In a thrilling leap for India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry, Bengaluru-based startup Ultraviolette Automotive has secured a game-changing $21 million investment from TDK Corporation’s venture arm, propelling its ambitious plans to take India-made electric motorcycles global.
This all-equity funding round, announced on August 12, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for the nine-year-old company, which is already making waves with its high-performance electric two-wheelers. With this fresh capital, Ultraviolette is set to quadruple its European presence, venture into new markets like Latin America and Southeast Asia, and expand its portfolio to 14 models by early 2027.
A Vision Born from Passion and Innovation
At the heart of Ultraviolette are childhood friends Narayan Subramaniam (CEO) and Niraj Rajmohan (CTO), whose shared vision to revolutionize the two-wheeler market has driven the company since its inception in 2016. Inspired by Tesla’s bold approach to electric vehicles, the duo sought to create electric motorcycles that rival the performance of 150cc to 800cc internal combustion engine sports bikes.
Unlike many Indian EV startups focusing on low-cost, utilitarian models, Ultraviolette carved a niche by prioritizing performance, style, and cutting-edge technology. Their flagship F77 Mach 2 and F77 SuperStreet, launched in 2024, have already captured attention with their sleek designs and impressive specs: a 186-mile range, a top speed of 96 mph, and a 30kW motor delivering 100 Nm of torque. These motorcycles aren’t just vehicles; they’re a lifestyle statement for riders seeking thrill and innovation.
TDK Backs Ultraviolette with $21M: A Strategic Partnership
The $21 million investment, led by TDK Ventures, the corporate venture arm of Japanese electronics giant TDK Corporation, signals strong confidence in Ultraviolette’s global potential. The funding round also saw participation from existing investors like Zoho Corporation and Lingotto, bringing Ultraviolette’s total capital raised to approximately $75 million. Other notable backers include Qualcomm Ventures, TVS Motor, and Swiggy co-founder Sriharsha Majety, underscoring the startup’s appeal to both tech and mobility heavyweights.
“Mobility is undergoing a radical transformation, and at Ultraviolette, we are leading that change through cutting-edge innovation,” said Narayan Subramaniam. “Our partnership with TDK Ventures fast-forwards our efforts, from advanced battery platforms to intelligent vehicle systems.” This collaboration not only bolsters Ultraviolette’s financial runway but also aligns with TDK’s expertise in advanced electronics, potentially enhancing the startup’s battery and software capabilities.
Global Ambitions: From Bengaluru to the World
Ultraviolette’s journey to global markets began in June 2025 with a high-profile launch under the Eiffel Tower in Paris, introducing the F77 Mach 2 and F77 SuperStreet to 10 European countries, including Germany, France, and the UK. The company’s bold move made it the first Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer to break into Europe, a region known for its stringent standards and enthusiasm for high-performance motorcycles.
Now, with TDK’s backing, Ultraviolette plans to expand to 40 European countries and explore new territories like Latin America, Southeast Asia, and eventually the U.S. and Japan.
The startup’s global-first strategy is a calculated response to India’s price-sensitive market, where EV adoption lags at 7.66% compared to the global average of 16.48%, according to NITI Aayog. While India accounts for nearly 40% of global motorcycle sales, most are affordable internal combustion engine models for daily commuting. Ultraviolette’s premium offerings, priced between $1,650 and $10,000, cater to a universal audience seeking aspirational, high-performance EVs.
Cutting-Edge Technology: Redefining Electric Mobility
Ultraviolette’s motorcycles stand out for their advanced features, setting a new benchmark for electric two-wheelers. The F77 Mach 2 and F77 SuperStreet boast:
- Violette A.I.: A proprietary artificial intelligence system for intelligent ride customization and predictive maintenance, alerting riders to issues like chain lubrication needs.
- eSIM Connectivity: Real-time ride analytics via a mobile app, enhancing the ownership experience.
- Advanced Safety: Dual-channel ABS by Bosch, 10 levels of regenerative braking, and dynamic stability control.
- Performance Specs: 0-60 km/h in 2.8 seconds, a 10.3 kWh battery, and a top speed of 155 km/h.
The company also unveiled the lightweight Shock Wave motorcycle and the Tesseract scooter, which features front and rear radars for assisted driving and blindspot detection. These innovations reflect Ultraviolette’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and technology, drawing parallels to Tesla’s disruptive approach in the automotive world.
| Model | Price (Ex-Showroom) | Range | Top Speed | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F77 Mach 2 | $2,000 – $10,000 | 186 miles | 96 mph | Violette A.I., dual-channel ABS, 10.3 kWh battery |
| F77 SuperStreet | $2,000 – $10,000 | 186 miles | 96 mph | Upright riding position, regenerative braking |
| Tesseract Scooter | $1,650 | TBD | TBD | Front/rear radars, blindspot detection |
| Shock Wave Motorcycle | TBD | TBD | TBD | Lightweight design, high-performance focus |
Scaling Production and Retail Presence
To support its global ambitions, Ultraviolette is ramping up its manufacturing capabilities. Its Bengaluru facility in Electronics City currently produces 30,000 units annually, with plans to double capacity to 60,000 units and establish a new plant targeting 300,000 units by early 2026. The company employs 500 people, including 200 in R&D, and handles everything in-house—from battery management systems to embedded software and motor controllers.
In India, Ultraviolette operates 20 stores across 20 cities and aims to expand to 100 cities by March 2026, with 50 stores opening by the festive season. In Europe, the company has secured 40 dealers and plans a significant scale-up in 2026.
