Kameo Challenges Banks with Faster Real Estate Financing in Scandinavia

Kameo is strategically positioning itself as a faster, more agile financing alternative for real estate companies compared to traditional banking institutions. Specializing in Scandinavian real estate projects, encompassing residential, commercial, and industrial developments, Kameo has facilitated loans totaling 8 billion kronor since 2016, according to General Manager Fredrik Källgren. Källgren emphasizes that Kameo's key differentiators are its speed and flexibility. Unlike banks that typically require projects valued around 300 million kronor, Kameo finances projects starting from 10 million kronor and collaborates on larger ventures. Kameo can develop a comprehensive financing plan within weeks, a significant advantage compared to the 6-12 months often required to secure an offer from a traditional bank. Another competitive advantage lies in Kameo's capacity to finance residential projects even without pre-sold units. Källgren explains that while banks frequently struggle to finance housing cooperatives lacking advance sales, Kameo provides funding, allowing developers to commence construction earlier and potentially realize higher sales prices on completed apartments. Kameo's financing structure operates through an investment platform, connecting real estate companies with a diverse investor network. This is underpinned by its proprietary credit fund, partnerships with institutional investors, including a major international pension fund, and a broad base of individual investors. Källgren asserts that this framework enables Kameo to finance larger-scale projects efficiently, offering a streamlined alternative to traditional bank financing.