TDK Backs Ultraviolette with $21M to Take India-Made Electric Motorcycles Global
Indian electric motorcycle manufacturer Ultraviolette Electric Bike maker Ultraviolette Automotive has secured $21 million in fresh funding from TDK, a Japan-based electronics giant. This investment marks a major milestone for the Bengaluru-based company as it gears up to expand its footprint in global markets.
How Ultraviolette Plans to Quadruple Its European Presence
With the new capital infusion, Ultraviolette plans to quadruple its presence in Europe over the next 24 months. The company has already made inroads into markets like France, Spain, and Germany and now aims to scale up dealerships and service networks. The demand for electric motorcycles in Europe is surging, driven by environmental regulations and growing urban mobility needs.
Ultraviolette Aims to Add Up to 14 Models by 2027 After New Funding
The funding will also fuel R&D and product diversification. Ultraviolette is working on introducing up to 14 new models by 2027, expanding beyond its flagship F77 series. These models will cater to a range of riders – from urban commuters to performance enthusiasts.
Inside Ultraviolette’s Journey from Bengaluru to Global E-Motorcycle Player
Founded in 2016 by Narayan Subramaniam and Niraj Rajmohan, Ultraviolette started with the vision of creating India’s first performance-oriented electric bike. Backed early by TVS Motor Company, the company launched the F77 in 2019 and has since built a loyal fan base. Its design ethos draws inspiration from aviation and even Tesla’s minimalistic yet high-tech approach.
Ultraviolette’s F77 Mach 2 & F77 SuperStreet: Specs and Price in India
The Ultraviolette Electric Bike lineup currently includes the F77 Mach 2 and the newly unveiled F77 SuperStreet. The Mach 2 offers a top speed of 155 km/h, a range of 211 km on a single charge, and features like ride analytics and remote diagnostics. In India, the F77 Mach 2 starts at around ₹3.80 lakh, while the SuperStreet variant offers an affordable entry point for new riders.
TDK Funding Boost Enables Ultraviolette to Target Latin America and Southeast Asia
Beyond Europe, Ultraviolette is eyeing Latin America and Southeast Asia as its next growth frontiers. These regions are seeing rapid EV adoption, particularly in two-wheelers, due to rising fuel costs and government incentives.
Inside Ultraviolette’s Tech: Fast Charging, Connectivity & Predictive Maintenance
Ultraviolette’s technology stack is a key differentiator. The bikes come equipped with fast-charging capabilities, allowing 0-80% charge in under 1.5 hours. Advanced connectivity features include OTA updates, predictive maintenance alerts, and built-in eSIM for real-time data monitoring.
Ultraviolette’s Ambitious Scale-Up Plan: Factory Expansion and Dealership Growth
The company is expanding its manufacturing capacity in Bengaluru to meet rising domestic and international demand. New dealerships and service centers will be strategically opened to enhance customer experience and after-sales support.
Ultraviolette’s Total Funding to Date and Investor Lineup Explained
With this $21 million from TDK, Ultraviolette’s total funding now exceeds $70 million. Other notable investors include TVS Motor, Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu, EXOR Capital, and Qualcomm Ventures.
Why Ultraviolette Wants Electric Bikes to Be a “Lifestyle Statement”
Ultraviolette isn’t just selling motorcycles; it’s promoting a lifestyle brand. Sleek design, premium materials, and cutting-edge features position the Ultraviolette Electric Bike as more than just a mode of transport – it’s a statement of sustainability and performance.
Conclusion:
The $21 million funding from TDK could be the turning point for Ultraviolette Automotive. With ambitious expansion plans, a strong technology foundation, and a growing portfolio, the Ultraviolette Electric Bike is well on its way to becoming a global EV icon.
Sources:- Tech Crunch and other reports
About the Company- Business Model of Ultraviolette
1. Company Brief & Origin
Ultraviolette Automotive was founded in 2016 in Bengaluru by friends Narayan Subramaniam (CEO) and Niraj Rajmohan (CTO), aiming to create India’s first high-performance electric motorcycles rather than conventional commuter scooters..
2. Present Condition
- Team & Facility: Ultraviolette employs over 500 people, with strong expertise drawn from technology and automotive sectors(The Hindu Business Line)
- Manufacturing: Its production facility in Bengaluru can produce up to 30,000 units annually, with expansion plans underway.
- Market Reach: Currently operational in at least 13 Indian cities, the company is rapidly scaling sales infrastructure. Monthly sales have reached ~200 units, with a target of 1,000 units/month by late 2025. Export revenue is projected to be 30-35% by 2027–28 (The Times of India).
3. Future Outlook
- Product Pipeline: Ultraviolette has announced expansion to 14 models by 2027 across multiple segments including scooters, lightweight bikes, cruisers, and superbikes. Aimed at mass-market reach and backed by $70-100 million capex.
- Ambitious Sales Targets: The company aims for 100,000 annual units within 3-4 years and is gearing up for a IPO in FY27, potentially raising $500 million.
- Expansion Strategy: Ultraviolette will start exporting to Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Plans for local assembly may follow once scale justifies investment.
4. Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs
Ultraviolette’s trajectory highlights several key opportunities:
- Niche Innovation: Building tech-rich, performance EVs in a largely untapped segment.
- In-house R&D Advantage: Developing critical technologies internally battery systems, motor controllers, connectivity features like e-SIM and predictive diagnostics.
- Global Ambition from Day One: Products built to international standards and planned for global markets.
5. Market Position & Share
Currently, electric motorcycles account for less than 1% of India’s EV two-wheeler market, now dominated by scooters. Ultraviolette projects this will grow to 50% by 2028, aligning with global usage patterns seen in ICE vehicles (which favor bikes by ~65%).
6. MOAT (Competitive Advantage)
- Performance Leadership: F77 series and upcoming models deliver superior acceleration, range, and tech integration (e.g., dynamic stability control, OTA updates, high-capacity batteries).
- Proprietary Engineering: In-house development of electronics and software creates a high barrier to entry for competitors.
- First-mover Edge: Few legacy automakers are present in India’s electric motorcycle segment, giving Ultraviolette an early and growing brand advantage.
7. How Ultraviolette maks money
- Direct Sales: In India via retail stores (“UV Space Stations”) and exports to Europe.
- Flagship Products & Merchandising: Includes high-end bikes like F77 Mach 2 and F99 race models, and branded merchandise (UV Airspace)(Wikipedia).
- Charging Ecosystem: UV Supernova fast-charging network and UVLYNC adapters extend ecosystem value and may provide incremental revenue(Wikipedia).
Summary Box
| Aspect | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 by Subramaniam & Rajmohan |
| Current Status | ~500 team, 30k unit capacity, expanding across India and Europe |
| Future Outlook | 14 models, 100k annual units, IPO by FY27 |
| Opportunities | EV performance niche, in-house IP, global standards |
| Market Share | Currently <1% of e-moto market; forecast to reach 50% by 2028 |
| MOAT | Performance tech, vertically integrated design, first-mover in electric motorcycle segment |
| Revenue Streams | Bike sales, accessories, fast-charging network, exports |
