VARM raises €5.7M Seed to address skill gaps in building insulation

Berlin-based home insulation startup VARM has raised €5.7 million in Seed funding.

The company, founded in 2023, focuses on air-gap insulation (also known as cavity wall or blown-in insulation), improving insulation efficacy and reducing installation time and costs, making it a more attractive option for homeowners and businesses alike.

It bridges the skills gap that hampers large-scale insulation efforts. By connecting a local workforce of independent insulators with its insulation technologies, VARM aims to help scale building insulation. 

"In the next 10 years, we have to transform high emissions buildings to become energy-efficient. The most effective way to do this is insulation and not heat pumps or solar." said Christian Gruener, Co-founder and CEO of VARM.

"This is why we build a scalable infrastructure for insulation. This funding will help us expand and innovate, making insulation more accessible and affordable for everyone."

Emerge, and Pale Blue Dot led the funding with additional support from noa (formerly A/O), Foundamental, and previous angel investors. 

Heidi Lindvall, Partner at Pale Blue Dot, shared:

"We believe that VARM's innovative approach to addressing the insulation skills gap can have a massive impact on reducing household emissions across Europe."

Mario Barosevcic, Partner at Emerge, asserts: 

"Training new installers not only addresses the immediate demand for skilled workers but also provides long-term career perspectives by democratising access to opportunity."

This funding round will enable VARM to expand its "Cloud Installers" initiative, offering a comprehensive business-in-a-box solution that empowers workers to start and scale their insulation services effectively while addressing the skills gaps.

Lead image: VARM. Photo: uncredited.