Zeno raises $25M to speed up production of its battery-swap motorbikes
#Zeno #battery-swap #motorbikes #funding #production #electric vehicles #sustainability
📌 Key Takeaways
- Zeno secures $25 million in funding to accelerate production of its battery-swap motorbikes.
- The funding will support scaling up manufacturing and expanding market reach.
- Battery-swap technology aims to reduce charging time and enhance convenience for users.
- The investment reflects growing interest in sustainable urban mobility solutions.
The startup, co-founded by Tesla and Apple alumni, has sold nearly 1,000 of its motorbikes so far.
🏷️ Themes
Electric Vehicles, Sustainable Mobility
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Original Source
The EV transition might have hit a hurdle in the U.S., but it’s not slowing down in East Africa, where several startups are vying for a piece of the burgeoning electric motorbike market. Zeno is one of those companies, and this week it announced a $25 million Series A to expand its app-controlled battery-swap network and produce more of its Emara motorcycles. About $20.5 million of the total was an equity fundraise, Zeno co-founder and CEO Michael Spencer told TechCrunch. It was led by Congruent Ventures with participation from Active Impact and Lowercarbon Ventures. The remaining $4.5 million is a debt facility from Camber Road and Trifecta Capital. Zeno had previously raised a $9.5 million seed round led by Lowercarbon Ventures and Toyota Ventures. Since emerging from stealth a-year-and-a-half ago , Zeno has built more than 800 of its Emara motorbikes and set up more than 150 charging locations across four countries in East Africa. Motorbikes are a cornerstone of transportation in the region, and Zeno is betting that it can attract riders by offering 50% lower operating costs than internal combustion bikes. The company said more than 25,000 retail and fleet customers are waiting to get their hands on an Emara, and it’s producing about 70 to 80 bikes per week. The new round will be used to fulfill that demand. The Emara can drive about 100 kilometers (60 miles) on a single charge and can carry up to 250 kilograms (550 pounds), Zeno says. The bike sells for about $1,300 without a battery, and about $2,000 with. Techcrunch event Disrupt 2026: The tech ecosystem, all in one room Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to save up to $400. Save up to $300 or 30% to TechCrunch Founder Summit 1,000+ founders and investors come together at TechCr...
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