Startup Q&A: Delfast

Delfast Inc. was founded in 2014 in Ukraine by Daniel Tonkopiy and Serhii Denysenko. A smart electric bike development company, Delfast manufactures efficient and eco-friendly vehicles that meet both commuting and professional needs of a rider. Their e-bike also happens to hold the Guinness World Record Holder for the longest distance on a single charge.

Keep reading to learn how Delfast has grown over time and what they’re focusing on for the future.

— In a single sentence, what does Delfast do?

Manufacturer of the smart electric bikes, also developing the software for the e-bikes for every customer to use.

– How did Delfast come to be? What was the problem you found and the ‘aha’ moment?

In 2014 Daniel Tonkopiy came to the idea to create a one-hour delivery service that would deliver any kind of good as fast as pizza. This happened when he himself needed a new phone right away after his previous one finally broke. When ordering a phone online, he was informed that the nearest date of delivery was in two days. While this was not the option for him, he thought: Why can’t something small — that doesn’t need to be assembled — be delivered faster?

There was no such service in Kyiv or anywhere in the Ukraine. Moreover, there was no delivery service using electric vehicles. As the eco-conscious person, Daniel decided to establish 1-hour delivery where couriers would ride e-bikes. In turn, the e-bike manufacturing started started when Daniel could not find an e-bike that would last long enough for a courier to cover his daily shift. After years of experimenting, the team finally developed an e-bike that is now famous for having the longest range in the world on the single charge (World Guinness Record).

In addition, Delfast electric bikes are cost-efficient. The founders were aware of the climate change problem, the issues caused by traffic jams in the cities with the rising population, as well as the prices for fuel. Every professional or regular motorbike user (courier, policeman, etc.) spends $2000 on average on gas and oil every year while polluting the air.

e-bikes have no CO2 footprint, being the perfect alternative to cars with tons of emissions. Further, with the traffic getting heavier in the majority of big cities worldwide, an e-bike becomes a great solution since riding one helps prevent congestion. e-bikes are also cost-efficient vehicles as they only includes $15–20 electricity bill per year for charging.

— What sets Delfast apart in the market?

Delfast produces unique electric bikes that are exceptional in their range, power, and speed. The company has a professional team of engineers and designers that help our product stand out. Delfast helps users save time, money and energy by having zero fuel costs and offering a light vehicle with high battery power, long-range travel, reliability, and control.

In Delfast’s lineup, there’s an e-bike that’s great for extreme riders — for those who often go fishing, camping or hunting. It’s a great choice for people who find the challenges with cars and bicycles as the mode of transportation from their home in the suburbs to the work in the city downtown. Delfast electric bike is the tool to assist its owner in both leisure and professional needs.

— What milestone are you most proud of so far?

Delfast Offroad was announced as “the electric bike of the year 2019” by New Atlas. That was really exciting and unexpected.

— Have you pursued funding and if so, what steps did you take?

Delfast did pursue funding.

1. From the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development in 2019 (EUR 20,000).
2. From USAID, Competitive Economy Program in Ukraine in 2020 (USD 120,000).

The company is also in the process of constant negotiations with investors; we’ve already begun to work with the Fundable platform.

– What KPIs are you tracking that you think will lead to revenue generation or growth?

Delfast is tracking and monitoring the increase in website traffic, media publications, leads, and sales.

— How do you build and develop talent?

2020 has been a year of great change for Delfast. The founders have been putting great effort into the team building, developing stronger ties between the departments, as well as creating various trainings and sessions to help colleagues master their strengths and define their individual motivations and goals within the company.

— What are the biggest challenges for the team?

The pandemic outbreak has definitely been the greatest challenge for the company in 2020. However, as said above, out team was lucky to overcome it. Staying positive, open-minded, ambitious an — most importantly, united — did help us. Delfast is still in the process of recovery, since both the production and logistics suffered from the quarantine. These issues lead to many complications with customers. Therefore, the team had to master communicating the changes externally as well. Being open and honest with people helps a lot.

— What’s been the biggest success for the team? How did you celebrate?

In 2019 the company sale grew 4.4x, which was an awesome win for the entire team. The founders decided to have a quiet, but fun evening in the office with pizza, sushi, and drinks to celebrate.

— What‘s something you’re constantly thinking about?

Growth. As the startup we always think how to become the global leader in the e-bike market. Our goal is that Delfast is always associated with excellency and high status and that the manufacturer is known for its innovations and ambitions.

— What advice would you give to other founders?

“Grasp the market need and proceed from it. Nobody knows better what the market needs than its participants.” — Daniel Tonkopiy