Zeno raises $25M to speed up production of its battery-swap motorbikes | TechCrunch

"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."

"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 bike provides 8 kilowatts of peak power, about the same as a 150 cc internal combustion engine, but because all of its torque is available from a standstill, it can go up steep hills fully laden - a boon for bodaboda operators, who routinely ferry passengers and cargo on bikes."

Zeno, an East African electric motorbike startup, secured $25 million in Series A funding to scale production and expand its battery-swap infrastructure. The round comprised $20.5 million in equity led by Congruent Ventures and $4.5 million in debt financing. Since launching 18 months ago, Zeno has manufactured over 800 Emara motorcycles and established 150+ charging stations across four East African countries. The Emara offers 50% lower operating costs than combustion bikes, travels 100 kilometers per charge, and carries 250 kilograms. Priced at $1,300-$2,000, the bikes appeal to bodaboda operators. Over 25,000 customers await delivery while production reaches 70-80 bikes weekly. Customers can purchase batteries separately or subscribe to monthly or pay-per-use charging plans.

Read at TechCrunch