Noesis

About Noesis

Noesis operates as a specialized financing marketplace focused on commercial building improvements, particularly energy-efficiency projects. The company was founded in 2009 by Scott Harmon, a serial entrepreneur with a background in computer science and experience leading several tech companies to successful IPOs and acquisitions, including Tivoli Systems and Motive. Noesis was established to connect capital providers with commercial building owners seeking to finance energy-saving retrofits.

The firm's business model is centered on a web-based platform that streamlines the process for its partners—such as consultants, vendors, and distributors—to secure financing for their clients' projects. The platform offers tools like a Savings Estimator and a Finance Estimator to quickly assess a project's viability and generate financing options, simplifying the decision-making process for building owners. By combining a company's credit history with project-specific data like energy savings, Noesis created a unique lending score to facilitate financing for equipment such as LED lighting, HVAC systems, and commercial refrigeration. This approach helps partners close more deals by embedding financing directly into their proposals.

In November 2016, Noesis was acquired by LeaseQ, an online marketplace for equipment financing founded in 2011 by Vernon Tirey. Tirey, who had a long career in management consulting and marketing automation, was inspired by the marketplace model's ability to empower customers. The acquisition integrated Noesis as a specialized business unit, combining its expertise in the energy vertical with LeaseQ's broader network of lenders and technology platform. This merger aimed to provide Noesis customers with higher approval rates and better financing terms. Scott Harmon transitioned to a strategic advisor role following the acquisition.

Subsequently, in April 2019, LeaseQ itself was acquired by TimePayment, a Boston-based FinTech company. This acquisition was intended to enhance TimePayment's sales financing platform by integrating LeaseQ's technology for instant approvals and pricing transparency. The LeaseQ marketplace and brand continued to operate, and in May 2024, the LeaseQ Restaurant and Franchise Team, along with its platform, was acquired from TimePayment by Centra Funding.