The SmAll Market drives U.S. expansion after raising US$2 million
The SmAll Market raises more than US$2 million to expand its autonomous stores in Miami and accelerate its U.S. growth.
The startup The SmAll Market, founded by Brazilian entrepreneurs Lucas Ceschin and Rodolpho Damasco, raised more than US$2 million in funding to accelerate its expansion in the United States.
The company has already begun operations in Miami, Florida, where it is implementing a model of autonomous convenience stores inside residential complexes.
Pre-seed round attracts retail and technology executives
The company's pre-seed round raised US$2 million and included investors with extensive experience in the retail and technology sectors. They include:
- Trevor Hayes, former CEO of Subway.
- Leandro Balbinot, CTO of Whole Foods and vice president of Operations at Amazon.
- Jardel Cardoso, founder of Billor and former CEO of CrediPago.
The funds raised will support The SmAll Market's growth strategy in the United States, where the startup aims to expand its network of autonomous stores and strengthen its operating structure.
An autonomous convenience model available 24 hours a day
The company's business model involves installing autonomous stores in residential buildings with more than 150 apartments. Residents can access a selection of everyday products at any time of day, without staff on site.
According to Lucas Ceschin, the company's co-founder, the goal is to turn residential spaces into highly accessible convenience points.
"The proposition is clear: to turn residential spaces into convenient locations accessible 24 hours a day, with no human staff and a fully digital experience," Ceschin said.
The company's first autonomous store began operating in March inside a residential condominium in Miami. The product selection is tailored to residents' profiles and shopping habits to provide a more personalized experience.
Technology and artificial intelligence power operations
The SmAll Market uses proprietary technology to manage automated payments and store operations. It also uses artificial intelligence tools to optimize product selection and pricing strategies.
Ceschin believes the U.S. market offers significant opportunities for this type of solution.
"We identified an opportunity in a market where this model is still relatively unexplored. We are bringing a solution that has been tested, validated, and adapted for a demanding consumer," he said.
The executive added that the company's long-term vision is to build a business known for consistent operations and the experience it provides its customers.
"Our goal is to build a company that stands out for the consistency of its operations and the experience it offers."
Founders with experience in retail, technology, and finance
The leadership team combines experience in retail, technology, and financial services.
Before founding The SmAll Market, Lucas Ceschin was co-founder and CEO of James Delivery, a platform acquired by Grupo Pão de Açúcar in 2018.
Meanwhile, Rodolpho Damasco has been involved in creating companies and investment vehicles focused on private credit, structured transactions, and alternative investments.
Expansion includes 10 new locations in Miami
Damasco explained that entering the U.S. market required adapting to local regulations and the specific dynamics of the real estate sector.
"The main challenges include regulatory complexities, which vary from city to city, as well as the dynamics of the U.S. real estate market. Adapting to this environment required strategic adjustments and the development of local relationships," he said.
Over the coming months, The SmAll Market plans to open 10 new locations in Miami. At the same time, the startup is developing an expansion strategy based on local operators, backed by operational support and financing opportunities.
"The strategy is to move forward in a structured way, focusing on the consumer experience and operational efficiency," Damasco concluded.
