On the Edge of the Abyss, Angell Comes Back Down to Earth!

Founded in 2018, Angell, the startup of connected electric bikes founded by Marc Simoncini, is bidding farewell.

Despite promising ambitions, Angell has not overcome repeated failures in manufacturing its “made in France” bikes, jeopardizing its future. Since their launch, Angell’s bikes have suffered from multiple production issues, exacerbated by supply difficulties during the Covid period. The situation worsened last November when the company recalled a large portion of its first-generation bikes following frame breaks reported by customers. These defects posed risks of falls and accidents. According to Le Figaro, the cost of this operation, estimated at 13 million euros, pushed the startup into an insurmountable financial dead end, leading to its imminent closure.

The issue began with a massive recall of Angell Mobility’s first-generation bikes due to isolated cases of frame breakage. The brand asked its customers to cease using these models and promised a quick solution. But after weeks of waiting, the outcome seems inevitable.

Poorly mastered technology

In a statement, Angell Mobility explained that it was impossible to identify a specific batch at risk and that, as a precaution, it was expanding the recall to all 7,000 bikes concerned. The startup initially hoped to offer exchanges or refunds, but its financial resources were insufficient for such an effort. Negotiations were initiated with its partners, but they appear to have failed.

However, Angell had attracted prestigious partners. Seb, the French leader in small appliances, assembled its bikes in the factory in Is-sur-Tille (Côte-d’Or) and had taken a minority stake in the startup. In September 2023, Angell still raised 20 million euros with CMA CGM, a giant in maritime transport, while signing a partnership with Mini (BMW).

Despite these strategic alliances, Angell found itself in a dead end. Lacking an agreement with its partners and unable to determine the precise cause of the frame breaks, the company must consider judicial liquidation. Customers could still pursue insurance or legal remedies, but the bikes will not be reproduced, thus burying a French technological and industrial dream.

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