As part of a share deal with Asian Tri Star Inc. (Tri Star Group) on 12 February, the lifting of the insolvency proceedings paved the road for a restart of the more than 100-year-old traditional company, Sprick. It has been a long and tough ride for the responsible insolvency administrator, Axel Geese from Streitbörger PartgmbB. Since the traditional German bicycle producer Sprick Rowery (aka Sprick Cycle) filed for insolvency at the end of 2024, Geese has been searching for someone to revive the long-established bicycle manufacturer.

Donkey Republic's latest financing round demonstrates that investors have not lost interest in bicycles and cycling more broadly. Private equity and other investors turned away from the bicycle industry after the troubles at Accell Group, Rad Power, VanMoof, Scott Sports and many others. Donkey Republic proves the opposite. They initially set out to raise DKK 15-30 million (€2-4 million), but due to strong interest, the transaction was over-subscribed and the amount raised was upsized to DKK 75 million (€10 million).

The micro-mobility investment fund Fundracer announced an undisclosed investment in Belgian startup Aerobag, which is pioneering ultra-lightweight, compact airbag technology designed specifically for cyclists. Aerobag set out with a clear and ambitious mission: to adapt proven airbag technology from the automotive industry into a form factor that works for cycling.

Decathlon Pulse, the investment arm of the French retail giant Decathlon, is increasing its investment in existing strategic partner, Rebike Mobility GmbH. By expanding the partnership to become a majority stakeholder, the companies have reaffirmed their long-term commitment to "promoting the circular economy in the bicycle industry and supporting the professionalisation of the European secondary market for e-bikes."

The influx of new concepts and ideas in the rapidly expanding bicycle and e-bike industry leads to market entry by less experienced company founders. "They don't have the business expertise, don't know business fundamentals when it comes to the legal set-up of an entity, marketing and pricing, let alone funding," said Zoe Rose Maddox of the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator. "We target the group that is ready to scale and fine-tune their operation."

Norwegian start-up tyre manufacturer, ReTyre, has announced a series of positive developments reinforcing its rapid momentum. The company has secured €7 million in new funding in a round led by Hatch Blue's Blue Revolution Fund, with participation from Fundracer and existing investors. The investment is intended to scale production, fulfil existing orders and move the company toward profitability.

EDINBURGH, UK - Intra Drive, the United Kingdom-based e-bike component developer, has secured €600,000 toward an extended €850,000 seed round. The new capital will support the transition from pilot units to commercial production of its GD8 integrated gearbox powertrain. Since displaying at Eurobike in 2021, Intra Drive has focused on building a European supply chain and industrialising its e-bike motor unit with a multi-speed gearbox.

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - After a 25-year career, of which 15 years were in the role of CEO, Janus Smalbraak resigned at Pon to pursue a new professional challenge. Smalbraak announced this resignation at Pon in a LinkedIn post earlier today. Volkswagen Financial Services AG CEO Christian Dahlheim has been appointed to succeed Janus Smalbraak.

PARIS, France - On course to double sales in 2025, refurbished e-bike seller Upway, has received a financial injection of US$60 million (€52 million) in closing its Series C funding round. The company has now raised a total of US$125 million (€108 million) since its founding in 2021. The latest funding will facilitate new UpCenters in Europe and North America, expansion into five more countries and the launch of new digital services.

GDANSK, Poland - Polish manufacturer 7Anna Group and its brands NS Bikes, Rondo and Creme Cycles, may soon have a new investor, according to news buried in an Instagram post from NS Bikes.