By Titik Puspa 
Europe, a continent often synonymous with charming cobblestone streets and the necessity of comfortable walking shoes, might seem like an unlikely battleground for the automobile’s dominance. Yet, beneath the picturesque veneer, cars remain the entrenched default for urban transportation. This status quo, however, is precisely what a new wave of entrepreneurs is determined to disrupt. Understanding the deep-seated reasons for car dependency is the crucial first step in challenging it, and Belgian startup Any believes it has found a compelling answer: making two-wheeled alternatives truly "designed for real life."
For Any, this means crafting vehicles that seamlessly integrate into the fabric of daily existence, offering the practicality and capacity that have historically been the sole domain of four-wheeled transport. Their inaugural product, the LUV1, is a testament to this philosophy. This modular electric motorcycle is not just another sleek ride; it’s a versatile machine engineered to carry a significant amount of cargo, bridging the gap between the agility of a scooter and the utility of a cargo bike, all while maintaining impressive speed and range.
The genesis of the LUV1 lies in a simple yet profound question: "What does a real week actually need?" This query, posed by the startup itself on LinkedIn, highlights a fundamental flaw in many existing two-wheeled solutions. Groceries for a family, weekend getaways requiring luggage, or even the essential gear for a hobby – these are the items that often necessitate a car. Any’s vision for the LUV1 is to eliminate this compromise. The motorcycle boasts an impressive storage capacity of up to 120 liters, directly addressing the "missing link" left by the absence of car trunks. This substantial volume allows riders to carry a diverse array of items without sacrificing the core benefits of electric two-wheel mobility.
Further enhancing its "designed for real life" ethos, the LUV1 offers unparalleled modularity. Customers can opt for an open frame, ideal for bulky items or a minimalist aesthetic, or select various panel configurations to suit specific needs. This adaptability extends to accommodating a pet, securely transporting work equipment, or packing for an outdoor adventure. Beyond the core storage, Any provides an array of optional accessories, including a windshield for enhanced comfort, versatile racks for additional carrying capacity, a rain poncho for inclement weather, and numerous other variations. This thoughtful design approach aims to make the LUV1 an appealing proposition for a broad spectrum of users, from daily commuters and families to outdoor enthusiasts and even last-mile delivery services.
The innovative modular design of the LUV1 is the brainchild of Lowie Vermeersch, a respected figure in the automotive design world and former design director at Pininfarina. Vermeersch’s reputation lent immediate credibility and significant attention to the LUV1. When its eye-catching prototype was unveiled in May during Milan Design Week, it quickly made headlines, signaling the arrival of a potentially disruptive new category in urban transportation. Vermeersch’s involvement extends beyond a single project; he serves as the creative director for Any and is also an investor, underscoring his deep commitment to the startup’s vision. Together, they are pioneering what they term "life utility vehicles" (LUVs), a designation embodied by the LUV1 itself.
Priced starting at €7,000 (approximately $8,150), the LUV1 positions itself as a more accessible alternative to cars, falling within a price range comparable to higher-end electric cargo bikes. This competitive pricing, combined with its unique capabilities, makes it an attractive option for consumers seeking practical and sustainable urban mobility. Another significant differentiator is the licensing requirement. Unlike more powerful motorcycles, the LUV1 is expected to require only an A1 license, which is relatively easy to obtain in most jurisdictions, further broadening its accessibility.
The final price tag for a LUV1 will be influenced by the bespoke options chosen by each customer through Any’s online configurator. This interactive tool, launched concurrently with their preorder campaign, allows users to tailor their LUV1 to their specific needs and preferences. The buzz generated by its Milan debut proved to be a powerful catalyst. Erik de Winter, co-founder and CCO of Any, revealed that the company secured over 600 reservations within the first 100 days of the campaign, a strong indicator of market interest.
These reservations require a deposit of €49 (approximately $57), which is fully credited towards the purchase price and, crucially, is fully refundable according to Any’s terms. This customer-centric approach to reservations, coupled with the inherent appeal of the product, has contributed to its early success. Any has also followed a familiar path for ambitious startups by securing venture capital funding. The company announced a €1.5 million funding round in November, followed by an additional €1.25 million in May, bringing their total raised capital to €2.75 million (approximately $3.2 million).
This financial backing has enabled Any to assemble a formidable team and advisory board. The startup appointed former VC Pieter Van de Velde as CEO a year ago, bringing valuable financial and strategic expertise to the company. The investors and advisors themselves include prominent figures from the automotive sector, lending significant industry credibility. To further bolster its engineering capabilities, Any has also hired Alessandro Mangano as Head of Engineering. Mangano brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at renowned manufacturers such as Aprilia, Ferrari, and the Piaggio Group, ensuring that the LUV1 is built with precision and automotive-grade quality.
The LUV1 is equipped with two swappable batteries, offering an impressive range of up to 87 miles (approximately 140 km) on a single charge. This range positions it competitively against a growing number of electric two-wheeler models being introduced by major players like Piaggio and even established brands like Harley-Davidson, which is increasingly pivoting towards electric mobility. However, in an increasingly crowded and rapidly electrifying two-wheeler market – the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers projects that most powered two-wheelers will be electric by 2030 – standing out requires more than just impressive specifications.
Any is banking on its distinctive cargo capacity as its primary differentiator. As de Winter articulated to TechCrunch, the LUV1 is designed to appeal to a customer base that extends far beyond traditional motorcycle riders. The startup has already received inquiries from last-mile delivery companies, a sector constantly seeking efficient and sustainable solutions. Furthermore, Any has ambitious plans to develop a "portfolio of vehicles," hinting at the potential for future iterations, including a possible three-wheeled variant. This forward-thinking approach suggests a broader strategy to capture diverse segments of the urban mobility market.
Before Any can fully realize its vision of a diversified vehicle portfolio, the immediate priority is to scale up production of the LUV1 and prepare for its initial customer deliveries. This critical phase will necessitate further investment. The company is currently seeking to raise approximately €10 million (around $11.65 million) or more in a Series A funding round, with the goal of closing this round by the end of the current year. This infusion of capital will be instrumental in transitioning from prototype and pre-order to full-scale manufacturing and market launch.
The leadership team at Any, comprised of Erik de Winter (CCO), Pieter Van de Velde (CEO), and Alessandro Mangano (Head of Engineering), represents a blend of entrepreneurial drive, strategic acumen, and deep technical expertise. This combination is crucial for navigating the complex challenges of launching a new vehicle in a competitive market. The company’s strategic location in Belgium, a hub for innovation and logistics in Europe, further positions it for growth. With a clear vision, a compelling product, and a growing team, Any is poised to make a significant impact on the future of urban mobility, challenging the long-held dominance of cars and ushering in a new era of practical, sustainable, and versatile two-wheeled transportation. The journey from concept to mass production is fraught with challenges, but Any’s commitment to "real life" design and its strategic funding rounds suggest a determined path forward.
