VendingMarketWatch.com |

Zoom Systems has closed a $20 million Series E financing round from Sierra Ventures, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., NeoCarta Ventures, Motorola Ventures, the strategic venture capital arm of Motorola, and Starfish Ventures. The funds will be used to expand the Zoom Systems automated retail channel domestically and internationally.

Zoom Systems has established a network of automated retail stores, called ZoomShops, that offer a unique shopping experience; the convenience of online shopping coupled with the consumer gratification of immediate product delivery. ZoomShops automate all the capabilities of a retail channel, allowing brand and location partners to differentiate themselves with an enhanced consumer experience.

All ZoomShops are centrally networked and monitored and provide brands the most efficient way to grow their revenue and profits, resulting in the highest sales-per-square-foot average in the retail environment. Zoom Systems partners with brands including Apple iPod, Sony, Proactiv Solution, Best Buy, Macy's and Rosetta Stone to place ZoomShops in high-traffic locations such as airports, shopping centers, and retail. There are currently over 800 ZoomShops throughout the U.S. and Japan.

Gower Smith, founder and CEO of Zoom Systems, said in a prepared statement: "We are continuing to deliver results for our customers, even in this challenging economic environment. The continued support from all our institutional investors is a testament to the strength of the Zoom Systems' business. We now have the capital to control our destiny and focus on operational excellence."

"We are extremely pleased with Zoom Systems' continued rapid growth and clear leadership position in the new space of automated retail," said Jeff Loomans, partner at Sierra Ventures.

"We were very happy to participate further in this exceptional opportunity, and are pleased to be able to continue working with the Zoom Systems team."

Zoom Systems' executive management team, board of directors and advisors all have extensive technology and retail backgrounds at companies that include Borders Group, Kroger, PepsiCo Inc., Saks Inc., MCI Communications Corp., Visa International, Starbucks and Mattel.

Founded in 2002, San Francisco, Calif.-based Zoom Systems enables brands to place their products directly in the path of consumers in an intensely interactive manner, removed from the competitive clutter of traditional retail. ZoomShops offer the immediate gratification of instant product delivery and are the first automated retail concept offering such a wide variety of leading brands. Zoom Systems partners with leading brands to implement networks of automated retail stores in high-traffic locations such as airports, shopping centers, supermarkets, and retail. Zoom Systems' investors include Goldman, Sachs & Co., Sierra Ventures, NeoCarta Ventures and Motorola Ventures. For more information, visit www.zoomsystems.com.

For more information, call Stephanie Bowler at 415-348-7475; email: stephanie.bowler@zoomsystems.com.