VARM, a German insulation startup with a mission to drive household decarbonization, is announcing it has raised a seven-figure pre-seed round from Foundamental and A/O. Strategic angels include the founders of German central heating specialist Thermondo. The funding will be used to build the technological infrastructure for cavity-wall insulation and expand its footprint in Germany.
Founded in 2023 by second-time founders Christian Gruener (longevity supplements startup Vitalon) and Sebastian Wuerz (co-living startup homefully), VARM is a one-stop shop to insulate buildings with cavity wall insulation. Currently focused on the Berlin area, homeowners can use VARM to get a quote, access grants, and have their insulation installed by skilled VARM insulation installers. By digitizing the customer journey, breaking down the costs, and improving accessibility to quality installers, VARM is aiming to insulate one million homes in the next 10 years.
Christian Gruener, co-founder of VARM, said: “One of the most effective ways to decarbonize Europe is to improve existing building stock through insulation. Sadly, too often this solution is overlooked. We’re speeding up the transition to net-zero by providing homeowners with everything they need to safely and affordably insulate their homes. We’re only at the beginning of our journey and we’re excited to have the support of Foundamental and A/O, two of the leading construction and built-word investment funds to help us grow and succeed.”
VARM is targeting single-family homes due to the overwhelming need to improve the efficiency of these buildings across the continent. However, the startup also plans to take on the multi-family home market to further its impact and in line with EU regulation which aims to ensure that all buildings have zero emissions by 2050.
To speed up the heat transition, VARM is hiring and training people to become VARM insulators, with the first group already coming through the academy. This will fast-track getting the right skills into insulation to overcome the skills gaps affecting not only insulation but also the solar and heat pump sectors.
Patric Hellermann, general partner at Foundamental, commented: “Tens of millions of buildings need retrofit insulation, to remain viable economically and climate-wise. Christian and Sebastian found an ingenious way to industrialize retrofit insulation with their technology and process. We’re delighted to be supporting them and the entire VARM team to scale their impactful model across Germany and beyond.”
Gregory Dewerpe, general partner and founder at A/O, added: “We can’t decarbonize the built world without retrofitting existing building stock and upgrading insulation is often the most efficient way to do this. Unfortunately, the shortage of installers and the fragmented journey has meant that homeowners often overlook insulation. VARM is making it easier and more affordable for buildings and homeowners to upgrade their insulation, reducing energy consumption and bills. We’re excited to be partnering with them on their journey.”
