Crowdfunding campaign driving Arc’s electric motorbike development

Coventry-based automotive engineers Arc are set to launch a crowdfunding campaign to boost manufacturing development and the progress of their Vector electric motorbike.

The campaign will go live on Crowdcube on 6 May. It will enable Arc to grow the business through a “state-of-the-art” manufacturing facility at St Athan in South Wales.

The four-week investment phase is the second in a multi-year fundraising programme. The company has already been backed by Jaguar Land Rover’s Venture Capital fund InMotion Ventures.

The funding (amount as yet undisclosed) will allow them to finalise the development of their “game-changing” Vector electric motorcycle. It will have a carbon-composite structure, with a battery module shell and a Human Machine Interface, including an “intelligent” rider jacket with sensory technology.

It will also include a fighter pilot projection-based Heads-Up Display in its ArcZenith helmet, and haptic armour and jacket, which combined will allow information to be relayed to the rider about surroundings and potential dangers. Priced at £90,000, Arc will produce 399 units of the Vector electric motorcycle.

Arc’s St Athan facility is set to become operational in 2020. It will be 65,000 sq ft which will include a test track and proving ground, and a private facility for clients arriving by helicopter.

Mark Truman, CEO of Arc said: “Since launching the Arc Vector just 16 weeks ago we have been overwhelmed with how positively it has been received by global media, prospects and investors alike.

“To date we have received over 100 expressions of interest from prospects and we’re now opening up ownership of our transformative business in a similar way to the community ownership model made famous by the likes of Barcelona Football Club.

“So, whether you’re a motorbike aficionado, a seasoned investor, tech enthusiast or just someone who is passionate about the environment, this is a unique opportunity to join the Arc family and help accelerate our journey towards being an established global leader in the field of electric, recreational and luxury mobility.”