Yamaha invests in the French startup EM

The small French manufacturer sees its promising journey rewarded by the Japanese giant Yamaha taking a stake in its capital.

Founded in 2009 and based in the south of France in Saint Brès, EM for Electric Motion is a manufacturer of off-road electric motorcycles for recreation and competition that caught Yamaha’s attention. Its innovative products are sold in about forty countries, 85% of which are outside France. A true designer, not just an assembler, as engineering, design, and production are carried out in a brand-new factory in France.

Pioneering in the trial sector, the brand has already achieved numerous victories, including French and World Champion titles, and has just won the last round of the FIM Trial World Championship 2, ahead of all competing thermal and electric motorcycles.

The company today has about twenty employees and claims to have been profitable for 5 years. What might seem like a small boast is validated by Yamaha’s involvement, which would certainly never have invested in a money pit. Founder, majority shareholder, and CEO Philippe Aresten can only be pleased with this reinforcement, especially since his professional path has previously crossed that of the tuning fork manufacturer. “This brand has always been close to my heart, especially after collaborating professionally 20 years ago. The cutting-edge technology developed within our company is the basis of the interest shown by Yamaha Motor Company,” he says. “I want to express my deep respect for all my contacts within Yamaha. Thanks to my team for creating this project that will mark a new chapter in our company’s history.”

The support of a sector giant is every young company’s dream and should enable EM to develop new projects while maintaining its startup DNA.
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