The Achmea Innovation Fund has announced its investment in Laka, a pioneering European micromobility insurer, as part of its strategic move towards fostering smart and sustainable mobility solutions.
Laka, founded in London in 2017, offers an array of insurance and circular economy services tailored to e-bike riders, cyclists, and businesses across multiple European countries, including the Netherlands.
With an insured portfolio exceeding €140 million in bicycles and e-bikes, Laka’s innovative approach centers around collective-driven insurance for various micromobility devices. This model involves a community of cyclists united by their shared interest in safeguarding their bikes. Monthly claims are distributed among the collective, ensuring that individual premiums remain fair and transparent, fluctuating based on actual usage and claims.
In addition to serving consumers directly, Laka has forged strategic partnerships with leading retailers and brands, integrating insurance seamlessly at the point of sale. Recent collaborations with prominent industry players like Gazelle, Urban Arrow, Decathlon, and Riese & Müller have further bolstered Laka’s outreach, facilitating efficient access to insurance for cyclists.
By capitalising on the burgeoning trend of embedded insurance, Laka aims to enhance accessibility and affordability while advancing the broader agenda of promoting sustainable mobility solutions.
In the upcoming phase of expansion, Achmea Innovation Fund’s investment also aligns with Laka’s recent extension of its investment round, spearheaded by impact investor Shift4Good, alongside existing backers Autotech Ventures, Porsche Ventures, Ponooc, ABN AMRO Ventures, Creandum, 1818 Ventures, and Elkstone Partners.
Speaking about the investment news, Katharina Maas, Fund Manager Achmea Innovation Fund, said: “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 also commented, saying: “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.”
He added: “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.”
