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With Innovative Models Already for Sale, the Company Highlights Its National Manufacturing and Expansion Plans for the Brazilian Market
Auper, a Canadian startup, is making its debut in Brazil with an innovative focus on the electric motorcycle market. Even before a massive launch, the company managed to sell out its first batch of motorcycles, preparing to expand its production. The launch marks a significant step in electric mobility in the country, which seeks sustainable alternatives.
Foundation and Development in Canada
Founded in 2021 by Silvio Rotili Filho, Alan Callegaro, and American David Ofori-Amoah, Auper was born at the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC), a reference center in automotive development located in Hamilton, in the Greater Toronto Area. Silvio, a motorcycle enthusiast, moved to Canada in 2017 to pursue his PhD with the goal of creating a company focused on electric mobility. Before founding Auper, he and Alan worked on projects at MARC, collaborating with major brands like Stellantis and Chrysler. This experience was crucial for developing proprietary technologies, positioning Auper as an innovative company in the sector.
Production and Available Models
The first motorcycle from Auper, the 600 CE, was developed after two years of bootstrapping, where the founders used their own resources to create a functional model. With the success of the prototype, the startup raised investments in its first round, although the amount and the investors were not disclosed. The 100 units of the “founder edition” of the 600 CE were sold for R$ 49,900, with other models, such as the base 600 CE and the extended battery version, also generating interest with over 400 reservations so far.
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Auper is now in the manufacturing phase, establishing a plant in Joinville, Santa Catarina, chosen for its tax benefits and ease of importing components. The company’s headquarters is located in Porto Alegre, at Tecnopuc. The expectation is that the first units will be delivered in the third quarter, with plans to scale production next year. This local manufacturing strategy not only meets the growing demand but also promotes job creation in the region.
B2B Strategy and Market Opportunities
Although Auper initially focused on the end consumer (B2C), the company plans to expand into the B2B market next year, targeting companies that want to incorporate electric motorcycles into their fleets. Silvio emphasizes that Auper has proprietary systems that facilitate the addressing of specific demands from corporate clients, such as security and traceability. This focus on customized solutions may differentiate the company in a rapidly evolving market.
The interest in B2B demand is supported by recent initiatives, such as the partnership between iFood and managing company Yvy Capital, which invested US$ 7.5 million in a US$ 50 million fund to accelerate the market for electric motorcycles in Brazil. This movement illustrates the sector’s potential and investors’ confidence in the transition to electric vehicles.
Fundraising and Sustainable Growth
To support its expansion, Auper is seeking new investments and has already initiated a round to bolster its cash flow. Silvio mentioned that some international funds are ready to invest again, while the company is also in discussions with Brazilian investors to complete the funding. “To scale production, it is inevitable to raise capital. Our plan is to grow sustainably,” stated the CEO, emphasizing the importance of strategic and responsible growth.
Silvio’s caution is a response to experiences from other electric motorcycle startups that aimed high but failed to meet their promises. A notable example is Voltz, which received over R$ 100 million from Creditas and faced operational difficulties, leading to the discontinuation of its partnership with iFood. This scenario underscores the importance of a solid and realistic approach in product development and operations management.
Competition in the Electric Motorcycle Market
Auper is not the only company in this space. Vammo, founded by former executives from Tesla and Rappi, is also in the market, offering motorcycles assembled in the Free Trade Zone of Manaus with a subscription model for delivery workers. In 2022, Vammo raised R$ 30 million to expand its operations. The intense competition in the electric motorcycle sector can drive innovations and improvements, benefiting consumers with more options and advanced technologies.
The growing popularity of electric motorcycles in Brazil is driven by several trends, including the search for more sustainable transportation solutions and the need to reduce carbon emissions. With the rising costs of fossil fuels and environmental awareness, electric motorcycles become an attractive alternative for many consumers and businesses.
The Future of Electric Mobility in Brazil
With the arrival of Auper in Brazil, the electric motorcycle landscape is set to heat up, bringing new options for consumers and businesses seeking sustainable and efficient solutions. As the infrastructure for electric vehicles expands and the Brazilian government offers incentives for adopting clean technologies, more companies are expected to follow in Auper‘s footsteps, contributing to a greener future.
The combination of cutting-edge technology and focus on the Brazilian market can position Auper as a relevant player in this growing sector. With its innovations and commitment to quality, Auper is ready to lead the transformation of electric mobility in Brazil, offering products that meet the needs of an evolving market and align with the expectations of modern consumers.
SOURCE: STARTUPS
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