NOVUS, the German electric two-wheel vehicle manufacturer, has closed a double-digit million euro Series A funding round to accelerate its European expansion and fund its entry into the North American market.
The round was led by 468 Capital, with participation from a notable consortium of strategic and financial investors including Kembara VC, Grover, Vay, and Chrono24. The funding also attracted backing from established automotive manufacturers Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-AMG, alongside sportswear companies Adidas and New Balance. Additional investors include Xiaomi, FINN, and prominent individuals Sophia Flörsch and Eric Bach.
Based in Braunschweig since its founding in 2019, NOVUS has developed a lightweight electric two-wheel vehicle called the NOVUS One, which the company positions as a hybrid product combining the accessibility of an e-bike with the performance characteristics of a motorcycle. The fresh capital will support three strategic initiatives for the startup.
Expanding the Product Range
The company plans to develop the NOVUS Two, a lower-priced model intended to broaden its market appeal beyond early adopters. According to René Renger, the company’s chief executive, the approach reflects a deliberate product strategy. “We’re approaching the market the other way around. First, we create a product that people desire. Then, with our second and third models, we can address a broader customer base and make the technology more accessible,” Renger explained.
This tiered approach suggests NOVUS is targeting multiple customer segments, beginning with premium buyers willing to pay for the flagship NOVUS One before rolling out more affordable alternatives to capture mass-market demand.
European Growth and Transatlantic Ambitions
Beyond product development, the funding will accelerate NOVUS’s distribution efforts across European cities, establishing the startup’s presence in key metropolitan markets where electric micromobility solutions face growing demand. The company has also set its sights on the United States, with plans to launch in California in 2027, positioning itself to enter one of the world’s largest markets for innovative transportation technologies.
The California expansion reflects broader trends in the European startup ecosystem, where emerging mobility companies increasingly view North American markets as essential to scaling their business models. The backing of international investors and established automotive players signals confidence in NOVUS’s technology and market potential.
The participation of both traditional automotive manufacturers and technology companies underscores the competitive and collaborative dynamics shaping the micromobility sector. Established players appear willing to support innovative challengers in the two-wheel vehicle space, suggesting they view electric two-wheel technologies as increasingly central to future urban transportation infrastructure.
NOVUS’s funding round comes as European startups continue attracting capital for mobility solutions addressing congestion and emissions in cities. The combination of product innovation, strategic partnerships, and geographic expansion demonstrated by NOVUS reflects a maturing European ecosystem focused on sustainable transportation alternatives.