1.- Could you explain, in a few words, the concept of VelyVelo?
VelyVelo is a mobility solution dedicated to last mile delivery professionals. We are both designers of delivery bikes and fleet managers, offering vehicles specifically adapted to the needs of urban delivery drivers. We offer both long and short term rental formulas, including maintenance and assistance services to ensure optimal performance. Our concept is based on the efficiency, robustness and durability of bicycles, in order to meet the demands of professionals while reducing their environmental impact.
2.- How did the idea for VelyVelo come about?
VelyVelo is first and foremost a direct response to the needs identified on the ground by my founding partners, both former restaurateurs. Confronted daily with the problems associated with scooters – noise, pollution, need for a permit – they were looking for a more sustainable alternative suitable for urban delivery. Testing the conventional bikes on the market, they quickly realised their unsuitability for intensive use. This is how VelyVelo was born: from an on-the-ground experience and a real demand for robust bikes, with a great autonomy, designed to facilitate last mile delivery. After two years of prototyping, the first model was launched in 2019.
3.- The VelyVelo solution has been deployed in several cities in France…
In France, VelyVelo is currently present in several major cities: Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and Marseille. All were selected for their dynamism in urban mobility and their commitment to green solutions. Each of these areas has a significant demand for last mile delivery solutions, making them key markets for VelyVelo. By offering them a flexible and sustainable solution, adapted to their specific challenges, we have the ambition to help them, whether in terms of operational efficiency, carbon footprint reduction or fluidity of urban logistics, thanks to vehicles perfectly adapted for last mile delivery.
4.- After Casablanca, it is now Madrid where the VelyVelo solution is being deployed.
After a successful first international deployment in Casablanca, where VelyVelo was able to respond to the growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions in a city in full transformation, the company continues its international expansion and chooses to set up in Madrid. A decision that responds to several strategic challenges. Madrid has a growing cycling infrastructure and a strong commitment to the ecological transition, in line with VelyVelo’s values. Demand for green delivery solutions is also very high, especially in the last mile sector, making Madrid a particularly attractive market.
5.- Can you tell us more about the reasons and support that made it possible to set up in Madrid?
I can’t fail to highlight the role of the French Tech community, which is very active in Spain, and the Banque Publique d’Investissement (BPI). The foreign investment promotion agency Invest in Madrid has also been a key ally that has considerably simplified our establishment in the Spanish capital. Invest in Madrid played a key role in helping us integrate into the local ecosystem, especially in finding premises and setting up the administrative structure, which saved us valuable time and facilitated our development! Without being exaggerated, I could say that, in the end, setting up our company in Madrid was no more complicated than opening new offices in another French city.
6.- What are your ambitions for development in the Madrid region?
Let me be very clear. We would not have arrived in Madrid if the potential shown did not match our ambitions. In Madrid, all the ingredients are in place to boost our growth and attractiveness. With the support shown by the local administration, we intend to roll out around 500 bikes in the next 6 to 12 months. Very concretely, this is, since the launch of VelyVelo in Paris, our most ambitious development project. Sometimes I even wonder if we shouldn’t have started in Madrid before conquering some French cities.
7.- What can you tell us about the future of VelyVelo in France and internationally?
I see our establishment in Madrid as a springboard for VelyVelo’s international development, which tomorrow will be in Brussels and, soon, in other European capitals.