Emmasbox

Emmasbox GmbH was a German company that provided a total solution for click-and-collect systems, focusing on refrigerated electronic lockers for last-mile delivery of online-ordered goods, particularly groceries. Founded in 2013 in Munich by Michael Reichelt and fellow students from the Technical University of Munich, the startup aimed to solve the challenge of keeping perishable goods fresh until customer pickup.

The business operated by supplying both the hardware (refrigerated, temperature-controlled lockers) and a comprehensive software platform for the operation and integration of the pickup stations. Clients, such as supermarkets and retailers, could integrate the service into their online stores via API and e-commerce plugins. When a consumer placed an order online, they could select an Emmasbox locker as the delivery point. Upon the parcel's arrival, the customer received an access code via email or SMS to retrieve their items at their convenience, ensuring the cold chain was maintained for fresh food.

The company received a seven-figure financing round in October 2014 and another in November 2017, with investors including FSP Ventures and MA Ventures, the investment arm of the Swiss retail giant Migros Group. Despite initial hype and deployment in locations like Linz, Austria, and with partners such as Deutsche Bahn, the demand for the service proved insufficient. The company was declared deadpooled and underwent liquidation in March 2022.

Keywords: refrigerated lockers, click-and-collect, last-mile delivery, grocery delivery, smart lockers, food logistics, e-grocery, parcel lockers, temperature-controlled logistics, IoT solutions, retail technology, online food ordering, pickup stations, cold chain management, Michael Reichelt, FSP Ventures, Migros, Munich startup