2-wheeler tech startup, SEPAL raises Seed Round of funding through ah! Ventures Angel Platform along with participation from leading bollywood music composers and other distinguished angels.
This is ah! Ventures 62nd investment taking its total investment portfolio to INR 189 CR (~USD 27 MN) with 9 exits till date.
SEPAL was started in 2018 by IIT-B alumni, with a goal to provide all 2-wheeler riders with the important comforts of a car, which includes complete weather protection and all the Infotainment comforts. The first of their innovations is SEPAL, which is a smart collapsible canopy that provides the rider and the pillion with compete protection from sun, rain, dust and even cold. That too entirely on-demand, i.e. users can open/ close SEPAL within seconds whenever required. And when closed, SEPAL transforms into a compact bag that snugly sits on the petrol tank not interfering with one’s riding experience.
Further, SEPAL also comes integrated with a HUD, handle buttons and an IOT platform to provide the bike riders with a safe access to infotainment comforts like navigation, music streaming, call notifications etc.
“2-Wheelers are the primary mode of transport for the majority of Indians, yet it is such a struggle to drive 2-wheelers during summers & monsoons. The ever-increasing pollution and traffic further worsens the experience. The team at SEPAL has realized the huge extent of this problem which obvious to many & decided to act on it.” said Vidhey Addepally and Kashyap Addepally – Founders, SEPAL.
It has taken SEPAL over 3 years of R&D and over 7 iterations of prototyping and testing to finally come up with the perfect solution to transform commuting experience for all bike riders. They have also confirmed partnerships with several clients in the delivery space such as Swiggy, BigBasket, Faasos and few others.
“India is the largest two-wheeler market globally. Road safety for two-wheelers or passenger vehicles in India was never accorded the priority it should have. However, road-safety is gaining momentum in India and the safety regulations & severe crash tests have created the necessary awareness among end users. The IoT technology is rapidly progressing across the globe, as it can help innovate and develop ADAS for two-wheelers as well. Team SEPAL have got this innovative product which is going to be an instant hit with Daily Commuter Utility Segment Bikers both on functionality & Aesthetics as well.” – said Navin Tekwani, Head Investor Relations & Strategic Alliances, ah! Ventures.
“I believe, if you solve an unsolved problem, chances are that you may end up building a successful business. I saw this vision in Vidhey & Kashyap. Hence not only joined as their mentor but also as an early investor in SEPAL. The problem of 2-wheeler safety and comfort was never addressed in the world till now, which SEPAL is trying to solve. We still see bike riders helpless during rain and extreme sun. The navigation & last mile issue is still unsolved which the SEPAL app will solve!” – said Deric Karunesudas, Angel Investor.
SEPAL aims to use these funds, to setup their production infrastructure and launch SEPAL into the market India-wide. In the following months, they will also be expanding their tech team and build a portfolio of innovative products to be launched subsequently. They intend to raise another funding round in 12-18 months to penetrate to all corners of India and also start expansion to other developing countries.