Bearbox

What Bearbox does

Bearbox (legal entities BearBox International S.L. in Barcelona and BearBox International Ltd. in Hampton, UK) is a privately held European self-storage access-control vendor founded in approximately 2003 by operators who could not find a purpose-built solution for the industry. The company sells a cloud-connected access control platform paired with proprietary on-site hardware — touchscreen keypads, BearLock automatic unit locks, ANPR cameras, QR Solo readers, branded fob/card readers, and supporting mobile apps for tenants and managers — supporting PIN, QR, fob, ANPR, mobile-app and multi-factor authentication (MFA) entry across three solution packages (Traditional, Automated/Unmanned, Container). Its flagship differentiator is end-to-end automation: when integrated with rental software platforms (Stora, Storeganise, Space Manager, Kinnovis), tenancy events automatically trigger PIN/QR provisioning, unit overlocking on overdue accounts, and access revocation on move-out, enabling fully unmanned 24/7 facility operation. MFA won the FEDESSA 2023 Innovation Award.

The company monetises through three revenue streams: hardware sales (controllers, keypads, locks, cameras, QR readers installed by Bearbox engineers), recurring software subscriptions for the cloud platform, and professional installation/commissioning services. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; sales is conducted direct via [email protected] supplemented by channel partnerships with the four named rental-software vendors and a public REST API for custom integrations. Go-to-market is sales-led with channel-driven referrals, supported by participation in FEDESSA industry events.

Bearbox serves 600+ self-storage facilities across the UK, Spain, Sweden, Germany, France, and the Netherlands with a deliberately lean team of 30+ specialists. Leadership comprises CEO Donna Humphreys, founder Hugh Murray, and Head of Tech Max Strålin. The company is bootstrapped with no disclosed funding rounds, operates through dual Spanish and UK entities, and reports GDPR compliance for the UK entity. Its customer base spans multi-site enterprise operators (Bluespace, Squab, MyPlace, Vanguard) and mid-market regional operators, all within the self-storage vertical.

Name

Bearbox

Legal name

BearBox International S.L.

Website

https://bearbox.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Bearbox is a privately held European vendor of cloud-connected access control hardware and software purpose-built for the self-storage industry, serving 600+ facilities across six countries from offices in Barcelona and Hampton with a team of 30+.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Self-Storage Access Control

NAICS

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Self-Storage Security & Access Services (Gated Entry, Keypad, CCTV) (HSAKAGAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Remote Access, Guest & Temporary Credential Management (Airbnb/Short-Term Rental) (HSAHAEAF)

Keywords

• Self-storage access control
• Smart unit locking
• ANPR gate automation
• Cloud access management
• Rental software integration

Headquarters

HQ city

Barcelona

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware (Controllers, Keypads, BearLock, ANPR, QR Readers): Bearbox sells proprietary access control hardware including controllers, touchscreen keypads, BearLock unit locks, ANPR cameras, QR Solo readers, and associated peripherals. Hardware is installed by Bearbox engineers as part of the deployment.
2. Software Platform Subscription: Ongoing software licensing for cloud-connected access control platform, real-time monitoring, API access, and integration connectivity. Supported via monthly/annual subscription model for facility operators.
3. Installation & Commissioning Services: Bearbox handles full installation, commissioning, and staff training on site. A typical single-site deployment takes one to two days. Migration from competitor systems is handled by Bearbox's own engineering team.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Bearbox sells a cloud-connected access control platform purpose-built for the self-storage industry, combining proprietary on-site hardware (touchscreen keypads, BearLock automatic unit locks, ANPR cameras, QR Solo readers, fob/card readers) with a cloud-hosted software platform and REST API. The system supports multiple access methods (PIN, QR, fob, ANPR, mobile app, MFA), automates tenant credential provisioning and overdue-account overlocking through native integrations with leading European rental software platforms (Stora, Storeganise, Space Manager, Kinnovis), and is sold to self-storage operators with installation, commissioning, and ongoing support services.

Product overview

BearBox is a unified access control platform for the self-storage industry, combining a cloud-hosted management platform with purpose-built hardware (touchscreen keypads, ANPR cameras, QR Solo readers, and BearLock unit locks) and mobile apps for both customers and facility managers. The platform supports multiple access methods (PIN, QR, fob, ANPR, mobile app, MFA) across three deployment solutions: Traditional (staffed facilities), Automated/Unmanned (24/7 fully automated), and Container (open-air/drive-up). Rental software integrations with Stora, Storeganise, Space Manager, and Kinnovis automate credential provisioning and overlocking tied to tenancy and payment events. Add-on modules include Smart Lighting, Smart CCTV, Access Control Zones, Instant Alerts, and Site Monitoring with alarm integration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• BearBox Access Control Platform Cloud-hosted access control platform for self-storage facilities that manages gates, doors, alarms, unit locks, CCTV, and lighting from a single web portal and mobile manager app. Connects on-site BearBox hardware to the cloud for real-time credential provisioning, event logging, and integration with rental software platforms across all sites.
• BearLock Automatic smart lock for individual self-storage units that unlocks only for the assigned paying customer via the BearBox app, keypad, or corridor QR reader, auto-re-locks on departure, and overlocks automatically when the account goes overdue. Fits swing doors, roller shutters, and sliding doors without replacing existing door hardware. Enables fully unmanned site operation.
• BearBox Touchscreen Keypad Branded touchscreen access terminal deployed at main gates and corridor doors, supporting PIN entry, QR code scanning, fob/card reading, and optional VOIP calling to staff. Configurable with operator branding, colours, and welcome messages; firmware pushed remotely over-the-air.
• QR Solo Compact QR code reader manufactured by BearBox for secondary access points — corridor doors, zone entries, additional gates, and unit-unlock stations inside buildings. Accepts QR codes displayed on phone screens or printed cards; scan-to-gate-open time under 3 seconds.
• ANPR Camera Automatic Numberplate Recognition camera for self-storage gates that reads vehicle license plates as they approach and opens the gate automatically for registered vehicles. Synced from rental software platforms (Stora, Space Manager, Kinnovis); can serve as the first factor in MFA for vehicle-level authentication.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Two-factor authentication requiring both a QR code (from app, email, or printed card) and a PIN at the BearBox keypad. Won the FEDESSA 2023 Innovation Award. Can be enabled per tenant from rental software without hardware changes; full flow completes in under 15 seconds.
• BearBox Customer Mobile App BearBox Control App for storage customers, enabling gate opening from a phone with GPS-based proximity verification. Access is automatically revoked when the tenancy ends. QR code display and ANPR vehicle registration also managed via the app; data synced from the customer's storage provider.
• BearBox Manager Mobile App BearBox Admin App for site administrators, providing remote gate control from any location, live site status monitoring, access event logs, alert notifications, and tenant management. Available for iOS and Android.
• Smart Lighting Zone-mapped lighting control that activates only corridors and bays along a customer's route based on their access zone assignment, triggered by authentication at the gate. Motion sensors keep zones lit during visits; lights auto-switch off on exit. Controlled via BearBox relay outputs or I2C, compatible with standard LED drivers.
• Smart CCTV Video Surveillance Motion-triggered CCTV recording via on-site NVR hardware, with live streaming available in the BearBox app and portal. Bearbox supports off-the-shelf NVR and camera hardware as well as bring-your-own compatible equipment; recording and storage is handled entirely by the NVR.
• Access Control Zones Per-zone access permissions allowing operators to define separate rules for different areas (e.g., climate-controlled indoor, outdoor drive-up, staff-only zones). Zone assignments sync automatically from rental software. Supports time-based schedules for public access hours and tiered customer plans.
• Instant Alerts Real-time security alert system delivering email or push notifications for forced doors, alarm triggers, failed access attempts, and after-hours activity. Configurable per event type; full alert history logged in the portal for insurance claims and incident reviews.
• Site Monitoring & Alarm Integration Live door and gate status monitoring across all sites via portal and app. Integrates with existing alarm systems via relay-based shunting; valid access events suppress false alarm call-outs automatically. Presence detection differentiates legitimate tenant activity from unauthorized entries.
• Fob/Card Access Proximity fob and card access using standard Wiegand readers, retained from existing installations during migration. Supports fob-plus-PIN as a two-factor MFA combination. Fobs can be issued, revoked, and reissued instantly via the portal or rental software without physical key collection.
• BearBox REST API RESTful API enabling real-time creation, update, and management of users, units, access zones, schedules, and event data for self-storage operators using in-house platforms, regional software, or bespoke systems. Credential-based authentication, per-integration scoping, IP whitelisting, and the same surface used by native integration partners.
• Installation & Commissioning Services Professional installation, commissioning, and staff training delivered by Bearbox's own engineering team on site. A typical single-site deployment takes one to two days; competitor migrations reuse existing cabling and Wiegand readers, with only access controllers replaced.
• Traditional Self-Storage Solution Full access control package for staffed traditional self-storage facilities — keypads, smart locks, gates, CCTV, smart lighting, and monitoring with branded touchscreen keypads and flexible access zones.
• Automated & Unmanned Self-Storage Solution Fully automated unmanned site operation enabling 24/7 move-ins, access provisioning, and automatic unit overlocking without staff. Combines BearLock, online rental software integration, ANPR, and motion-triggered CCTV alerts.
• Container Self-Storage Solution Gate and site access control built for open-air container and drive-up facilities, integrating CCTV, motion sensors, alarms, smart lighting, and remote monitoring. Supports zone-based access management and ANPR for hands-free vehicle entry.

Quantifiable outcome

• 600+ facilities across 5 European countries rely on Bearbox for access control.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration11 records

AI capability4 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• StoracoreTechnology or IntegrationBearbox is a built-in smart entry integration in Stora's admin panel. Stora customers select Bearbox as their access control provider and enter their BearBox External Site ID and sync credentials. On move-in, Stora automatically generates PIN, QR, or ANPR access credentials via Bearbox. Auto-overlocking on missed payments and access revocation on move-out are fully automated. This is the tightest integration, functioning as a zero-setup option for Stora users.
• StoreganisecoreTechnology or IntegrationBearbox is available as an official Add-on in Storeganise's marketplace. Operators install the Bearbox Add-on from Sites → Add-ons in Storeganise admin, store their Bearbox credentials, and select the default access zone. Move-ins automatically translate into access codes in Bearbox; move-outs or missed payments trigger immediate revocations or over-locks. Storeganise custom fields (bearbox_pinCode, bearbox_overlocked, bearbox_zone) enable per-unit credential configuration.
• Space ManagercoreTechnology or IntegrationSpace Manager integrates with Bearbox via scripting tool or supported add-on. Rental events (move-ins, move-outs, payment failures) are pushed directly to Bearbox to automate PIN generation and unit overlocking. Operators benefit from real-time sync of rental and access data, and Bearbox supports Space Manager's API for custom configuration of zones, schedules, and credentials.
• KinnoviscoreTechnology or IntegrationKinnovis connects to Bearbox via its public REST API for no-code data integration. Booking and payment webhooks are pushed to Bearbox in real time. On move-in, Bearbox provisions a PIN or QR code; on payment failure, Kinnovis triggers an auto-lock via Bearbox's locking mechanism. Supports scalable operations from single sites to multi-site enterprise portfolios.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Brivo: Brivo offers cloud-based access control for commercial real estate and self-storage operators; an enterprise-scale incumbent with overlapping SaaS access control capability though a broader, less self-storage-specialized focus than Bearbox.
• ASSA ABLOY: Global access control and locking giant offering keypads, smart locks, and security infrastructure across many industries; a broad incumbent whose self-storage exposure competes with Bearbox's specialist positioning but does not match its vertical-specific feature set.
• Salto Systems: Salto delivers electronic access control and smart locking across hospitality, commercial, and residential markets with cloud management; a broader incumbent with adjacent capabilities relevant to Bearbox's multi-method access model.

Regional players

• TESA (ASSA ABLOY): TESA is a Spain-headquartered access control and locking brand (now part of ASSA ABLOY); operates in the same Iberian market as Bearbox with broadly overlapping access control products — a regional peer with comparable offering in Bearbox's home geography.

Direct peers

• Nokē Smart Entry (Janus International Group): Janus International's Nokē Smart Entry is a leading self-storage access control and smart-lock system in North America, offering mobile-app and BLE-based unit locking — the closest head-to-head competitor to Bearbox's BearLock + touchscreen + ANPR stack in the same vertical.
• PTI Security Systems: PTI Security Systems is a long-established US provider of self-storage access control, keypads, and security hardware/software — overlapping directly with Bearbox's product portfolio and target customer base (self-storage operators).
• Open Tech Allied Security: Open Tech provides self-storage access control, smart entry, and security solutions across the US and Europe, competing with Bearbox in the same vertical with comparable integrated hardware-plus-software offerings.

Emerging players

• Kisi: Kisi is a modern cloud-based access control platform for offices and mixed-use real estate, offering mobile and cloud credentials; an emerging player with overlapping technology model but a different end-market focus than Bearbox.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bearbox-international-limited

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bearbox