Ampler has closed an equity round led by seasoned investors Taavet Hinrikus and Sten Tamkivi from Taavet+Sten and joined by top Estonian investors such as Metaplanet, Ambient Sound Investments and Ragnar Sass. The total size of the equity investment was 7.4 M € putting the company’s valuation to 47 M €.
The fast-growing company will use the capital to continue building the future of personal transport by tackling the urban commuting problem. Ampler continues its expansion by doubling the head count and showrooms in 2022 as well as building a new carbon neutral factory by 2023. The global e-bike market is expected to reach $118.6 billion by 2030, according to Allied Market Research.
Taavet+Sten’s vision is to promote the technology sector in Europe, including Estonia, with a decades-long view. Their investment firm invests the money and expertise of the owners themselves with the aim of supporting companies with future solutions over the long term. “As entrepreneurs and leaders, we have been building companies together since high school and have learned that the best way to create value for the world with technology is to be ingenious at solving some very complex problems. Ampler is moving in the right direction to ensure a cleaner planet for us,” said Sten Tamkivi.
Ampler’s plans are to establish The Netherlands and Switzerland as the next core markets alongside Germany, by opening new showrooms and service centers. The next showroom will be opened in the vibrant Haarlemmerbuurt neighbourhood in Amsterdam. Ampler aims to become a role model for environmental sustainability for the cycling industry as expansion plans include opening a new carbon neutral factory, with the assembly capacity of at least 100 000 bikes a year. “All Ampler e-bikes are hand assembled in our own factory, as we believe that self-owned assembly will continue to be an important competitive advantage in order to offer the best urban commuting experience with user friendly, reliable and sustainably built light electric bikes,” comments Ardo Kaurit, CEO & co-founder of Ampler Bikes.
“I joined the Ampler round because they are boosting the most climate-friendly transportation mode – bicycles. And as an active user of Ampler e-bikes – I know that their products are truly the best in the world – both by the quality and service. I am sure the company has all it needs to become another unicorn from Estonia,” Ragnar Sass, co-founder of Estonian 5th unicorn Pipedrive and active angel investor in greentech.
“We are really proud to start this next chapter with investors and entrepreneurs who we look up to and believe that we can have a successful and long-lasting journey together which will be beneficial for all shareholders as well as our existing and future customers,” comments Ardo Kaurit.
