Arnio, the Ivorian startup specializing in electric vehicle development and charging station technology, is pleased to announce the successful closure of a recent pre-seed fundraising round with undisclosed six-figure (USD) investments from local private investors, Eero Invest & Cozbaz Co.
The funds raised will be allocated towards the final stages of development and testing for Arnio’s electric vehicle and charging station. Additionally, a portion of the funding will support the recruitment of new engineers. Arnio’s mission centers on advancing sustainable urban mobility solutions and making electric charging more accessible.
read also Emerging Markets FinTech DKK Partners Expands Presence in Africa with COSUMAF License
Started in 2019 by Jean Hontinfinde, Chief of Design and Engineering, and Alfred Zebi, Chief Financial Officer, Arnio is committed to reducing carbon emissions through innovations in urban transportation. Their flagship product, the “Arnio Hypercharge,” is designed to address the growing demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Globally, the transportation sector accounts for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, and Africa, with a high prevalence of gasoline-powered vehicles, is poised for a transition to electric vehicles in the near future. This aligns with the global shift towards renewable energy and sustainable transportation.
Arnio aims to meet the urban transportation needs of the region with its minimalist electric vehicle charging station, which has been under development for over six months. The company plans to unveil its first functional prototype by the end of the current year.
read also inDrive Rolls Out Services in Bulawayo, After Harare Experience
“We embarked on this journey with a focus on creating a distinctive design and technology tailored to the Ivorian and African ecosystem,” stated Jean Hontinfinde, Chief of Design and Engineering. Arnio is dedicated to developing solutions from the ground up, with a vision to contribute to the automotive industry and innovation ecosystem in Africa.
In the long term, electrification is expected to play a crucial role in reducing vehicle emissions in cities worldwide. Arnio is committed to being part of this transformation by delivering sustainable solutions that cater to local needs while contributing to global environmental efforts.
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert.
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard