Zeno, a startup co-founded by former employees of Tesla and Apple, has raised $25 million in Series A funding to ramp up the production of its electric motorbikes equipped with app-controlled battery-swap technology. The company has already sold nearly 1,000 of its Emara motorcycles, targeting the growing electric motorbike market in East Africa.
The funding round, led by Congruent Ventures, aims to enhance Zeno’s battery-swap network and increase the manufacturing of its Emara bikes, which are known for their cost-effectiveness compared to traditional internal combustion bikes. With over 800 Emara bikes built and 150 charging stations established across four East African countries, Zeno is poised for further expansion.
The Emara model features a spacious design capable of carrying passengers and cargo, offering a range of 100 kilometers (60 miles) on a single charge and a maximum load capacity of 250 kilograms (550 pounds). Priced around $1,300 without a battery and $2,000 with one, the Emara targets both retail and fleet customers seeking economical and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Zeno’s approach to electric mobility emphasizes convenience and affordability, reflecting the increasing demand for sustainable transportation options in emerging markets. The recent funding injection will enable Zeno to meet the strong consumer interest and continue its mission of providing efficient electric motorbikes to customers across East Africa.
Source: TechCrunch