Belgian Startup Any Pioneers Cargo Innovations as Electric Two-Wheelers Surge in Popularity
Traveling across Europe often involves a significant amount of walking; however, cars remain the primary mode of transportation in cities. Innovative entrepreneurs are aiming to disrupt this norm, starting with an understanding of its deep-rooted nature.
Belgian startup Any believes that to enhance the popularity of two-wheelers, they must be “crafted for real life.” For Any, this means ensuring that their vehicles can carry ample cargo without compromising on speed, distance, or adaptability.
Driven by their “crafted for real life” philosophy, the startup has introduced the LUV1, a modular electric motorcycle that can store the same amount as a cargo bike while achieving speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph).
The design of the LUV1 addresses a gap often left by traditional car trunks, providing a storage capacity of up to 120 liters.
This concept emerged from a straightforward inquiry: What do people need in a typical week? Essentials like groceries, weekend bags, and luggage should not be a burden just because one chooses to ride on two wheels instead of four, as expressed by the startup.
The LUV1 offers versatility in functionality; customers can select either an open structure or one equipped with various panels, catering to needs like transporting pets, work items, or camping gear. Its modular features extend further, allowing for options such as windshields, racks, rain gear, and more, making it appealing for daily commuters, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The modular design is the creation of Lowie Vermeersch, a former design director at Pininfarina, whose reputation helped the LUV1 stand out when its striking prototype debuted at Milan Design Week in May.
Vermeersch’s involvement with Any goes beyond a one-time collaboration; he is the creative director and also one of the company’s investors. Together, they aim to establish a new category they refer to as “life utility vehicles,” hence the LUV1’s name.
Priced from €7,000 (around $8,150), the LUV1 is positioned to be more affordable than cars while being on par with premium electric cargo bikes. Additionally, it is designed to only require an A1 license, which is relatively easy to obtain in many regions.
The final pricing will depend on the customization options available through the configurator launched with the preorder initiative. Following its unveiling in Milan, Any recorded over 600 reservations within the first 100 days, noted co-founder and CCO Erik de Winter.
Each reservation comes with a €49 fee ($57), which is deducted from the final purchase price and is fully refundable as per Any’s terms. Similar to the previous project of de Winter, Cargaroo, a Dutch e-cargo bike-sharing service, Any has also successfully attracted venture capital. The startup raised €1.5 million in November and an additional €1.25 million in May, totaling €2.75 million ($3.2 million).
With Pieter Van de Velde, a former VC, taking on the role of CEO last year, the startup has garnered attention from prominent figures in the automotive industry among its investors and advisors. To bolster their team, Any has also appointed Alessandro Mangano as the head of engineering, who has an impressive background with companies like Aprilia, Ferrari, and Piaggio Group.
The LUV1 is equipped with two swappable batteries, giving it an impressive range of up to 87 miles on a single charge, positioning it competitively alongside electric models being introduced by brands such as Piaggio and Harley-Davidson. However, distinguishing itself in a rapidly evolving two-wheeler market, which is expected to be largely electric by 2030, is crucial.
Any believes that its significant cargo capacity will set it apart in the market. According to de Winter, LUV1 is designed to attract a diverse range of customers beyond just traditional motorcycle riders, including those in last-mile delivery services. The company plans to expand its offerings to include a variety of vehicles, possibly even a three-wheeler.
Before expanding its lineup, however, Any must first increase production of the LUV1 in preparation for its initial customer deliveries. This growth will necessitate additional funding, and the startup is now looking to secure around €10 million ($11.65 million) or more in a Series A funding round, which it hopes to finalize by year-end.
Pictured left to right: Erik de Winter (CCO), Pieter Van de Velde (CEO), Alessandro Mangano (Head of Engineering).
