Melbourne-designed electric transport company Raine, backed by Blackbird Ventures, has hit its Kickstarter funding goal in only 43 minutes, becoming the fastest funded electric vehicle in history.
“The results show consumers’ hunger for sustainable, fun, new ways of transport and commuting. We are absolutely overjoyed with the result,” says Raine co-founder and CEO, Marc Alexander.
Other companies have launched earlier products, yet Alexander feels Raine has an edge in clean, personal electric transport. “Being a first mover doesn’t always mean you have the best product,” he adds.
“We were able to look at the market and create something that was really different, something connected with you and well designed with performance, safety and style.”
What is the story behind Raine?
The personal transport company was created by Alexander, co-founder and CTO of the recently acquired LIFX smart lighting company, designer and engineer James Murphy, founder of the BajaBoard off-road electric skateboard, and Michelle Mannering, Dell Young Hero Entrepreneur of the Year.
“As a team, we have great complementary strengths in different areas,” says Alexander, who with the LIFX team also launched LIFX on Kickstarter. “I love getting things right for customers. I love creating things that people enjoy and I’m able to do that from a multi-layered background in consumer electronics and smart products that connect with you.”
Murphy had dreamt of creating the electric scooter since the age of 15. In 2018, he made the first version in his garage. “My starting point, believe it or not, was the ground,” says Murphy. “How you want to interact with the surface you ride on is a crucial component when designing any form of transport.”
What next for Raine after this funding?
With the help of venture capital fund Blackbird Ventures, the Raine team is taking its scooter global, first through Kickstarter and then direct to consumers in May 2020.
Alexander continues: “We’re excited to work with Blackbird. The wonderful team are leaders in the Australian VC and growth community. Blackbird has invested in success stories such as Canva, Culture Amp, LIFX, Propeller, and Nura.”
Blackbird’s Head of Community, Joel Connolly, says: “Marc has significant experience leading companies and creating products that people love. We’re excited to have him and the Raine team part of the Blackbird family.”
Alexander adds: “It has been an incredible journey creating the Raine One and this is just the beginning. We’re excited to take it to the world and hopefully share it with millions of people.”
You can find out more about Raine’s Kickstarter here.
