Amsterdam Startup ParkBee Closes $33M Financing Deal

ParkBee, a Dutch startup that transforms rarely used parking spaces into bookable spots for the public, has closed a 30 million euros ($33 million) funding deal.

The investment round was led by Koolen Industries, the Netherlands-based clean energy investor announced Tuesday (March 22).

ParkBee CEO Werner Paul Boerma said the investment will allow the company to expand in Europe and accelerate the transition of the fleet to electric vehicles with more charging options in parking garages. It currently operates in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium.

“We are delighted that a renowned and experienced entrepreneur like Kees Koolen (CEO and founder of Koolen Industries) is joining ParkBee as an investor,” Boerma said in a statement. “Someone with so much experience in the world of tech platforms on board is a recognition for the work and dedication of everyone within ParkBee.”

ParkBee calls itself Europe’s top digital car parking platform. It promises consumers off-street parking options and helps cities and landlords better utilize their urban spaces.

Earlier this month, PYMNTS reported that as the deployment of digital car keys becomes more widespread, a growing number of consumers are discovering their value.

Read also: Digital Car Keys Help Enable Many Consumer, Commercial Use Cases

The ability to open and start vehicles with a smartphone and mobile app allows them to access their vehicle more easily and share that access with others, including family, friends and even businesses.

Companies that have adopted digital keys say consumers often have their mobile phone readily at hand, while the same may not be true of physical keys or fobs. With a digital key enabled on a mobile phone, users need only put the phone near the vehicle’s door handle.