The funding was provided by an unlisted bank in the DACH region.
German climate fintech Bees & Bears has raised €500 million in its latest funding round, backed by an unlisted bank in the DACH region under European Central Bank supervision. Founded in 2023 by Jakob von Egidy and Marius Schondelmaier, Bees & Bears specializes in streamlining financing for sustainable energy solutions in private households across Germany.
The fresh capital is expected to fund the installation of over 24,000 photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, energy storage units, and EV wall boxes. The company empowers small and medium-sized tradespeople by offering installment payment options, leveling the playing field with larger industry players.
“Until now, private households who wanted to finance their solar system with credit almost inevitably had to choose one of the few large online installers in the industry – because only they could offer payment in installments,” explains Marius Schondelmaier, co-founder and managing director of Bees & Bears.
“Our solution changes that: you can combine payment in installments and the installer you trust. Small and medium sized installation companies are now on a par with the industry’s major players.”
Von Egidy highlighted the mutual benefits for banks, stating, “We simplify the financing process, making sustainable home upgrades as straightforward as buying a car.” This approach aims to accelerate Germany’s energy transition by providing accessible, customer-friendly financing options.
“Traditional banks see this large market, but have difficulty with the comparatively low loan volumes and the rapid approval requests of end customers. We make purchasing a solar system as easy as purchasing a car.”
