Wednesday, 12 February 2025
Investment and AcquisitionsNews

Classified Cycling raises €22M Euros in push to reinvent shifting

Belgium-based Classified Cycling, developers of the Powershift hub based drivetrain system have announced the business has closed a funding round of €22 million led by Active Partners, the investors behind well-known cycling brands Rapha and Evans Cycles.

Having launched 7 wheel manufacturer partnerships at Eurobike 2022, along with making a hub only option available for purchase, the business supercharged its market reach, which now includes partnership with over 40 brands, making Powershift available through more than 25 distributors and 300 dealers in key markets.

Classified system in exploded form

Classified will also expand into the e-bike market, leveraging its Powershift technology to make a lighter, more durable and efficient transmission for electric bikes, making their deep tech products available to more riders globally.

Classified Partner wheel manufacturer displayThe new investment will be used to strengthen business development, with a strong focus on the US and Europe. Existing investor Bridford Investments Limited continues to support Classified by participating in the round. The company’s investors include well respected Olympic and World Champion riders, Tom Boonen, Anna Van der Breggen, Andre Greipel and Marcel Kittel.

Founded by Mathias Plouvier and Roëll van Druten, both with backgrounds in the automotive drivetrain industry, Classified’s first-of-its-kind technology increases the efficiency and simplicity of the bike’s transmission, making it more like a gear system found in a car.

Interestingly, the announcement also points to possible evolution, beyond the current Powershift means of changing gears, highlighting that, “The first application of Classified’s technology, the Powershift, is a transmission system integrated into the rear wheel that replaces the front derailleur.”

Plouvier comments, “Classified’s Powershift technology is the first major technological improvement since Shimano and SRAM took control of the market. Our innovation makes the experience of riding a bike so different from the current paradigm….”

Specifically commenting on the funding, “With our new investment and an appetite for disrupting the cycling industry we are well equipped to take our technology to riders around the world. We have reached agreements with over 40 brands and are looking to expand our business as a supplier to the largest OE brands in the world. We will also be a great partner to e-bike manufacturers as we have a significant technological upgrade in the works for this rapidly growing group of riders.”

In the UK Classified Cycling has appointed Windwave as its distribution partner.