BTA Admin Kenyan electric mobility startup Zeno has raised $25 million in Series A funding to scale production of its electric motorcycles and expand its battery-swapping infrastructure across East Africa.
The investment reflects growing global interest in clean transport solutions in Africa, particularly in markets where two-wheelers dominate urban mobility.
Investors Back Affordable Electric Motorbikes
Founded in 2022 by former Tesla executive Michael Spencer, Zeno manufactures the Emara electric motorbike, designed as an affordable alternative to petrol-powered motorcycles widely used in Kenya and across East Africa.
The $25 million funding round includes:
- $20.5 million in equity, led by Congruent Ventures, with participation from Active Impact Investments and Lowercarbon Capital
- $4.5 million in debt financing from Camber Road and Trifecta Capital
The new capital will help the company increase manufacturing capacity and expand its battery-swapping network.
Rising Demand for Electric Transport
Zeno reports strong market demand, with over 25,000 customers currently on its waiting list. The company has already produced more than 800 Emara motorbikes and installed about 150 charging and battery-swapping stations across cities in Kenya and Uganda.
Currently manufacturing 70 to 80 motorcycles per week, the startup plans to significantly scale production using the new funding.
According to the company, the Emara bike can travel about 100 kilometres on a single charge and carry loads of up to 250 kilograms, making it suitable for delivery riders and commercial transport operators.
Electric Mobility Gains Momentum in East Africa
Electric motorcycles are gaining traction across East Africa as operators seek lower operating costs and cleaner transport alternatives.
Zeno says owning its electric motorbike costs about 50% less than petrol-powered alternatives, while remaining over 25% cheaper than competing electric models in the region.
The funding round brings Zeno’s total capital raised to $34.5 million, underscoring growing investor confidence in Africa’s electric vehicle and clean transport market.
