In a strategic push to capture a larger slice of India’s booming electric two-wheeler market, Bengaluru-based startup Simple Energy has secured $10 million in an all-equity bridge funding round. The infusion, announced yesterday, will supercharge the company’s retail footprint, with ambitious plans to roll out 150 new showrooms and 200 service centers nationwide by the end of 2025—positioning it as a formidable challenger to giants like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and TVS.The round was spearheaded by Dr. Arokiaswamy Velumani, founder of Thyrocare’s Family Office, alongside existing backers Balamurugan Arumugam and the Haran family office.
Simple Energy intends to deploy nearly 80% of the capital toward bolstering its retail network, forging dealer partnerships, and enhancing service infrastructure, while the balance fuels research and development (R&D) efforts, including new product innovations.
From its current base of 53 showrooms spanning Bengaluru, Goa, Pune, Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and Kochi, the company is set to quadruple its presence this year, targeting untapped demand in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
This aggressive expansion comes at a pivotal moment, as festive season discounts from rivals intensify competition in the sector, where electric two-wheelers accounted for over 50% of total sales in August 2025.
Powering Up: Manufacturing Edge and Product Lineup
At the heart of Simple Energy’s strategy is its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, boasting an annual capacity of 150,000 units.
The company prides itself on full vertical integration, pioneering in-house powertrain development—the first Indian OEM to do so—alongside an industry-leading eight-year motor warranty.
Adding a sustainability twist, Simple Energy has recently commenced commercial production of heavy rare-earth-free motors, reducing environmental impact without compromising performance.Its flagship offerings underscore this tech-forward approach. The Simple One Gen 1.5, unveiled in February 2025, delivers an impressive 248 km IDC-certified range, while the March-launched Simple OneS clocks in at 181 km—both claiming the longest ranges in their segments and directly rivaling Ola’s S1 Pro Gen 3 and Ather’s Rizta.
These scooters address a core pain point for Indian riders: range anxiety, making them ideal for urban commutes and inter-city jaunts.
Investor Backing and Bold Visions
Founder and CEO Suhas Rajkumar emphasized the funding’s transformative potential: “This investment will bolster our next phase of growth. It will help in making electric mobility more accessible to customers across India. With this influx, we are confident in scaling into both established and emerging markets—delivering India’s longest-range electric two-wheelers that meet the needs of Indian riders.”
Echoing this optimism, lead investor Dr. Velumani highlighted the company’s technological prowess: “Simple Energy’s unique strengths are indigenously made with 1. Best Battery system and 2. Excellent motor Quality. With localized operations, sharp operational & R&D focus, and a clear strategy for scaling, the company is well-positioned to be in top 3 players in EV 2W market in India by 2030.”
Balamurugan Arumugam added, “Its focus on R&D and high-range electric two-wheelers, strategic market expansion, and strengthening customer engagement reflects the brand’s potential for lasting impact. We are excited to continue supporting their journey as they shape the future of two-wheeler mobility in the country.”
This marks Simple Energy’s latest milestone, bringing its total funding to $51 million since inception in 2019.
Looking further ahead, the startup eyes an initial public offering (IPO) in FY 2027, aiming to raise $350 million to amplify manufacturing scale and deepen market penetration
EVINDIA Analysis: A Game-Changer in the Festive Frenzy?
As Ola Electric and Ather Energy ramp up festive promotions, Simple Energy’s retail blitz could snag overlooked opportunities in smaller cities, where infrastructure lags but demand surges.
Its range-leading scooters provide a clear differentiator amid persistent concerns over battery life, potentially swaying cost-conscious buyers.On the service front, the planned 200 centers could eclipse Ola’s notorious after-sales woes, fostering loyalty through reliable support—an omni-channel edge that’s proving elusive for larger players. And with the $350 million IPO on the horizon, Simple signals unyielding resolve to disrupt the duopoly, potentially reshaping India’s EV landscape by decade’s end.For now, as Diwali lights flicker on, Simple Energy isn’t just charging batteries—it’s igniting a retail revolution.
