Cooler Screens Raises $80M to Transform Retail Cooler Aisles with Digital Innovation
Cooler Screens, the Chicago-based startup replacing traditional cooler doors with interactive digital displays, has secured $80 million in Series C funding. This latest investment brings the company’s total funding to over $100 million, signaling strong confidence in its vision to modernize brick-and-mortar retail.
Key Investors and Leadership
The funding round was led by prominent backers, including:
- Verizon Ventures (parent company of TechCrunch)
- Microsoft’s M12 venture fund
- GreatPoint Ventures
- Silicon Valley Bank
CEO Arsen Avakian, a seasoned entrepreneur and former founder of Argo Tea, brings a unique blend of tech and consumer brand expertise to Cooler Screens.
“I went from IT to tea, and now I’m back to IT,” Avakian joked, highlighting his diverse background. “This venture merges technology with retail—a perfect fit for today’s evolving consumer landscape.”
How Cooler Screens Enhances the Shopping Experience
Cooler Screens replaces static glass doors with smart, interactive displays that provide real-time product information, such as:
- Dietary filters (e.g., vegan, gluten-free)
- Nutritional details (calories, ingredients)
- Promotions and ads
Avakian emphasizes the platform’s consumer-first approach: “Our goal is to bridge the gap between online research and in-store purchases. Shoppers deserve transparency at the point of decision.”
Rapid Expansion and Retail Partnerships
After a successful pilot in 50 Chicago-area Walgreens, Cooler Screens announced plans to expand to 2,500 Walgreens locations nationwide. Additional partners include:
- Kroger
- GetGo
The technology also offers retailers:
- Dynamic digital merchandising
- Contextual advertising (without collecting personal data)
- Increased engagement metrics (noting Net Promoter Scores “through the roof”)
Pandemic-Proof Retail Innovation
Avakian highlights the platform’s relevance in today’s market: “Brick-and-mortar retail isn’t disappearing—it’s evolving. COVID-19 proved its essential role, and tech like ours ensures it stays competitive.”
Since March 2020, Cooler Screens has grown from 40 advertising brands to nearly 150, demonstrating strong advertiser appeal in a privacy-conscious era.
Image Credits: Cooler Screens
The Future of Retail Advertising
Unlike traditional digital ads, Cooler Screens delivers value by:
- Targeting shoppers in a purchase-ready mindset
- Operating in a brand-safe, physical retail environment
- Eliminating reliance on personal data collection
As Avakian puts it: *“We’re not just selling ads—we’re enhancing the entire shopping journey.”**
With fresh funding and major retail partnerships, Cooler Screens is poised to redefine how consumers interact with products—one digital cooler at a time.
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