Box at Work GmbH, a Berlin-based startup specializing in valet self-storage and moving-bin rentals, has raised €5.5 million in investment money, which it intends to use for expansion to the United States. The Series A funding was provided by a family-owned Dutch business that specializes in international real estate, according to a press release. The unidentified investor will also serve as a strategic partner to the valet-storage operator.
Since launching in January 2015, Box at Work has established service in several German cities and expanded to Zug and Zurich, Switzerland, earlier this year. The company expects to add service in France and the Netherlands before establishing a base in the U.S.
“The U.S. valet-storage market is currently dominated by companies such as MakeSpace and Clutter,” company officials said. “However, Box at Work, with its current position as market leader in Europe, hopes to be a strong challenger to these businesses and become a global brand.”
Similar to other valet-style storage operators, Box at Work offers by-the-bin service targeted at residents who don’t have adequate home storage. The company uses an online platform that allows customers to schedule an initial delivery of moving bins, item pickup for storage, and then redelivery of items to their home when needed. Moving customers who don’t require storage can also just rent the bins.
