Laka Expands Its Reach with Acquisition of VeloLife
Introduction to Laka and VeloLife
Laka, a London-based InsurTech startup, is making waves in the green mobility sector with its innovative approach to insurance. Recently, the company announced its acquisition of assets from VeloLife, a specialist cycle insurance provider. This strategic move aims to enhance Laka’s presence in the UK bike dealer market, marking a significant step in its growth trajectory.
Strengthening B2B2C Model
A pivotal element of this acquisition is Laka’s partnership with Citrus Lime, an EPOS provider. This collaboration will allow Laka to seamlessly integrate its insurance products into the retail processes of hundreds of independent bike shops across the UK. By doing so, Laka is not only expanding its reach but also reinforcing its B2B2C model at the point of sale. This integration is expected to streamline the purchasing process for customers, making it easier for them to access insurance when buying bikes.
CEO’s Vision for Growth
Tobias Taupitz, CEO and co-founder of Laka, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “This acquisition is a key milestone in our bike dealer strategy – and a clear signal that our M&A pipeline is now moving.” He emphasized that VeloLife’s established partnerships align perfectly with Laka’s vision for growth. The acquisition is part of a broader strategy that was made clear during Laka’s Series B funding round, where the company indicated that acquisition-led consolidation would be central to its future.
Innovative Insurance Model
Founded in 2017, Laka is on a mission to disrupt traditional insurance models. The company offers a unique collective-driven approach to insurance, particularly for the micromobility sector. Instead of fixed upfront premiums, Laka charges customers monthly based on the collective’s actual claims. This model not only reduces costs but also caps each member’s spend at a guaranteed maximum, providing a fairer alternative to conventional insurance.
Laka’s primary offerings include bike, e-bike, and e-cargo bike insurance, along with personal liability, health and recovery coverage, and solutions tailored for commercial partners. This diverse range of products positions Laka as a comprehensive provider in the micromobility insurance landscape.
Expanding Geographic Reach
Laka is licensed across the European Economic Area (EEA) and operates in eleven countries. The company has successfully transitioned from a UK direct-to-consumer model to a B2B2C platform, forming partnerships with notable brands such as Decathlon, Gazelle, and Riese & Müller. This expansion reflects Laka’s commitment to becoming a leading player in the European micromobility insurance market.
M&A Strategy in Motion
Laka’s acquisition of VeloLife is part of a broader M&A strategy that has been gaining momentum. Following the closure of its €8.8 million Series B equity round in July 2025, Laka signaled its intent to consolidate the fragmented micromobility insurance market through targeted acquisitions. This strategy was further reinforced with a €16.3 million funding round in November 2025, which included a dedicated venture debt facility from HSBC Innovation Banking aimed at financing strategic acquisitions.
This acquisition marks Laka’s fourth in three years, following the integration of Cylantro, CoverCloud’s UK bike insurance renewal rights, and Luko’s e-scooter portfolio. Each of these deals has contributed to Laka’s growth in scale, geographic reach, and capability.
VeloLife’s Contribution
Founded in 2021 by Jonathan Woods and Justin Rodley, VeloLife has established itself as a specialist cycle insurance provider, distributed exclusively through a dealer network of over 100 locations. In addition to cycle insurance, VeloLife offers essential coverage for commuting, health, income protection, and life insurance. The addition of VeloLife’s network to Laka’s ecosystem is expected to enhance its offerings and support independent bike shops.
Justin Rodley, director and co-founder of VeloLife, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, “We are delighted to be joining Laka. This new relationship is a very good fit for our ambition to launch into Europe and beyond.” His comments highlight the shared vision between the two companies for delivering quality service to their customers and dealer networks.
Customer Benefits and Future Prospects
As part of the transition, all VeloLife customers migrating to Laka will receive their first 30 days of insurance free of charge. This initiative not only incentivizes existing VeloLife customers to switch but also showcases Laka’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
In recent years, Laka has successfully raised significant funding, including €7.6 million in 2023 and over €10.6 million in 2022. These investments have bolstered its position in the market and facilitated its ambitious plans for growth and expansion.
By leveraging VeloLife’s dealer network, Laka is poised to enhance its B2B2C ecosystem, supporting independent bike shops while continuing to build relationships with global brand partners. The future looks promising for Laka as it continues to innovate and expand in the dynamic world of green mobility insurance.
