Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Wheels, Started By Founders of Wag, Comes To LA
Need a way to get around Los Angeles, but just can't handle those scooters? Wheels, a new startup from the co-founders of Wag, announced this morning that the company has started offering up access to its electric powered, two wheel bicycles in Los Angeles, as it expands from its base in San Diego. The company--which has offices in both LA and San Diego--said it is launching in Venice, Hollywood, Brentwood, West LA, Westwood, Miracle Mile, Mid City and other local LA markets. The startup is led by Wag co-founders and brothers Jonathan and Josh Viner. The startup has been offering up its electric powered bicycles--with wide, stable wheels and a seat--in eight location in San Diego. The startup is backed by such investors and Tenaya Capital, Bullpen Capital, Crosscut Capital, 3L Capital, Naval Ravikant, and angels from the entertainment and sport communities.
Wheels says that--unlike offerings from the many competitors in the scooter market--its vehicles appeal to a much broader demographic, and also have a much better lifetime and maintenance record. In addition, it says it is using hot-swappable batteries, which--instead of requiring long recharging times--lets it get its vehicles back on the road quicker, without requiring overnight charges. Josh Viner serves as CEO of the company, and Jonathan serves as President; the startup also has Bird veteran Marco McCottry serving a Chief Operating Officer, and Lyft veteran Ben Shanken as its Chief Product Officer. So far, the company has raised $37M in total funding.