A startup based in Amsterdam called Vanmoof has raised $128 in the funding round of series c. the brand sells its designed e-bikes which are quite popular in some of the markets. It’s wants to become the globe’s leading e-bike company.
The Asia based private equity firm house Hillhouse investment lead’s the round, with Gillian Tan’s the former CEO of booking.com was also participating. Some investors also put some more money, such as Norwest Venture Partners, Felix Capital, Balderton Capital and Triple Point Capital.
Now the Series C made a big jump it compare’s to Last year’s Series B the company raised $40 in Series B. Overall you add all of it the company raised a $182 in total.
Vanmoof Bikes
Not familiar with the startup’s bikes, TechCrunch has reviewed both the recent S3 and the X3 models. The X3 of VanMoof features a smaller frame and wheels.
The thing that makes VanMoof different compared to others is that the startup does it’s best to control everything from chain supply to customer experience. It’s bikes are premium e-bikes which are designed primarily for city rides. The recent models currently cost $2,298 or €2,198.
It’s feature’s an electric motor paired with an electric gear shifting system. it has four gears and you don’t need to change by yourself. all you do is to sit and pedal.
The models S3 and X3 have hydraulic brakes, integrated lights and also some features. It also has a motion detector with an alarm, a GPS chip and connectivity cellular.
If your bike gets stolen, the GPS and cellular chips go live and help you track your stolen bike in the VanMoof app. The bikes of the company have been compatible with the Apple’s Find My app.
Its a capital-intensive business to grow a company like VanMoof. It has opened store’s in 50 cities around the globe. It started in Europe but now the U.S has the fastest growth market for the company.
The company plan’s to double down the current strategy of its company. So you could expect new bike’s and design’s and more store’s in the globe and of course more sales as well.
“It will help us get 10 million people on our bikes in the next five years,” co-founder and CEO Taco Carlier said in a statement.
As of now there are 150,000 people around the world using VanMoof