Zeno raises $25m to increase e-motorbike production across East Africa

Zeno, an East African-based electric mobility startup, has raised $25 million in Series A funding to improve the production of Emara e-motorcycles and increase its battery-swap network across Kenya and Uganda. 

The round was led by Congruent Ventures, which contributed 82% ($20.5 million), with participation from Active Impact and Lower-carbon Ventures. The remaining $4.5 million was a debt facility from Camber Road and Trifecta Capital.

Founded in 2024 by Michael Spencer, Zeno builds the Emara electric motorbike and an app-controlled battery infrastructure swap network to reduce operating costs for East Africa’s bodaboda riders.

According to Spencer, the aim of creating a “full-stack” electric mobility platform is to address Africa’s rapidly growing motorbike taxi industry. 

He noted that the inspiration to co-found Zeno was derived from his previous employer, Tesla, and a master plan to deploy EVs and clean power at scale. Spencer added that his advisers had hinted to him that the plan “has more legs and more room to run with lower hurdles in emerging markets.”

As opposed to importing or developing electric motorbikes, Zeno has a technology of its own, which houses a distinctive e-motorcycle, battery systems, and charging infrastructure.

Since its launch, Zeno has produced more than 800 bikes and deployed over 150 charging locations across Kenya and Uganda. In fact, about 25,000 customers are reportedly waiting for delivery.

Also Read: Spiro raises $50 million to expand bikes and battery swap stations.

Zeno’s e-bike penetration 

There are over 30 million motorcycles in Africa’s massive mobility economy. However, most run on fuels, contributing to urban pollution and high operating costs.

Zeno’s electricity energy model offers a cost-effective alternative.

To curb the fossil fuel challenge, Zeno’s full-stack technology approach combines hardware, software, and infrastructure, offering a cleaner and more sustainable model.

Zeno is looking to attract riders by offering 50% lower operating costs compared to others. The company said more than 25,000 retail and fleet customers are waiting to get their hands on an Emara. The new round will address the rising demand, where it aims to produce about 70 to 80 bikes per week. 

According to Zeno, the Emara can drive about 100 kilometres on a single charge and carry up to 250 kilograms (550 pounds). The bike sells for about $1,300 without a battery, and about $2,000 with.

Aside from the latest fundraiser, the startup had previously raised a $9.5 million seed round led by Lowercarbon Ventures and Toyota Ventures.

As it looks to establish itself in Africa’s developing electric mobility sector, Zeno wants to use the additional investment to grow its electric fleet beyond East Africa, enhance production of its electric motorcycles and expand battery-swap infrastructure.

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