As Sushi Bikes founder Andy Weinzierl announced via LinkedIn, STS Ventures, BayBG Venture Capital, VRD, and Parkshore have invested in the startup. Existing shareholders also participated in the financing round. Weinzierl did not disclose the investment amount.
“Bicycles are the best invention in the world, and with Sushi Bikes we’re making them even better. For me, e-bikes are the first major opportunity since the invention of bicycles to provide a replacement for cars and make cities more beautiful again”,
explains Weinzierl. He comments on the financing round as follows:
“A great sign for sustainable mobility and D2C startups.”
Sushi Bikes was founded in 2018 by Andy Weinzierl and TV presenter Joko Winterscheidt. The startup’s goal at the time was to bring an affordable electric bike to market priced at 999 euros, significantly cheaper than competing products. They also wanted to capitalize on the reduced aesthetics of a fixie bike (single-speed bicycle) and a lightweight, compact battery that performs according to urban conditions. The startup has since adjusted its prices, currently selling its cheapest models for 1,199 euros.
Affordable e-bikes as a unique selling point
Weinzierl explained to Gründerszene that the financing round proceeds will primarily go toward marketing and expanding internal processes. However, the prices for the startup’s bicycles are not expected to change.
In June, the startup presented new models of its e-bikes. The third generation of the “Maki” and “California Roll” models now features hydraulic disc brakes and new, puncture-resistant tires. Additionally, for the first time, lights are now permanently integrated into the bicycle. This is how the startup wants to better equip its bicycles for everyday use.
