From Bengaluru to the World: How Ultraviolette is Redefining Electric Motorcycles

Bengaluru-based electric motorcycle startup Ultraviolette is making a bold statement on the global stage. Fueled by a fresh $21 million all-equity funding round led by TDK Corporation, the company is accelerating its international and domestic growth plans. This investment isn’t just a financial boost; it’s a strategic partnership with a Japanese electronics giant, signaling strong confidence in Ultraviolette’s technology and vision. The company, founded in 2016 by childhood friends Narayan Subramaniam and Niraj Rajmohan, is now putting its ambitious plan into overdrive. With a new flagship model and a clear roadmap, Ultraviolette is moving beyond the confines of a price-sensitive Indian market to establish itself as a universal, high-performance EV brand.

Ultraviolette is not just another player in the electric two-wheeler race; it’s a disruptor with a clear, universal vision. Inspired by the legacy of Tesla, co-founders Subramaniam and Rajmohan aimed to create electric motorcycles that were a lifestyle statement, not just a utility. This approach is evident in the company’s meticulous design process, which took four years and seven versions to finalize the F77 model. The company’s global mindset was baked into its DNA from day one—the name “Ultraviolette” was chosen for its similar pronunciation in over 30 European languages, and the company pursued European certification for its vehicles even before entering the market. This forward-thinking strategy positions Ultraviolette to tackle a global market where demand for high-end, performance-driven electric vehicles is on the rise. Their strategic expansion beyond India’s nascent EV market is a savvy move to reach a broader, less price-sensitive audience.

Ultraviolette’s core strength lies in its comprehensive in-house innovation. The company’s team, which includes 200 people in corporate and R&D roles, develops everything from embedded software and battery management systems to motor controllers and the batteries themselves. This vertical integration allows for complete control over the technology and a focus on continuous improvement. The F77 Mach 2, for example, is not just a fast bike with a 186-mile range and a top speed of 96 mph, but a platform for future software updates that can enhance performance and features. The company’s product portfolio is also expanding rapidly. In addition to the F77 Mach 2 and F77 SuperStreet, the startup has unveiled the lightweight Shock Wave motorcycle and the Tesseract scooter, which features advanced safety systems like front and rear radars for an assisted-driving experience. By early 2027, the company plans to increase its offerings to 14 models, catering to various market segments.

To support its aggressive expansion, Ultraviolette is significantly scaling up its operations. The company’s current manufacturing facility in Bengaluru’s Electronics City has a capacity of 30,000 units. However, they’re working to expand this to 60,000 units and have plans for an even larger facility to reach 300,000 units by early next year. This is a crucial step to meet the growing demand from both its domestic and international markets. In India, the company is rapidly expanding its retail presence, with a goal of growing from 20 stores in 20 cities to 100 by March next year. A significant portion of this growth, with about 50 new locations, is expected to open by the upcoming festive season. This retail push is aimed at making its vehicles more accessible to consumers, which is essential for achieving its sales projection of 10,000 units and over $50 million in revenue by the end of this financial year.

Strategic Partnerships and Financial Strength

The $21 million funding round is a testament to the confidence investors have in Ultraviolette’s business model. It adds to the company’s total funding of around $75 million, which includes backing from other notable investors like Zoho Corporation, Lingotto (Exor Capital), Qualcomm Ventures, and TVS Motor. TDK Corporation’s involvement, in particular, is a powerful signal. As a Japanese electronics giant, TDK brings not only capital but also deep industry expertise and a global network. This partnership will be instrumental as Ultraviolette looks to expand its European footprint fourfold, establish pilot programs in Latin America and Southeast Asia, and eventually enter markets like the U.S. and Japan. This strategic backing allows Ultraviolette to invest heavily in its technology, manufacturing, and global marketing efforts, solidifying its position as a high-tech, high-performance brand.

Ultraviolette matters a lot because it represents a new generation of high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) from an Indian company with global ambitions. Unlike many domestic competitors that initially focused on low-speed utility scooters, Ultraviolette is targeting the premium segment, directly competing with traditional gasoline-powered sports bikes and establishing a reputation for cutting-edge technology and design. This is a crucial step in proving that “Made in India” can be synonymous with quality and innovation on the world stage.

What’s This New Innovation?

The company’s new innovations go beyond just building a powerful electric motorcycle. Ultraviolette is focused on integrating advanced technology into their vehicles to create a superior and safer riding experience. Their innovations include:

• Tesseract Scooter: This is their new maxi-scooter, which is not just about performance but also about safety. It features radar technology, which enables advanced rider safety features such as blind spot detection, overtake alerts, and collision warnings. The scooter also has front and rear cameras that act as dashcams and a large 7-inch TFT display with a touch screen for navigation and vehicle diagnostics. It’s a significant step into the mainstream EV market with a tech-loaded package.
• F77 Mach 2 Updates: Ultraviolette continuously improves its flagship motorcycle through software updates. A recent firmware update introduced a new “Ballistic+” performance mode to enhance acceleration and a 10-level regenerative braking system. This system allows riders to customize the braking feel, making the ride more engaging and similar to the engine braking on a traditional motorcycle.
• “Violette” A.I.: This is their proprietary smart tech system that acts as a “co-pilot” for the rider. It handles a variety of functions related to safety, performance, and security. For example, the system can provide alerts for movement or towing, offers remote lockdown capabilities, and delivers real-time ride analytics and vehicle diagnostics through a mobile app. This level of smart connectivity and safety features is a key differentiator in the market.

Why It Matters a Lot

Ultraviolette’s approach is significant for several reasons:

• Global Ambition: The company’s immediate focus on international markets like Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia proves that they are not just building for India. Their pursuit of European certification before launching and their strategic branding demonstrates a global mindset from day one.
• Challenging the Status Quo: The company chose to electrify the high-performance segment, a space dominated by internal combustion engine bikes. By creating a product that can match or exceed the performance of a 150cc to 800cc sports bike, they’re changing the perception of what an electric two-wheeler can be.
• In-house Technology: Ultraviolette’s ability to develop its own embedded software, battery management systems, and motor controllers gives them a significant competitive advantage. This vertical integration allows for faster innovation and a more cohesive, high-quality product.
• A “Made in India” Success Story: With the backing of a major global player like TDK and other prominent investors, Ultraviolette’s success provides a powerful narrative for Indian innovation. It demonstrates that Indian startups can produce world-class products that are technologically advanced and can successfully compete in mature markets. This inspires other entrepreneurs and reinforces India’s growing role in the global tech and automotive sectors.