Zeno: Here For The Future?
Zeno, a visionary startup founded by Tesla alumnus Michael Spencer, is set to revolutionize East Africa’s energy and transport sectors. Fresh out of stealth mode, Zeno has raised $9.5M in an oversubscribed seed round, with support from Lowercarbon Capital, Toyota Ventures, Advantedge Founders, and others, to accelerate the transition to electric mobility in the region.
The team behind this exceptional innovation includes Michael Spencer, Rob Newberry, Swaroop Bhushan and other industry leaders.
🔋Zeno is introducing electric motorbikes in 2025, leveraging swappable battery tech to reduce costs and improve convenience. Riders will have flexible options to lease or buy batteries, and even pay-per-use through a subscription model—ultimately cutting energy costs by half compared to gas-powered bikes.
🌍 Motorbike taxis, or boda bodas, are essential to East African cities like Nairobi and Kampala. Zeno’s motorbikes will ease the financial burden on drivers, who currently spend up to 50% of their income on fuel. With Zeno, drivers can save and utilize energy for more than just transport.
⚡ Beyond transport, Zeno’s swappable batteries will power household appliances, including solar water pumps and electric cookstoves. This offers a lifeline for communities with limited grid access. Spencer envisions customers using Zeno batteries to power homes through a home battery dock equipped with solar panels—unlocking new possibilities for off-grid living.
🏍️ Zeno is focused on producing durable motorbikes built for Africa’s tough roads. These bikes, in partnership with Indian manufacturers, will meet the demands of heavy loads and long distances, ensuring a seamless transition to electric mobility.
🌱 Zeno’s business model prioritizes affordability. By undercutting gas-powered bikes with a lower upfront cost and significantly reducing power costs, the savings only increase over time.
This transformative approach not only brings sustainable transportation to East Africa but also empowers local communities through flexible, affordable energy solutions.
Zeno enters a rapidly growing #EV market in Africa, projected to reach $313.3 million by 2029, with countries like Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania leading the way in electric vehicle adoption. With this market growth, Zeno joins other innovators in the region, such as Ampersand Energy and BasiGo, driving sustainable transportation solutions.
