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Zeno Secures $25M Series A to Scale Electric Motorcycle Ecosystem in Emerging Markets

EV startup Zeno has closed a $25 million Series A round to expand its heavy-duty motorcycle fleet and charging network across Kenya and India.

EV startup Zeno has closed a $25 million Series A round to expand its heavy-duty motorcycle fleet and charging network across Kenya and India.

NewDecoded

Published Mar 6, 2026

Mar 6, 2026

7 min read

Image by Zeno

Funding the Future of Two-Wheeled Mobility

Sustainable mobility startup Zeno has secured $25 million in Series A funding to expand its footprint across India and East Africa. The investment follows a period of rapid growth where the company achieved a fleet uptime of 99.7 percent and significantly lower operational costs for riders. This capital will accelerate the production of the Emara motorcycle series and the expansion of its modular charging network. Founded by former Tesla executive Michael Spencer and SafeBoda co-founder Alastair Sussock, Zeno aims to decarbonize the motorcycle taxi and logistics sectors. The company operates in Bengaluru and Nairobi, focusing on providing essential utility vehicles for gig workers. This strategic positioning allows Zeno to address the unique economic needs of emerging markets by replacing petrol workhorses with sustainable alternatives.

The Emara: Built for Utility

The Emara is a "Sport Utility Electric Motorcycle" designed to carry heavy loads of up to 250 kilograms. It features a peak power of 8kW and a top speed of 90 km/h, serving as a robust replacement for traditional 150cc petrol bikes. A standout feature is the Tractor Mode, which provides high-torque delivery for navigating steep inclines or muddy paths with ease. For rougher environments, the Emara ADV variant offers 10kW of power and top speeds of 100 km/h. It is equipped with a 19-inch front wheel for higher ground clearance and space to carry extra batteries for extended range. These technical specifications ensure reliability for professional riders who operate in both urban and rural settings.

Scaling the Charging Infrastructure

Zeno's ecosystem is supported by a Battery-as-a-Service model that lowers upfront costs. Customers can choose between full ownership, monthly subscriptions, or a pay-as-you-go energy model. This system includes home docking and swap stations, maintaining a network uptime of 99.6 percent according to zeno.earth. With a customer satisfaction score in the top 10 percent globally, Zeno is proving that electric mobility can be both profitable and sustainable. This funding provides the resources to move from a startup to a dominant player in the global EV logistics market. By prioritizing utility and affordability, Zeno is successfully transforming how energy is consumed in the transport sector.

Powering the Next Generation of Mobility

Zeno Earth has successfully raised $25 million in Series A funding to accelerate the deployment of its electric vehicle ecosystem. The capital injection will support the scaling of its flagship Emara motorcycle, a sport utility electric bike designed for high-demand utility sectors. With leadership from former Tesla and Apple executives, the company is targeting deep decarbonization in East Africa and India as reported by TechCrunch.

The standard Emara model boasts an 8kW peak power motor and a 100-kilometer real-world range, specifically engineered to handle loads up to 250 kilograms. It features a unique tractor mode for high-torque hauling and a 30-degree gradeability to conquer steep inclines while fully loaded. For those requiring more power, the Emara ADV offers a 100 km/h top speed and capacity for extra batteries to support long-distance travel.

Founded by Michael Spencer, a former Tesla executive who led Model 3 production ramps, Zeno leverages a world-class engineering team to build hardware for harsh environments. The company differentiates itself by focusing on durability and extreme utility rather than just urban commuting. This expertise has translated into a reported 99.7 percent fleet uptime and 99.6 percent charging network reliability according to latest Zeno Earth performance metrics.

To lower the barrier to entry, Zeno offers a Battery-as-a-Service model that reduces upfront costs by up to 50 percent compared to petrol equivalents. Customers can choose between full ownership, monthly subscriptions, or a flexible pay-as-you-go energy plan. This approach directly serves commercial operators who rely on consistent battery swapping and fast charging to maintain their daily livelihoods without the burden of high initial investment.

Recent data highlights an exceptional Net Promoter Score that places Zeno in the top 10 percent of global reports. The company has already prevented thousands of tons of carbon emissions while generating millions in revenue through its interoperable network. Their expansion plans include further developing lockable storage accessories and custom rugged aesthetics designed specifically for the varied terrain of its primary markets.


Decoded Take

Decoded Take

Decoded Take

The $25 million Series A round signals a shift in the EV industry toward heavy-duty commercial utility vehicles in emerging economies. By prioritizing load capacity and modular charging over lifestyle-centric design, Zeno is tackling the highest-emitting segments of the transport sector. This funding validates the Battery-as-a-Service model as a viable path for rapid electrification in regions where upfront capital for traditional EVs remains a significant hurdle.

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