Interviews and Reviews

US-Ukrainian Startup Leverages E-bike Innovation to Help Home Country and Planet; Interview With Daniel Tonkopi CEO Of Delfast, Inc

US-Ukrainian E-bike Startup Innovation

Delfast is a US-Ukrainian e-bike startup on an environmental mission to stop climate change and contribute to saving our planet. The company is now on a humanitarian mission as well. In this interview with TechBullion, Daniel Tonkopi, CEO of Delfast, Inc. will be telling us more about this innovation and his mission in Ukraine.

Please tell us more about yourself?

I’m Daniel Tonkopi, founder and chief executive officer of Delfast. I’m a serial entrepreneur originally from the Ukraine but now based in the US with more than 20 years of successful business experience. I founded Delfast in 2014 to produce unique, eco-friendly electric bikes that are exceptional in their range, power and speed. Delfast is now a disruptive global e-bike leader that holds a Guinness World Record for greatest distance (228 miles) traveled on a single charge.

What is Delfast’s company vision?

Delfast is transforming the future of transportation and combating climate change by delivering crossover e-bikes designed for city and off-road use. We are committed to only producing EVs with no air emissions and no negative impact on the environment.

How big is the electric bike innovation market, and what is the level of demand for these products globally?

According to a study by Allied Market Research, the global e-bike market was valued at $40 billion in 2019, and is projected to reach $119 billion by 2030. Skyrocketing gas prices have resulted in increased customer demand for alternative methods of transportation, especially electric bikes. In business, timing is everything, and we are ready to meet the global demand for e-bikes.

Tell us more about your bestselling Top 3.0 smart e-bike, what makes them special?

Top 3.0 offers unparalleled range, power, and state-of-the-art technology unlike anything else on the market. It holds the world’s best range offering up to 200 miles on a single charge. The e-bike is also outfitted with a powerful motor that can reach speeds up to 50mph and an onboard computer that syncs with a mobile app for a variety of additional cutting-edge security and performance features including tracking telematics, speed, and other data while functioning with a GPS system and alarm for added safety. Top 3.0 can be used either off-road or as a city bike with an estimated battery life of 100,000 miles and an average yearly charging cost of just $24. Each bike has a 24-month warranty as well. Forbes named Top 3.0 the “Fastest Electric Bike” of 2022.

What was your biggest challenge in bringing your Top 3.0 to market?

Our main challenge in bringing Top 3.0 to market was our incredibly quick turnaround time. We knew people wanted a bike that required minimal maintenance and so hit the ground running to deliver an industry-leading e-bike that integrated an advanced carbon belt drive, new disc brakes, stronger lights, and more. We integrated all of these upgrades while still delivering on our 200-mile range and 50 mph top speed performance. The bike concept was developed in 2 months and two months later production began. 

You operate the company from both the United States and Ukraine, how has this transition been?

Aside from the obvious time difference, the transition has been smooth. We develop and prototype our bikes in Ukraine, where our R&D and engineers are, but we produce the bikes in China and then do final assembly in Los Angeles. One of our key goals is to move production to the U.S. and ultimately open an assembly factory in either California or Texas. This will further our ability to quickly scale and meet the demand for our e-bikes.

How does the Ukraine crisis impact the economy and environment? Tell us more about this and how it is affecting your business?

With operations in both Ukraine and the US, the war has had an effect on business both professionally and personally. The safety of our employees in Ukraine remains our top priority and we are in regular communication with them and are also working to relocate those who are in dangerous areas. That being said, I am proud to say that Delfast is still operating and is supporting its employees and customers at a global level. We have made some adjustments to our supply chain as we have eliminated parts that were being made in Russia and have begun sourcing with other vendors. Delfast is also allocating 5 percent of revenue to support relief and humanitarian services in Ukraine.

What are you currently working on at Delfast, do you have any available opportunities for investors and partners?

Delfast continues to innovate and will be unveiling our newest bike in the very near future. No spoilers, but this will be our most connected bike yet. Stay tuned.

 On the investment front, we are in the midst of a Series A venture round and are looking for VC’s with a focus or portfolio in hardware, cleantech or green energy as well as any interested automobile or EV companies.

 As for partners, we are always open to building beneficial professional relationships. You can contact us here at bikes@delfastbikes.com.

Any other information you would like to share with our readers today?

If you want to learn more about our bikes and see the benefits they deliver, check out our website at www.delfastbikes.com.

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