Gibus Cycles, the French startup which markets children’s bicycles and which aims to simplify learning and practicing cycling, announced that it had raised one million euros in funds. Business Cool spoke with Franck Caudrelier, co-founder of this startup, to learn more about Gibus Cycles’ upcoming projects.
Everything you need to know about Gibus Cycles
Who are you ?
I am Franck Caudrelier, co-founder of Gibus Cycles. I have been working in the world of sport and digital for almost 12 years. Having worked with advertising agencies like Havas Play (formerly Havas Sport & Entertainment) and AKQA, startups like Sport Heroes and PlayPlay, I was director of digital and e-commerce at LOOK Cycle, a French manufacturer of bicycles and pedals, before create Gibus Cycles.
It was the meeting with Jean-Philippe Dumas and Vincent Lallemant who initiated this project for more suitable children’s bicycles. They had begun prototyping our current revolutionary 14-inch bike. We joined forces in September 2020 to create the structure and launch the first marketing of our bikes a year later, in September 2021.
What does Gibus Cycles do?
Gibus Cycles is a brand of children’s bikes that makes learning and riding easier than ever. Cycling becomes child’s play and a reflex of tomorrow for the adult he will become thanks to ultra-light, ergonomic and durable bicycles.
Ultra-light because the majority of current bikes can weigh more than 10 kilos. For a 3 year old child aged 10 to 15kg, it is at best 2/3 of their weight. Would you see yourself as an adult learning and practicing on a bike weighing more than 50 kg? With our 50% lighter bikes, we’re changing the game for learning to cycle and wanting to pedal every day. Ergonomic, because our bikes are developed with an occupational therapist specializing in cycling. This makes it possible to offer a bike with components truly adapted to each child’s size. Finally, durable, because the components selected for their lightness and ergonomics are also selected for their robustness over time. This results in bikes that require little maintenance while maintaining their quality.
Among our range of 4 bikes, we have invented a 14-inch bike that is unique in the world. Its concept, pending patent, allows a child from 2 and a half years old to learn to pedal in less than 30 days, without small wheels.
Gibus Cycles’ fundraising
Why did you raise one million euros?
We carried out this fundraising for different reasons:
- Recruitment with the opening of 5 positions over the next 12 months
- The relocation of bicycle assembly to France planned for the end of 2023
- The development of the product range through new bikes and accessories,
- The launch of a circular program guaranteeing the return to cycling to adapt to the child’s growth
- The acceleration of investments in marketing and the opening of the first European countries.
Why did you choose to include MouvementT & Finance in your capital?
MTF invests in startups operating mainly in the retail sector and with international ambition. Izipizi, Ma Spatule, Le Chocolat des Français and Zack are, or have been, part of their equity portfolio. We found ourselves in the ambition of these consumer brands also in the team spirit that reigns between the founders of these brands which we were able to share.
What will Gibus Cycles look like in 5 years?
A brand of children’s bicycles marketing a complete range of bicycles and accessories online and internationally.
