From anniversary year to record year: Highlights and milestones at bezahl.de in 2023

The year began with a bang for us: The conclusion of the Series A financing round in March, which raised an impressive 11 million euros. This milestone not only highlights the trust of investors, but also represents special recognition for the ambitious bezahl.de team, which is working tirelessly to expand the product and realize the company's visions.

With this tailwind, the scaling of bezahl.de moving forward, we became part of Scale-up.NRW-Program. Membership not only gives us access to first-class mentoring and valuable resources, but also networking with key industry contacts. Focus topic here: Scaling strategies.

Opening new doors: Relocation and new partnerships

The year 2023 was also a year of new beginnings: After three and a half years, we are from the co-working space WeWork, who really supported us in our early growth phase with his flexible concept, moved just a few meters further into our first own office building in the heart of Cologne. Here, the continuously growing team of now over 115 employees not only creates enough space, but also an inspiring working atmosphere for the many upcoming projects and new partnerships.

A particular highlight that we are very proud of is the collaboration with the BMW Group: The team from bezahl.de is pleased with the integration into the “My BMW app” as an exclusive payment service provider and the trust placed in the quality of our services. New to the partner portfolio: The KIA and Mazda Dealer Associations and the VDRP (Association of German Dacia and Renault Partners e.V.), which since then have not only provided their members with automated and more efficient process processing, but also a modern payment experience for their customers. As the first vertical partner, we added Wegatech Greenenergy to our partner network this year, paving the way for other sectors of the industry.

We were also able to conclude a number of new collaborations on the subject of system connections. In November, after extensive negotiations, the official interface and partnership with Formula One Evolution was successfully initiated by Cardis Reynolds. In addition, users of the DMS Cidcar from AM Solutions, among others, can look forward to setting up a common interface. This collaboration ensures smooth integration for retailers and marks a further step forward in providing the proven service of bezahl.de to be able to use it optimally.

Product innovations for optimized user experience: installment payments, white labels, etc.

In order to offer our customers a selection of modern and customer-oriented payment methods at the perfect touch point, we have worked diligently on the development of new embedded finance solutions. At the beginning of the year, we were proud to announce the launch of the first fully digital installment payment solution for automotive aftersales. The digital application process, the bezahl.de Payment in installments meets the spirit of changing customer needs and paves the way for maximum flexibility and an improved service experience in car dealerships.

bezahl.de is constantly working on developing its product and improving the user experience. Due to increasing demand, the eagerly awaited white label solution was presented in September 2023. For the first time, the new additional function makes it possible to use all via bezahl.de represent completed payment processes in your own branding and thus standardize complete customer communication. Car dealerships thus benefit from proven Zahl.de processes and can strengthen their brand identity and customer loyalty at the same time.

We were also able to add numerous features to our product that promote the holistic mapping of payment processes and user experience. These include the ability to deposit deposits for test drives on credit cards, freely configure usage purposes and optimize the customer account. With the “Locations” feature, cross-location customer accounts can now be maintained, which makes it easier to handle major customers via the platform.

Anniversary and networking: Together into the digital future

There was reason to celebrate in June: The 5th anniversary of bezahl.de. Together with family and friends, they not only celebrated exuberantly, but also collected donations for a good cause.

The last half of the year was characterized by intensive exchange and deepened partnerships. The roundtable event in Cologne brought together various partners from bezahl.de and proved to be an extremely successful networking event. The positive feedback provided the basis for the continuation of this series of events. In this way, he performed bezahl.de Once again, a significant contribution to professional exchange within the German automotive sector. Last but not least, this role was also reflected in collaboration with Mercedes Herbrand and a visit to their young talent group, where the importance of strong partnerships was once again emphasized.

Continuous success: bezahl.de Starts stronger in 2024

It succeeded in 2023 bezahl.de Building on the successes of 2022 and continuing the success story: More than 1,000 car dealerships in Germany and a proud 70% of the top 100 car retail groups are already using the digital platform, meaning that over six billion euros of receivables have already been processed via the platform this year alone. Even in cooperation with car manufacturers (OEMs), bezahl.de pave the way for important groundbreaking steps for the next year.

As the crowning finale for the year 2023, achieved bezahl.de It was also among the top 3 in the Payment & Banking Fintech of the Year Award. The fifth award nomination this year. The team appreciates the industry's recognition and appreciation and is looking forward to a promising year 2024 full of motivation.