The Ukrainian investment syndicate Toloka.vc has invested £186,000 in the development of the British company GIN e-bikes, which specializes in the production of electric bicycles. GIN e-bikes is currently implementing a new business model: the company is transitioning from classic sales to subscription-based bike rentals under the brand PLUTO.
This is reported by Business • Media
Investment Terms and Development Plans
The funding has been provided in the form of a two-year loan with an annual interest rate of 12%, secured by the company’s fleet of electric bicycles. The funds will be directed towards the acquisition of 160 new bikes, as well as the expansion of the rental model in London. Over the next six months, GIN e-bikes plans to attract up to 100 active users of the service.
Advantages of the Rental Model for Investors
For Toloka.vc, this investment marks a shift from a strategy of waiting for results in venture projects to generating income from operational business with predictable financial outcomes. The PLUTO model allows Ukrainian capital to operate effectively in stable Western markets, minimizing risks and ensuring a quick return on investment.
Renting one electric bike under the new model generates £2,455, while direct sales yield only £1,140. Given that the company has 37 active subscribers, the average monthly income from one bike (including additional services) is around £158. After a year of operation, the electric bikes are sold on the secondary market, allowing for additional monetization of the fleet.
The PLUTO model enables Ukrainian capital to achieve predictable income in stable markets, avoiding the risks of classic venture capital and focusing on quick returns.