Cycle insurance provider and LEVA EU member LAKA reported a very successful April, with its listing in the 6th edition of the top 50 European Startups in clean mobility, and the spotlight shone on the meaningful impacts of its sustainability work.
Firstly, LAKA was named as one of the top 50 European Startups in clean mobility by the EUSP (The European Startup Prize for Mobility), an EU acceleration and investment programme for sustainable mobility startup organisations. The top 50 list identifies the most promising startups in aiding the transition to smarter, cleaner and more inclusive transportation.
The insurance brand was selected from hundreds of applications in an extensive evaluation process conducted by independent experts across Europe who represent mobility, innovation, investment, policy and sustainability fields.
LAKA’s reusing and recycling initiative
The brand also celebrated World Earth Day in outlining its sustainable actions on supporting a circular economy by helping bicycle materials to be re-used and kept out of landfill waste as much as possible. It does this by working with specialist partners to look at salvaging damaged bicycles by salvaging parts that still could be used and recycling the remainder.
LAKA joins forces with Ride Bristol
LAKA is proud to help Ride Bristol in its mission of building, maintaining and protection local trails in the UK city. Its recent donation has helped the company maintain its trails and train new ride leaders so it can host more cycling group rides and community events.
April 2025 marked a great month for LAKA, as its industry recognition and green initiatives emphasised its commitment to driving cleaner and sustainable community-focused mobility solutions across Europe.
Comments Off on Laka acquires the Luko e-scooter business in France
LEVA-EU member Laka acquires the Luko e-scooter business in France from Allianz Direct, the third acquisition in the last eighteen months
Laka has acquired the Luko e-scooter business from Allianz Direct
Known as a specialist bicycle insurer, Laka has expanded to offer best-in-class insurance to e-scooter customers in France
The launch of this new product line underpins Laka’s ambitions to expand beyond bicycles to other forms of micromobility
This acquisition supports Laka’s ambitions to decarbonise transport, E-scooters are estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 12,000 tons annually in major EU cities, as they replace short car trips and lower congestion
Allianz Direct has now completed its strategic product refocus in France on home and travel insurance, 1 year after the acquisition of Luko
Laka acquires e-scooter business, consisting of renewal rights and contract with Wakam, from Allianz Direct in France, demonstrating commitment to the European market. Only last month Laka also announced an extension to its existing partnership with Decathlon into Germany.
Known as a specialist bicycle insurance provider, Laka is now expanding to offer insurance for alternative vehicle classes, with sights set on being the micromobility insurer provider of choice across Europe. This acquisition marks a significant step in Laka’s growth strategy, following its acquisition of French bike insurance provider, Cylantro, in 2023 and the renewal rights acquisition of CoverCloud in 2024 as it continues to expand its presence across Europe both for bicycle insurance and now micromobility more broadly.
Tobias Taupitz CEO and Co-founder comments, “We are actively looking to acquire within the micromobility space to bolster our offering and are delighted that Allianz Direct has chosen Laka as the new home for its e-scooter customers. Not only is this an exciting time for Laka’s growth, it gives us the opportunity to respond to market needs in France and offer e-scooter insurance.”
The EU e-scooter market was valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow by 15% from 2022 to 2030. Growth is driven by increasing urbanization, demand for micro-mobility solutions, and supportive government policies. From today, more than 20,000 Luko customers will get access to Laka’s 5* rated insurance from day one, with no interruption of cover.
Fanny Limare-Wolf CEO of Allianz Direct France comments, “We are excited about our agreement with Laka for the acquisition of our e-scooter portfolio. Laka’s strong commitment to customer service makes them the ideal partner to ensure a smooth transition for our policyholders. This strategic step allows Allianz Direct to sharpen our focus on home and travel insurance and drive innovation, delivering even greater value to our customers.”
In addition to actively acquiring in this space, Laka continues to expand its customer base across Europe both direct to consumer, and with partners such as Decathlon, Gazelle, Brompton, Riese & Müller, Gaya and Tenways, and via leasing providers.
For further information contact: For media information: Agence Relations Jihane Teretal jhane@jt-conseil.com 06 08 27 68 85
About Laka Laka, winner of the ‘Best Cycle Insurance Provider’ Award seven years in a row, has challenged outdated traditional insurance to provide customers and businesses’ with a fairer, collective-driven approach to insurance. Laka customers pay no upfront premiums, and are instead charged based on the cost of claims submitted by the collective the previous month. Fewer claims result in lower charges. Laka customers work together as a collective and share the cost of claims. Laka handles all claims, divides the cost fairly and limits each customer’s maximum monthly spend with a cap based on the value of the equipment insured by each individual member. Laka members fully benefit from lower costs but are also protected if there are a high volume of claims in any given month.
About Allianz Direct Allianz Direct is the online future of online insurance, operating in five European market. Driven by the mission to become “digitally unbeatable” and to be the most customer-oriented and efficient insurer in the market, Allianz Direct has set new standards in the digital insurance landscape with its intuitive and intelligent insurance offerings. The direct insurer focuses on simplicity in implementation and straightforwardness in development: insurance policies are easily taken out online or by phone, and the product range is continuously expanded and optimized on the basis of valuable customer feedback. Allianz Direct is characterized by its agility, global expertise, and profound customer understanding, positioning itself as a leader in the digital transformation across
Comments Off on Laka and The Royal Dutch Cycling Union announce new partnership
Collaboration aims to better support the growing number of sport cyclists in the Netherlands
Bicycle insurer and LEVA-EU member, Laka, and the Royal Dutch Cycling Union (KNWU) have joined forces to lower insurance barriers for cyclists, with Laka introducing a new insurance model aimed at various cycling groups, including mountain bikers and road cyclists.
More support for cyclists with new transparent insurance model
The KNWU aims to make the cycling experience more convenient for different riders and has chosen Laka as a partner to support them in this mission. Laka has highlighted the transparency of its new insurance model, noting that customers will never have to pay more than a fixed maximum amount, which could be lower if there are fewer claims within a given period.
KNWU members can benefit from this partnership with insurance options that cover both sporting activities and everyday use. Laka offers Race and World cover, which can be used for official competitions that require a licence, allowing KNWU members to focus on their sporting goals with less worry about cycling risks.
“Cycling is growing rapidly in the Netherlands and with it the need for flexible and fair solutions for cyclists. No small print, but simple and transparent. By working together with Laka, we not only offer our members, clubs and associations, but also the broader cycling target group, the best conditions, but we also contribute to a safer and more accessible cycling culture. With Laka, our members can focus on what they like to do most: enjoy cycling, without worrying about their bike,” states KNWU’s CCO, Daniel Heijne.
Commitment to safety and education
In addition to the insurance benefits, KNWU and Laka will also organise cycling safety and education projects to make cycling more accessible and safer in the Netherlands. The projects aim to do this by raising awareness of the benefits of good insurance and the significance of accident prevention. And KNWU and Laka want to continuously adapt their services for cyclists by closely monitoring developments in the cycling world.
“KNWU and Laka share a passion for making cycling easier and safer for everyone. Together, we want to make it as simple as possible for cyclists to travel well-insured. We are proud that this collaboration will strengthen our mission and offer KNWU members access to a service that truly understands their needs,” says Laka’s Partnership Manager EU, Joost Klarenbeek.
Comments Off on How Laka has become a popular insurer with European retailers and manufacturers
Laka CEO Tobias Taupitz details how the InsurTech company’s collective model is popular with some of Europe’s biggest bike brands.
Laka, a leading bicycle insurance company, is attracting some of Europe’s top bike retailers and manufacturers. Among its clients are Decathlon, Gazelle, Riese & Müller, Tenways, Urban Arrow, and Brompton.
Laka’s innovative model eliminates upfront premiums. Customers are billed based on the previous month’s claims, ensuring transparency and capping individual costs. This approach has resonated, leading to over €200 million in insured value and €27 million in fundraising.
Transitioning from a direct-to-consumer model to retail and commercial partnerships, Laka has seen a 145% year-on-year increase in net revenue in Europe, with a 126% growth in partner revenue.
Partner-led growth
Operating in the UK and the Netherlands, Laka insures cyclists directly and through partners. Its unique model, where customers “pay for what’s needed, not what’s expected,” has garnered investor confidence. Last year, Laka raised €7.6 million from investors including Shift4Good, Autotech Ventures, Porsche Ventures, Ponooc, and Creandum. With €200 million in insured value, Laka aims to surpass €1 billion.
Laka’s partnership model is integral to its success. For instance, Gazelle includes 12 months of theft insurance with its connected e-bikes, and Decathlon has expanded its offerings to include Laka’s insurance for all bikes in the UK and the Netherlands, alongside its existing activity in France and Belgium.
Customer-centric insurance
Laka’s model ties premiums to the collective number of claims, encouraging customers to minimize claims for lower costs. Unlike traditional insurers, Laka earns a fee only after settling claims, aligning its interests with customers. Laka’s post-claim support includes repair advice and bike replacement assistance, ensuring a seamless experience.
The company’s commitment to ESG principles involves salvaging damaged bikes and recycling parts, with proceeds benefiting customers. Acquisitions like French e-bike insurance broker Cylantro and the renewal rights for CoverCloud’s bike portfolio in the UK have bolstered Laka’s expansion.
Six-time winner of the ‘Best Cycle Insurance Provider’ award, Laka’s transparency and customer focus are revolutionizing the insurance landscape. CEO Tobias Taupitz states, “We flip insurance on its head,” and has also stated Laka’s aim to be Europe’s leading micromobility service partner.
The full interview with Zag Daily can be accessed here.
Comments Off on Decathlon and Laka continue partnership as the bicycle insurer of choice for Decathlon Netherlands
Insurance disruptor Laka extends its partnership with the French sports brand Decathlon.
Laka insurance is now available for all Decathlon customers in The Netherlands.
The partnership enables customers to insure their bikes easily, with a quote for the monthly insurance cost calculated based on the value of the bike.
Laka, the award-winning European Insurtech that offers a unique insurance model to cyclists and businesses, has extended its partnership with Decathlon. After a successful launch with Decathlon’s Connected E-Bikes in 2022, launching in multiple countries, the launch in The Netherlands marks the extension of a successful partnership having already launched with Decathlon UK in 2023.
Now the selected bicycle insurer for Decathlon Netherlands, Laka is available in all 21 stores and across all Decathlon e-commerce channels in the country. Decathlon selected Laka for its unique collective insurance model, with fair and transparent pricing.
In Laka’s model, customers only pay for the actual monthly claims within the collective, based on the value of their bike. Laka’s exceptional customer service, fast claims handling, and comprehensive coverage make them the ideal partner for bike insurance. This flexible option is perfectly suited for road bike enthusiasts who own a Van Rijsel or for those taking their e-bike on holiday, delivering top-tier protection for racing and travelling.
Laka already offers exclusive coverage for connected e-bikes in the Netherlands, integrated within the Decathlon connected app.This coverage includes GPS tracking and recovery features for insured bikes. Laka enables Decathlon to close the loop on insurance, by recovering stolen bikes and either getting them back to the customer or enabling Decathlon to resell the recovered bikes as part of their Second Life-Program, supporting part of Laka’s ESG strategy to get stolen bikes back on the road. Laka is continually looking at unique services to offer in addition to insurance and supporting manufacturers and retailers to provide next-level customer experience.
On the Decathlon partnership, Tobias Taupitz, Laka CEO said, “It’s great to see further commitment from Decathlon on the importance of customer-first insurance. we are excited to see the partnership evolve with additional territories already on the roadmap.”
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About Laka
Laka, winner of the ‘Best Cycle Insurance Provider’ Award six years in a row, has challenged outdated traditional insurance to provide customers and businesses’ with a fairer, collective-driven approach to insurance. Laka customers pay no upfront premiums, and are instead charged based on the cost of claims submitted by the collective the previous month. Fewer claims result in lower charges. Laka customers work together as a collective and share the cost of claims. Laka handles all claims, divides the cost fairly and limits each customer’s maximum monthly spend with a cap based on the value of the equipment insured by each individual member. Laka members fully benefit from lower costs but are also protected if there are a high volume of claims in any given month.
Comments Off on Laka acquires renewal rights to CoverCloud’s bike portfolio
Insurance disruptor Laka completes the renewal rights acquisition of UK insurance provider CoverCloud’s bike portfolio.
CoverCloud’s customers will now have access to Laka’s insurance cover.
The renewal rights acquisition follows Laka’s acquisition of French bike insurance provider, Cylantro, last year.
Laka (www.laka.co), the award-winning UK & EU Insurtech that offers a unique insurance model to cyclists and businesses, has acquired the renewal rights to CoverCloud’s bike portfolio. This marks a significant step in Laka’s growth strategy, following their acquisition of French bike insurance provider, Cylantro, last year. The renewal rights acquisition consolidates Laka’s position as a leading bike insurer in the UK, allowing CoverCloud’s existing customer base to access Laka’s innovative, community-driven insurance model, while they continue to expand their presence across Europe.
CoverCloud customers will benefit from Laka’s insurance coverage with a new level of flexibility, transparency, and 5-star rated customer service. Laka offers three tiers of coverage for UK customers: a Core product with essential insurance cover, a Complete product for ultimate peace of mind, and the ability to add Race & Travel (for as little as 30 days at a time).
Laka continues its commitment to lead and redefine the pan-European cycle insurance space, extending its footprint across the region and working with customers and businesses alike to offer new solutions and maintain its top-quality service.
On the renewal rights acquisition, CoverCloud’s owner Acumen Insurance Services Limited MD Alan Reif says: “We are delighted our Cycle policyholders will be able to access this specialist cycle insurance product with additional services, too. We researched the UK cycle market very diligently for the right partner, and Laka was the obvious home for our cycling customers.”
Tobias Taupitz, Laka CEO, adds: “We’re excited to provide CoverCloud’s customers with the ability to join The Laka Collective. We take great pride in our customer-centric approach and are delighted that the CoverCloud Team recognises this by choosing Laka as their preferred partner. This renewal rights acquisition forms part of Laka’s M&A strategy, complementing organic growth.”
All CoverCloud customers that choose to join Laka will receive 30 days free insurance.
CoverCloud is the online direct selling division of Acumen Insurance Services Limited, boasting a strong track record in providing innovative personal lines insurance products, notably travel and gadgets. A trailblazer in the industry, Acumen prides itself on delivering exceptional customer experiences through the use of technology. Acumen’s involvement as a founding member of Insurtech UK underscores its commitment to forward thinking in the insurance sector, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI and parametric solutions. In 2015, Acumen became part of the City of London-based CSP Holding group.
About Laka
Laka, winner of the ‘Best Cycle Insurance Provider’ Award six years in a row, has challenged outdated traditional insurance to provide customers and businesses’ with a fairer, collective-driven approach to insurance. Laka customers pay no upfront premiums, and are instead charged based on the cost of claims submitted by the collective the previous month. Fewer claims result in lower charges. Laka customers work together as a collective and share the cost of claims. Laka handles all claims, divides the cost fairly and limits each customer’s maximum monthly spend with a cap based on the value of the equipment insured by each individual member. Laka members fully benefit from lower costs but are also protected if there are high volumes of claims in any given month.
Comments Off on Bicycle insurer Laka welcomes new investor: Achmea Innovation Fund
Achmea Innovation Fund has made an investment in the European micromobility insurer and LEVA-EU member Laka. This startup provides a range of insurance and circular economy services to e-bike riders, cyclists, and businesses. This investment is in line with Achmea’s ambitions in the field of smart and sustainable mobility and its interest in innovative mobility solutions.
Laka is a mobility insurtech, founded in London in 2017 and now active in multiple European countries, including the Netherlands, and insures more than €140 million worth of bicycles and e-bikes. Laka’s main offering is collective-driven insurance for bikes, e-bikes and e-cargo bikes.
The collective is a group of cyclists, connected by a common interest; their bicycles. Each month’s claims are shared amongst Laka’s collective of cyclists, so the monthly bill varies up to a guaranteed cap. Now cyclists only pay for what’s needed. The fewer claims there are, the lower the monthly premium.
As well as offering insurance directly to consumers, Laka is working with retailers and brands to embed insurance at point of sale. The most recent partnerships are with the Dutch bicycle manufacturer Gazelle and cargo bike brand Urban Arrow from Pon. Other partners include sports retailer Decathlon and e-bike brand Riese & Müller. This allows Laka to reach cyclists in the most efficient way.
Exploiting the opportunities of embedded insurance
Katharina Maas, Fund Manager Achmea Innovation Fund: “In a world where the demand for green and healthy transport options continues to rise but electric bicycles are also becoming increasingly expensive, Laka is at the forefront with innovative solutions. Their innovative ’embedded’ insurance model ensures that bicycles are insured directly from the manufacturer. But Laka does more; They also offer services to recover stolen bikes, and they help cyclists get back on the road quickly after theft or damage. Achmea invests in Laka because of the attractive possibilities of embedded insurance and the synergy with our business activities. Moreover, Laka’s model is directly in line with our cooperative values and our mission to optimally insure customers and provide them with the right services.”
Tobias Taupitz, CEO and co-founder Laka: “We’re excited to welcome leading Dutch insurer Achmea to join Laka’s ride. Their investment is testament to the strength of our embedded proposition and will support Laka’s growth across Europe in Green mobility. We look forward to working with the Achmea Innovation Fund team and the broader organisation to create outstanding customer value. In addition, we welcome Henrieke Hoftijzer to join our board.”
Next growth phase
Achmea Innovation Fund’s investment follows the extension of the latest investment round led by impact investor Shift4Good alongside existing investors Autotech Ventures, Porsche Ventures, Ponooc, ABN AMRO Ventures, Creandum, 1818 Ventures and Elkstone Partners. This will allow Laka to enter the next phase of growth, which is aimed at further expansion in Europe.
Since 2019 Achmea Innovation Fund invests in start-ups and scale-ups that match the mission and strategic domains in which Achmea operates. The fund exclusively takes minority stakes in these companies, with the aim of further growth and realising strategic value for Achmea. The Achmea Innovation Fund contributes to solving social issues, for example in the field of mobility.
Founded in 2017, Laka set out to transform insurance by connecting passionate cyclists to form a collective and protect their bikes for when things go wrong. Now serving cyclists across Europe, Laka is the leading bike insurance provider that insures businesses and individuals looking to make their journeys pedal-powered. Laka challenges the traditional insurance model by providing tailored cover to suit your needs – this includes a tech-driven claims experience that has won Best Cycle Insurance Provider’ at the Insurance Choice Awards for six years running.
Comments Off on Laka and Riese & Müller partner up to offer insurance to RX Connect customers
Insurance disruptor Laka partners with German bicycle manufacturer Riese & Müller.
Laka will now offer three insurance packages included in the Riese & Müller ConnectCare service to all RX Connect customers in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.
The partnership enables customers to insure their bikes easily through the Riese & Müller My Bike platform and the RX Connect app.
Laka (www.laka.co), the award-winning European Insurtech that offers a unique insurance model to cyclists and businesses, has started a new partnership with the German premium E-bike manufacturer, Riese & Müller, to provide cover for all existing and new RX Connect customers with ConnectCare subscription in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
With this new partnership, Riese & Müller customers who buy an E-bike with an RX Chip and subscribe to ConnectCare now benefit from exclusive Laka bike insurance cover under the ConnectCare service. The new ConnectCare service comes in three options, Basic, Smart, and Comfort, and was launched this month. This shows the commitment from Laka and Riese & Müller to stamp out thieves and keep everyone riding protected.
Known for developing fully suspended E-Bikes and cargo bikes, and the innovative RX technology, the partnership with Riese & Müller builds on Laka’s existing network of micro-mobility brands across Europe such as Gazelle, Brompton, and Decathlon.
On the Riese & Müller partnership, Tobias Taupitz, Laka CEO said, “We are excited to welcome Riese & Müller to the Laka family and their RX Connect E-bike customers to the Laka Collective. We’re determined to provide them with a best-in-class experience and service. Together with Riese & Müller, we can help their customers fully enjoy their e-bike, knowing that Laka will swiftly get them back on the saddle if needed.”
Joachim Teske, Product Manager Digital Services at Riese & Müller, said: “We are looking forward to expanding our ConnectCare Service to further European markets, connecting more customers to their bikes and giving them a greater sense of security and peace of mind. We’re sure that our E-Bike riders will benefit from Laka’s service and together with both our connectivity and recovery service we have created a holistic product.”
Comments Off on Laka acquires French e-bike insurance broker Cylantro
European mobility insurer Laka, who provide a range of insurance and circular economy services to e-bike riders, enthusiast cyclists and companies, has announced the acquisition of Cylantro, a French e-bike insurance broker.
The company at the same time publicised its latest funding round, with the aim of building upon its leadership in the Green Mobility sector. The equity plus debt round of €7.6 million, was led by leading impact investor Shift4Good, alongside existing investors Autotech Ventures, Porsche Ventures, Ponooc, ABN AMRO Ventures, Creandum, 1818 Ventures & Elkstone Partners. Previous angel investors include Zwift CEO and co-founder, Eric Min. The fresh capital will be used to amplify Laka’s efforts to enable more customers to transition to more environmentally friendly modes of transport.
The CEO and founder of Cylantro, Thomas Arnou, has joined Laka, specifically overseeing operations in the French market. This strategic move has been prompted, in part, by the notable surge in e-bike and bicycle sales, as well as the increasing prevalence of cycling as a mode of transportation in France, outpacing other European nations. Cylantro, headquartered in Paris, operates as an insurance brokerage firm with a distinct specialization in catering to the unique requirements of its clientele in the realm of bicycles and e-bikes.
Arnou commented: “Cylantro was in the unique position of having a lot of acquisition interest and, therefore, able to get a clear vision of the competitor landscape. We chose to join forces with Laka because of their aligned core principles – customer first and best-in-class claims handling. We’re ready to build the European leader together.”
Tobias Taupitz, CEO and co-founder of Laka, said: “We’re excited to welcome onboard the Cylantro team to Laka. Thomas and his team have built up a fantastic offering in France, and we can’t wait to ramp up our presence across the country. E-bikes are expected to outgrow car sales by 2025 in Europe and we see huge potential in France, where the sales of bikes and e-bikes are growing at double-digits.
“We are also excited to welcome Shift4Good as an investor, and we look forward to working with them to expand our commitments to decarbonising mobility, by making it easier for consumers to insure and protect their bikes or e-bikes.”
Matthieu de Chanville, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Shift4Good, commented: “It is a great honour to assist Laka in accelerating within the highly promising market of smart mobility. Laka returns insurance to its pure, mutual heritage. Laka’s members and their shared interests incentivise positive behaviour which in turn benefits the entire community. We have full confidence in the team, their tech stack, and the momentum of Laka. We are committed to providing substantial support in both Europe today and Asia tomorrow to further their mission of decarbonizing road mobility. Creating global leaders through innovative technology isn’t just our mission; it’s a daily passion, as exceptional entrepreneurs are pivotal in driving a sustainable economy.”
About Laka
Laka, winner of the ‘Best Cycle Insurance Provider’ Award four years in a row, was founded to better serve individual cyclists and businesses with a fairer, collective-driven approach to insurance. With a tech-driven and customer-centric approach, Laka has built on being an award-winning cycle insurer, to now being uniquely positioned as the go-to micromobility insurance provider in the UK and Europe. www.laka.co
