UBCO was founded on the idea of a rugged all-wheel-drive electric utility bike. We have rapidly evolved into a digitally connected EV platform. Leveraging the benefits of modern electric drive and battery technology, our platform includes on and off-road transport, accessories, and subscription software.
Whether you're taking inspirational journeys, exploring our planet, saving our parks, or getting jobs done, UBCO wants to ‘power your purpose’.
The first UBCO 2X2 prototype
The concept behind UBCO was germinated in early 2014. Daryl Neal and Anthony Clyde, after spending 10 years in the electric bike industry, saw a gap in the market for a new category of product. The concept was a 2-wheel drive, electric, lightweight, utility vehicle.
The pair created the first prototype of what would become the 2X2. This raw first prototype created a real impression and won an award at the largest agricultural tradeshow in the southern hemisphere, The National Agricultural Fieldays.
In April 2015, Daryl & Ant teamed up with Timothy Allan to form UBCO and launched a pre-production version of the product at the Fieldays show the next year. After another strong response from visitors and the media, pre-orders were gathered and fundraising began to underwrite the first production run.
The company then focused on getting the 2X2 out of the workshop and into the hands of real people. With New Zealand’s notoriously hard environment, the company learned a lot about the key customer benefits and opportunities for improvement. Most of the initial fleet went into 365 days a year, off-road, high-duty uses in agriculture, tourism, and conservation. A great proving ground, that engendered what is now the toughest utility vehicle on the planet.
The team stayed close to its customers and began building a dealer network across New Zealand and an effective model for customer service.
UBCO had been actively investigating global opportunities when entrepreneur Bob Ralston came knocking. After researching electric vehicles, Bob and his son Ethan saw the market opportunity presented by the 2X2. Their passion was clear and a relationship quickly developed with UBCO. Following a local investment round, a dedicated distribution company was established in Eugene, Oregon, launching the 2X2 to the US market.
The unique design, functionality, safety and sustainability of its innovative products helped fuel UBCO’s successful entrance to the Australian and then European markets.
The 2X2 touches down in Oregon, USA
The 2X2 hits the pavement
As a result of customer demand, a dual-use, road-registrable version of the 2X2 was developed, alongside a host of new technology. Adding turning indicators and wing mirrors was only the beginning. It required a massive change in the supply chain to meet the regulatory and quality requirements for use on road. With the launch of the 2018 dual-purpose 2X2 the company established itself as a key player in the EV space.
In 2020, UBCO evolved again and the fifth generation UBCO product was launched. The range included the off-road only 2X2 Work Bike and the on-road and off-road 2X2 Adventure Bike. Both bikes are tougher than ever, with improved torque, power, and traction. With a growing dealer network and some high profile fleet customers, UBCO launched e-commerce, opening the door to direct to consumer sales.
In September 2021, prior investor Jubilee Glory Investments anchored UBCO series-B with $10m USD to scale production, bolster supply chain capabilities and develop next generation products. This enables UBCO to fulfil ever increasing demand from US and European markets and expand its vehicle platform from two to four wheels, with a view to securing a leadership position in the utility EV (UEV) category.
This investment also enables UBCO to double down on its ESG commitments, around end-of-life, in addition to UBCO's DNA of durability and circularity, it's now exploring battery chemistries that both boost performance and reduce dependencies on conflict minerals. With strategic product development and sales pipelines in place, a high performing team, capital pathway, and clear vision for the future, UBCO is well-positioned for growth.
A bright future for UBCO
Oliver is helping drive UBCO’s global scale-up efforts, covering key funding milestones, investor relations, business execution and customer servicing. He has strong global experience in tech startups, working with companies like Algorithmic Intuition, Electric Imp, and as the first CFO for Roku Inc. raising nearly $85 million in debt and equity. He was named the 2012 CFO of the Year by the San Jose, Silicon Valley Business Journal
Phil leads company strategy and investor relations, with over 10 years' experience building CleanTech businesses. In that time, Phil has been a founder, strategy consultant and investor. From co-founding and bootstrapping a UK renewable energy business, to leading the growth of a global, multi-disciplinary consulting firm, Phil understands how to grow businesses, attract customers & capital.
Chirag is aligning UBCO's operations for growth across key markets, locations and functions, having had great success doing this over his 30-year career in supply chain management and operations. Prior to joining UBCO, he held roles in agricultural machinery, industrial technology solutions, and automotive design and manufacturing, spanning across both the United States and Mexico. As an avid lover for the outdoors, Patel hopes to use his expertise to help disrupt the adventure and agricultural commercial space.
Tracey is driving UBCO's financial strategy toward profit, using her strong experience as an Executive Director and CFO, being named 2022 CFO of the Year for SMEs in New Zealand. Prior to her role at UBCO, Tracey was the Commercial Director at R&D and Innovation agency, Locus Research, bringing a commercial focus to Locus clients with a strong background in finance and operations management. This is supported with financial leadership roles in product and manufacturing roles for the likes of Bendon, Scarbro Construction and Lanaco.
Katherine is CEO and has most recently established the People & Culture team at UBCO. She developed her career at Trimble Inc, holding executive roles in worldwide sales, customer service and general management. Serving at the intersection of technology, leadership and the environment, Katherine is well respected in NZ's early stage tech ecosystem as a board member, advisor, mentor and investor.
Phil leads company strategy and investor relations, with over 10 years' experience building CleanTech businesses. In that time, Phil has been a founder, strategy consultant and investor. From co-founding and bootstrapping a UK renewable energy business, to leading the growth of a global, multi-disciplinary consulting firm, Phil understands how to grow businesses, attract customers & capital.
Colin heads up the Product and Engineering groups at UBCO. This means building out the strategy for how UBCO develops compelling products to drive our growth while also establishing the frameworks for design, development and delivery into the market. Previous to UBCO, Colin worked in variety of industries including consumer electronics, advanced vehicle technologies and themed entertainment.
Oliver is helping drive UBCO’s global scale-up efforts, covering key funding milestones, investor relations, business execution and customer servicing. He has strong global experience in tech startups, working with companies like Algorithmic Intuition, Electric Imp, and as the first CFO for Roku Inc. raising nearly $85 million in debt and equity. He was named the 2012 CFO of the Year by the San Jose, Silicon Valley Business Journal.
We are humbled and honored to be recognized by some of the world’s leading authorities on design and business.