Vengo Labs is a startup founded by Brian Shimmerlik after winning the NYC Next Idea competition in 2012, with the goal of re-inventing vending machines using new technology and Twilio SMS to power sales. The company's initial idea was to install software-powered vending machines in taxis, but it expanded into other types of vending machines with touch screens that offer a wide range of products, including discounts on Uber rides. Vengo Labs took control of hardware manufacturing after finding contractors who couldn't meet their standards, and now focuses on design and software as its core competency. The company has partnered with Uber to launch a marketing campaign using Twilio SMS to attract users and offers 10% off first Uber rides to Vengo customers.