Participated · Equity · Sep 2024

Skarper produces a patent-protected, ultralight portable disk-brake drive system that attaches to a regular bicycle's disc rotor to turn it into a high-performance, lightweight e-bike and can be removed in seconds. The device was invented by co-founder Dr. Alastair Darwood and developed by the company’s engineers together with Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Advanced Technologies division. The all-in-one unit measures 34cm by 16cm, contains a 250-watt motor and a 240Wh battery, and delivers a range of up to 50km while claiming no loss of performance versus integrated e-bikes. Skarper is backed by six-time Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy and has raised £12.8M to date, including the latest £4.5M round. The new funding will support the company’s go-to-market plan as it prepares to deliver first products in Q4 this year, initially in the UK with Europe-wide expansion planned for 2025.