardware lifespan: 3-5 years
  • Sales approach: Direct sales + channel partnerships
• Strategic Growth:
  • Land Grant Brewing
  • Crane Vending (CPI)
  • Compass Group pilot program (Q1/Q2 2025)
  • Crane integration contract by summer 2025
  • Placement of 10 units
  • Expanding market presence
  • OEM integration using latest MDB protocols

Round Details 💰

Request an intro through ODP or reach out to the leadership team above for more information.

Asks 🙋

• Support in expanding production capabilities
• Introductions to potential partners in age-restricted retail
• Strategic guidance on scaling technology deployment
• Assistance with regulatory navigation across different markets
• Capital to accelerate product development and market entry