January 23, 2025
German Recycling Startup ScrapBees Secures €4M to Expand Nationwide Operations
Neuss, Germany –
ScrapBees GmbH, known by its brand name SchrottBienen, a recycling startup headquartered in Neuss, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, has secured €4 million in seed funding as of January 22, 2025. The funding round included contributions from NRW.BANK, EIT RawMaterials, Munich-based impact investor BONVENTURE, Faraday Venture Partners, and several Business Angels. The investment will enable ScrapBees to scale its operations across Germany and solidify its reputation as a reliable partner for tradespeople and businesses in the recycling industry.
About the company
Founded in 2020 by Florian Kriependorf, Sebastian Kopsan, and Thilo Hamm, ScrapBees is a pioneer in scrap metal recycling, offering an innovative pick-up service that caters to private residences, businesses, and artisans. The company is known as the world’s first “scrapyard on wheels,” combining advanced technology with convenience to address the growing demand for efficient and transparent recycling solutions. By focusing on the "first mile" of recycling logistics, ScrapBees ensures materials are quickly returned to the circular economy, contributing to sustainable practices.
ScrapBees' services have already attracted over 900 business customers, with 400 from the HVAC sector. The company’s collaboration with GC Group, a leading wholesaler in building technology, aims to accelerate the heating transition by improving efficiency in trade operations. ScrapBees operates its own fleet of over 30 vehicles, employing drivers on a permanent basis to ensure reliable and timely service. Customers can schedule pickups through email, phone, WhatsApp, or the company’s website, with materials analyzed and digitally recorded on-site for transparency.
Purpose of financing
With the €4 million in new funding, ScrapBees plans to expand its services under the ScrapBees brand across all major metropolitan regions in Germany over the next 12 months.
Founder’s Insights
Thilo Hamm, Co-founder of ScrapBees, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting the heating transition in Germany:
"Our mission is to become the backbone of the heating transition for the plumbing trade. With this new capital and the confidence of our investors, we aim to seamlessly integrate our services into the workflows of trade businesses across multiple sectors."
Investor Perspective
Gonzalo Tradacete, CEO of Faraday Venture Partners, commented:
"ScrapBees embodies the kind of innovative, sustainability-driven solutions we seek to support. Their approach not only addresses resource scarcity but also contributes significantly to efficiency in industries like HVAC. We are thrilled to support ScrapBees in their mission to transform recycling into a cornerstone of the circular economy."
Conclusion
As ScrapBees scales its operations, the startup continues to focus on reducing CO2 emissions. Its recycling process saves approximately 230 kilograms of CO2 per ton compared to traditional methods, aligning with Germany’s climate targets. ScrapBees employs around 60 staff members and serves customers across Germany’s major metropolitan regions.
For more information, visit ScreapBees on LinkedIn.