Our Journey
Autonomous Alliance was created from decades of experience building, scaling, and commercializing innovative technology companies.
After helping pioneer the autonomous retail industry and leading companies from early-stage startups to global deployments, our Chairman, Gower Smith, recognized a common challenge: exceptional founders often struggle not because of their technology, but because they lack the industry relationships and commercialization experience needed to scale.
As he became increasingly involved in mentoring founders and supporting emerging companies across autonomous retail, AI, and robotics, one thing became clear. The strongest companies didn't just need capital or advice. They needed trusted introductions, strategic partnerships, and access to people who could open the right doors.
Autonomous Alliance was created to provide exactly that.
Today, we leverage decades of industry experience and a trusted network of relationships to help innovative companies accelerate commercialization, secure strategic partnerships, access high-value venues, and build lasting businesses.
Our members gain more than support. They gain access to an ecosystem built on trust, collaboration, and relationships developed over many years across airports, hospitality, retail, technology, and Fortune 500 organizations.
01
Empowering Innovation
Harnessing AI and robotics for efficient experiences.
02
Championing Change
Creating autonomous commerce solutions for all venues.
03
Building Partnerships
Collaborating with brands to redefine retail.
Our Mission
Helping great technology reach the market faster.
We believe breakthrough innovation deserves more than great engineering. It deserves the right network.
Our mission is to help founders and growth-stage companies transform innovative ideas into successful businesses by connecting them with customers, strategic partners, industry experts, and the networks needed to accelerate commercialization.
Every introduction we make, every partnership we facilitate, and every opportunity we create is guided by one goal: accelerating the adoption of autonomous retail, AI, and robotics across the world's leading venues.
Our Impact
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1,150+ autonomous retail locations deployed across airports, hotels, and retail destinations.
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$100M+ in annual merchandise sales achieved through scaled automated retail operations.
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$100M+ raised to support the growth of innovative technology companies.
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Partnerships with leading global brands including Apple, Sony, Bose, Best Buy, Benefit Cosmetics, CVS, and Meta.
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Deep relationships across airports, hospitality, retail, and emerging technology ecosystems.
Our leaders
Gower Smith
Chairman
As Chairman of Autonomous Alliance, Gower Smith guides the Alliance's long-term strategy and helps member companies navigate early-stage growth, innovation, and commercialization. He advises on product strategy and connects founders across the autonomous retail, robotics, and AI ecosystem.
Before San Francisco, Gower founded four technology companies in Australia. He then built an automated retail business in the U.S. that grew into a global operation, selling more than $1 billion in products through automated retail stores across major U.S. airports, hotels, malls, and retail environments. Known for people-centered leadership and long-term trust with customers, financiers, and partners, his expertise spans early-stage innovation, IP strategy, customer acquisition, and go-to-market execution - with a track record of turning ideas into scalable, high-value businesses. His relationships open doors into Fortune 500 accounts and key channels like U.S. airports, hospitality, and malls.
Marta Santiago
Business Development Manager
Marta oversees coordination across Autonomous Alliance's member companies, managing the operations, partnerships, and resources that support their growth. She leads investor outreach, identifies strategic opportunities across AI, autonomous retail, and robotics, and works closely with founders to strengthen their positioning and fundraising.
She brings a background in brand management, business development, and marketing, with experience at Coty, Unilever, and her own agency, MS Brand Agency. Marta holds a degree in Business Sciences Management from Spain and a BA from UC Berkeley.