Vélosophy

What Vélosophy does

Vélosophy is a Swedish bicycle and lifestyle brand founded in 2016 in Stockholm by Jimmy Östholm, operating as Vélosophy Cycles AB (SE 556994-0843). The company designs and sells urban commuter bicycles manufactured in France from recycled 6061 aluminum alloy, with integrated gear hubs (SRAM iMotion, Shimano Nexus, Enviolo) and disc brakes. Its product range spans the Vélosophy Original (Comfort and Sport editions, €890–€995), the RE:CYCLE line incorporating recycled Nespresso coffee capsules (€1,235), the RE:CYCLE E-bike with a Zehus Bike+ motor hub (€2,095), a pre-owned Sport tier (€495), and a complementary accessories and apparel assortment (€10–€298) co-developed with brands such as Sandqvist, Deadwood, Thule, Abus, and Giro.

The commercial model is predominantly direct-to-consumer e-commerce via velosophy.cc, with free shipping within the EU, Klarna invoice payment, and a 30-day return policy, supplemented by a small B2B channel placing bicycles as guest amenities in premium hotels and resorts (QT Bondi, Elements of Byron, Cape Grace, Hilton Paris Opera). The brand's central differentiator is a One for One donation promise executed with World Bicycle Relief: for every bicycle sold, the company funds a Buffalo Bicycle for a schoolgirl in a developing country, supplemented by a standalone €134 donation product.

Strategically, Vélosophy monetizes a social-impact narrative through premium positioning, lifestyle collaborations, and circular-economy design. The company operates without disclosed external funding, remains at 1–10 employees, and depends on its founder/CEO for direction, with no subsidiaries, no M&A activity, and no patents or certifications disclosed.

Name

Vélosophy

Legal name

Vélosophy Cycles AB

Website

https://velosophy.cc

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Vélosophy is a Stockholm-based DTC bicycle and lifestyle brand selling recycled-aluminum urban commuter bicycles and accessories, operating a One for One donation promise with World Bicycle Relief and serving both consumers and premium hotel partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Urban commuter bicycles

NAICS

Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991), Used Merchandise Retailers (459510), Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (3159)

SIC

Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751), Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)

akta.pro primary industry

Cycling & Bike Retail (Sales, Service & Accessories) (CRAMABAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Used & Refurbished Bike Retail (CRAMAHAK), Bike Accessories Retail (Lights, Locks, Racks, Bags) (CRAMAHAD), E-Bikes & Electric Bicycles (CRACASAA), E-bikes & E-cargo Bikes Manufacturing (IMACAOAA), Bike Apparel, Helmets & Protective Gear Retail (CRAMAHAC)

Keywords

• Urban commuter bicycles
• Recycled aluminum bicycles
• Electric city bikes
• Cycling accessories
• Lifestyle apparel

Headquarters

HQ city

Stockholm

HQ country

Sweden

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Bicycle Sales: Primary revenue from direct sales of urban commuter bicycles across multiple editions (Original, Comfort, Sport, RE:CYCLE) and variants (standard and e-bike), with prices ranging from €890 to €2,095.
2. Accessories: Sales of complementary cycling accessories including cargo straps (€10), tote bags (€27), Sandqvist x Vélosophy bags (€298), child bike seats from Thule (€148-€166), locks (€109), lights (€60), and helmets (€65).
3. Apparel and Lifestyle Products: Sales of branded lifestyle apparel including t-shirts (€35), tote bags (€20), beanies (€22), caps (€30), hoodies (€79), sweatshirts (€79), and limited edition collaboration pieces with Deadwood (up to €280).
4. Direct Donation (Bicycle): Standalone donation purchases allowing customers who cannot buy a bicycle to still contribute €134 per Buffalo Bicycle donation to a schoolgirl in a developing country through World Bicycle Relief.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Vélosophy designs and sells urban commuter bicycles made from recycled aluminum — including the Original Comfort and Sport editions, the RE:CYCLE model (which incorporates recycled Nespresso coffee capsules), and the RE:CYCLE E-bike — together with cycling accessories (Thule child seats, Abus locks, Giro MIPS helmets, lights, cargo straps, tote bags), a Sandqvist co-branded commuter bag, and branded lifestyle apparel. Every bicycle purchase triggers the company's One for One promise of donating a Buffalo Bicycle to a schoolgirl in a developing country through World Bicycle Relief.

Product overview

Vélosophy is a Swedish bicycle and lifestyle brand founded in 2016, operating a unified product portfolio centered on its One for One promise: for every product sold, the company donates a bicycle to a schoolgirl in a developing country. The core offering consists of aluminium city commuter bicycles made from recycled materials, available in Comfort and Sport editions (Vélosophy Original series from €890-995), the sustainable RE:CYCLE line featuring recycled Nespresso capsules (from €1,235), and the RE:CYCLE E-bike with electric assist (€2,095). Supporting the bicycles is a comprehensive accessories line including cargo straps, basket carriers, and Thule child bike seats, plus a Sandqvist collaboration bag. The lifestyle apparel range encompasses caps, beanies, tote bags, hoodies, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and limited Deadwood collaboration pieces. A donate-a-bicycle service allows customers to directly support World Bicycle Relief's educational programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Vélosophy Original Comfort Edition Recycled-aluminium city commuter bicycle with upright Comfort seating, Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub, disc brakes, alloy fenders, anti-rust chain, and choice of basket carrier. Targeted at urban riders seeking a classic, sustainable city bike from €995.
• Vélosophy Sport Pre-Owned Reconditioned 6061 recycled-aluminium city commuter with SRAM iMotion 3-speed hub, alloy fenders and anti-rust chain, inspected by trusted mechanics. Priced at €495 for price-sensitive urban cyclists.
• Vélosophy RE:CYCLE Premium sustainable city bicycle crafted from recycled aluminum including Nespresso coffee capsules (20%), with Enviolo 8-speed stepless shifting, Brooks Cambium saddle/grips, and a steam-bent Scandinavian oak carrier basket with cup holders. Icon of circular-economy design, from €1,235.
• Vélosophy RE:CYCLE E-bike Electric-assisted version of the RE:CYCLE equipped with a Zehus Bike+ motor hub and Enviolo 8-speed gearing, combining circular-economy materials with electric-assist city riding. Priced at €2,095.
• Vé Pink Edition Limited-edition Vélosophy bicycle launched to support the fight against breast cancer as part of the brand's cause-driven limited editions.
• Cargo Straps Elastic bungee straps with hooks for securing cargo to a flat rack or basket carrier, made from recycled PET bottles. Priced at €10.
• Tote Bag for Basket Carrier Reversible canvas tote bag designed to fit the Vélosophy basket carrier, available in four colors. Priced at €27.
• Sandqvist x Vélosophy Bag 3-way backpack/briefcase/shoulder bag collaboration with Swedish brand Sandqvist, in water-resistant Cordura ecomade ripstop with leather details, padded 15-inch laptop compartment and reflective-print rain cover. Priced at €298.
• Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini Front-mounted Thule child bike seat with adjustable 5-point harness, shock-absorbing seat, and magnetic safety buckle, for children 9 months to 3 years (up to 15 kg). Priced at €148.
• Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi Frame Mounted Rear-frame-mounted Thule child bike seat for children 9 months to 6 years (up to 22 kg), with quick-release mounting. Priced at €166.
• Abus Bordo X-Plus 6500 Foldable high-security bicycle lock with six linked hardened-steel plates and Abus X-Plus cylinder, 110 cm length suitable for locking two bicycles. Priced at €109.
• Quarter MIPS Helmet by Giro Lightweight low-profile urban cycling helmet with ABS shell, EPS liner, and MIPS energy-redirecting technology, available in three sizes. Priced at €65.
• Avenue F65/R30 Front and Rear Bike Lights USB-rechargeable front and rear bike light set with multiple modes (High Steady, Low Steady, Daylite Pulse, Nitelite Pulse, Economic Flash) and up to 15 hours runtime, with side illumination for visibility. Priced at €60.
• Vélosophy Cap Unisex technical cap with anti-sweat reinforcement, adjustable snap back and straight visor, available in three colors. Priced at €30.
• Vélosophy Beanie Unisex wide-brim acrylic beanie, available in four colors, branded as Jimmy Östholm's signature beanie. Priced at €22.
• Vélosophy Tote Bag Compact reusable cotton-canvas tote bag with Vélosophy logo print, available in four colors. Priced at €20.
• Vélosophy Hoodie Unisex pullover hoodie in 80% organic cotton / 20% polyester with Vélosophy logo, kangaroo pocket and double-layer hood, available in two colors and sizes S-XL. Priced at €79.
• Vélosophy T-shirt Unisex t-shirt in 100% organic ring-spun cotton with embroidered Vélosophy arm label, available in three colors and sizes S-XL. Priced at €35.
• Vélosophy Sweatshirt Unisex relaxed-fit sweatshirt with oversized sleeves in 80% organic cotton / 20% polyester with Vélosophy logo, available in two colors. Priced at €79.
• Deadwood x Vélosophy Rider's Vest Limited-edition (50 pieces) unisex rider's vest in recycled leather with hand-printed patches and recycled-PET red lining, made in Stockholm. Priced at €280.
• Deadwood x Vélosophy Members T-shirt Limited-edition (50 pieces) unisex t-shirt in 100% recycled cotton, produced in downtown Los Angeles. Priced at €56.
• Donate a Bicycle Standalone charitable donation product allowing customers to fund a Buffalo Bicycle at €134 via World Bicycle Relief, supporting a schoolgirl's education in a developing country such as Ghana.

Quantifiable outcome

• 30% increase in school attendance and 60% improvement in academic results for schoolgirls who receive bicycles through World Bicycle Relief
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• NespressoflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 August 2019RE:CYCLE collaboration creates bicycles from recycled aluminum including Nespresso coffee capsules (20% of frame composition). Partnership demonstrates circular economy with premium sustainable design. Frame color inspired by Nespresso Ice Leggero coffee. Bell shaped like Vertuo capsule. Steam-bent oak basket includes cup holders.
• World Bicycle ReliefcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Flagship partnership for One for One promise. For every Vélosophy sold, a Buffalo Bicycle is donated to a young schoolgirl in developing countries. World Bicycle Relief designs and delivers specially engineered bicycles for rural conditions. The Buffalo Bicycle is designed to withstand harsh conditions unlike typical lightweight recreation bikes.
• SandqvistflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwedish bag brand collaboration creating 3-way backpack (backpack, briefcase, shoulder bag) using Cordura ecomade ripstop and leather details. Limited edition Sandqvist x Vélosophy bicycle in sand with royal blue details. Sandqvist donated 100 bags to The Fortress charity for young women in Uganda. Both brands share Swedish design heritage and sustainability values.
• DeadwoodminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on limited edition apparel: Deadwood x Vélosophy Rider's Vest (€280, 50 pieces, recycled leather with hand-printed patches in Stockholm) and Member's T-shirt (€56, 100% recycled cotton, 50 pieces, made in Los Angeles).
• ThuleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThule Yepp Nexxt child bike seats (Mini front-mounted, Maxi rear-frame-mounted) offered as accessories. Lightweight, stylish designs with 5-point harness and quick-release mounting for convenient city riding with children.
• AbusminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAbus Bordo X-Plus 6500 folding lock offered as accessory. 6 linked plates with 5.5mm hardened steel, 110cm length suitable for locking 2 bicycles, with Abus X-Plus cylinder for high manipulation protection.
• QT BondiminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorQT Bondi hotel in Sydney offers Vélosophy bicycles as guest amenity, part of hotel's sustainability and lifestyle positioning.
• Elements of ByronminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorElements of Byron resort in Australia provides Vélosophy bicycles for guests, aligning with eco-conscious resort positioning.
• Cape GraceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCape Grace hotel offers Vélosophy bicycles as guest amenity.
• Hilton Paris OperaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHilton Paris Opera provides Vélosophy bicycles as hotel guest amenity.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Brompton Bicycle: British folding urban bicycle brand with strong design heritage, premium pricing, and broad international DTC and dealer network. Comparable premium urban commuter positioning, design-led brand, and appeal to style-conscious city commuters willing to pay for distinctive design.
• Cowboy: Belgian connected urban e-bike brand competing in the same premium design-conscious commuter segment. Targets similar city dweller demographics in EU with comparable pricing and direct-to-consumer model.
• VanMoof: Dutch premium urban e-bike brand selling directly to consumers with integrated tech and minimalist design. Direct competitor to Vélosophy's urban commuter positioning, especially at the RE:CYCLE E-bike price point, with comparable DTC ethos but much larger scale and funding.
• Priority Bicycles: US-based premium urban bicycle brand selling directly to consumers with belt-drive, low-maintenance commuter bikes. Comparable DTC model, premium urban commuter focus, and emphasis on quality and design at accessible price points.
• Linus Bike: California-based vintage-inspired urban bicycle brand with European-design heritage and DTC plus independent dealer distribution. Competes in the same premium lifestyle urban bike segment with similar aesthetic and pricing structure.
• Veloretti: Dutch city bike and e-bike brand with strong design-led branding, direct-to-consumer sales, and urban commuter focus. Comparable premium positioning, similar Nordic/European design aesthetic, and overlapping target customer in stylish city riders.
• Public Bikes: US urban bicycle brand focused on stylish, accessible city bikes sold direct and through independent dealers. Similar premium-lifestyle commuter positioning, comparable accessory ecosystem, and overlapping urban commuter target customer.
• Bobbin Bicycles: UK lifestyle bicycle brand offering designed urban and family bicycles through DTC and independent retailers. Comparable target customer (style-conscious urban cyclists), similar accessories/apparel ecosystem, and parallel brand-led positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Specialized Bicycle Components: Global premium bicycle manufacturer with broad urban, road, and e-bike product lines including the Turbo series e-bikes. Much larger scale incumbent with overlapping urban commuter and e-bike categories but operating through dealer networks rather than Vélosophy's DTC model.
• Trek Bicycle Corporation: One of the world's largest bicycle manufacturers with extensive urban, e-bike, and lifestyle offerings including Electra. Large-scale incumbent with overlapping urban commuter and electric bike categories but broad portfolio and dealer-based distribution.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/velosophysthlm
• Facebookfacebook.com/velosophy.cc
• Instagraminstagram.com/velosophy.cc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vélosophy