Rosie Burgin

LONDON, England - Laka, an insurtech providing a range of insurance and circular economy services to e-bike riders, cyclists and companies has announced a €7.6 million funding round as it "doubles down on growth" with the rise of e-bike sales in Europe. Additionally, the Porsche-backed company has acquired French e-bike broker Cylanto to expand its presence in France.

CHESTER, England - Bikmo, a UK-based specialist cycle and e-mobility insurer has raised £3.4 million (€3.9 million) in a Series A extension round to accelerate European expansion and drive product innovation. The specialist insurer currently protects over 75,000 riders in the UK, Ireland, Germany and Austria through strategic partnerships with brands such as British Cycling, Cyclescheme and folding bike specialist Brompton.

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, England - UK bicycle manufacturer, Pashley, is seeking investment to accelerate its growth in three areas of e-mobility. Approaching its centenary year, the heritage brand is launching a crowdfunding campaign to support product development in e-cargo bikes, e-bikes and its already successful bike share products.

BERLIN, Germany - A dramatic domino effect is taking place within the financially troubled Signa Sports Group which is having huge implications on the bicycle-related activities of the company. Internet Stores GmbH has now filed for insolvency, the North America Bike Division ceased operations with a few days' notice, and the clock is now ticking for WiggleCRC.

SUZHOU, China - Motor manufacturer Bafang has identified waterproofing as a key focus area of its R&D. The company has set specific waterproof upgrade targets and a comprehensive plan for various components within its drive systems, including motors, gear-hubs and displays. By fine-tuning the product structure design, the team aims to elevate the overall waterproof performance of its products.

FRANKFURT, Germany - UK-based custom lithium battery pack manufacturer Alexander Battery Technologies is expanding into the European Union. With a new sales and service operation in Germany, the company aims to offer OEMs in the DACH region faster time-to-market and a more secure supply chain. Industry veteran Kim Madsen, director of sales and marketing will lead the new operation.

ASCOT, UK - Frog Bikes, the British manufacturer of children's bikes, is taking significant steps to reduce its carbon emissions by incorporating 25% post-consumer recycled aluminium into the production of bike frames and forks. The move is expected to decrease carbon emissions by 5.8% per bike, equivalent to approximately 28.8 kg of CO2 per bike.

INNSBRUCK, Austria - US digital marketing and e-commerce strategy agency, CrankTank, is expanding its services to Europe and has opened an office in Innsbruck, Austria. This expansion will enable them to better serve both their US and European brand partners in e-commerce strategies. Susanne Pfrengle has been appointed as managing director of CrankTank Europe.

ZEIST, The Netherlands - Up to 95% of a company's carbon emissions take place when extracting, sourcing and producing bike materials and components. To tackle these emissions several companies including Trek, Accell, Schwalbe and Canyon have come together to co-develop a Climate Action Training for Asian suppliers.

BANGKOK, Thailand - As part of its ambitious growth and investment plans, tyre manufacturer Vittoria has opened a new state-of-the-art factory in Bangkok, Thailand dedicated to the production of cotton tubular and clincher bicycle tyres. The carbon neutral factory will also be at the forefront of sustainable product development.