In 2014, ParkBee co-founders research analyst Jian Jiang and trader Tom Buchman set out on what was to become our mobility revolution. Living in Rotterdam and commuting to Amsterdam’s business district (the Zuidas) each day proved a constant frustration. Trying to find suitable parking was tricky – yet when leaving their apartment complex garage in the morning or their office car park in the evening, they would drive away from an abundance of vacant spaces. The solution seemed to be hiding right beneath or next to those offices and other private buildings.
The concept was smart, yet simple: open up these hidden parking spaces to the public. This way we could add value to property owners by filling lots, while alleviating the huge pres- sure of parking in and around cities. Consumers would benefit through affordable parking at premium locations.
After talking to many real-estate investors, Tom and Jian realised that most of the necessary infrastructure to get people (and cars) in and out of garages was already there. All that was needed was smart technology to open barriers, speed gates and exit doors remotely. This was the birth of ParkBee.
