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Alta Motors has raised $40.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Key people at Alta Motors.
Alta Motors has raised $40.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Alta Motors was a Brisbane, California-based electric vehicle manufacturer that designed and produced high-performance off-road and dual-sport electric motorcycles before ceasing operations in late 2018. The company developed proprietary battery technology and electric drivetrains for its lightweight dirt bikes, producing approximately 20 motorcycles per week at its peak. Prior to halting its production, the enterprise employed up to 100 people and raised approximately $45 million in total venture funding to scale its manufacturing capabilities. The manufacturer secured strategic investments and advisory support from notable industry figures and entities, including Tesla co-founders Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, as well as Harley-Davidson. Following its bankruptcy filing, the company's intellectual property and select physical assets were acquired by Bombardier Recreational Products in 2019. Alta Motors was founded in 2010 by Marc Fenigstein, Derek Dorresteyn, and Jeff Sand.
Key people at Alta Motors.
Alta Motors has raised $40.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Alta Motors's investors include Endeavor Catalyst, Nazca Ventures, Gil Penchina, XG Ventures, Y Combinator, Marcos Galperin, Spero Ventures.
Alta Motors was an American startup that built high-performance off-road and dual-sport electric motorcycles, targeting riders in racing, off-road, and adventure segments. It served enthusiasts seeking powerful, eco-friendly alternatives to gas-powered dirt bikes, solving problems like noisy operation, emissions, and inconsistent torque delivery through electric motors' instant power and silent performance. The company achieved early racing successes, such as podium finishes in AMA EnduroCross, but faced market reluctance, funding shortfalls, and partnership failures, leading to its abrupt closure in October 2018 despite promising technology.[1][2]
Alta Motors originated from Derek Dorresteyn's personal project in 2007, building a custom electric motorcycle amid his family's long history in San Francisco's motorcycle scene. In 2009-2010, Dorresteyn partnered with industrial designer Jeff Sand and entrepreneur Marc Fenigstein to formally launch as BRD Motorcycles, initially keeping day jobs while validating the concept during nights and weekends. Inspired by Tesla's early roadster and the untapped potential in off-road racing—where electric bikes could compete with 250cc gas models despite battery limits—the trio rebranded to Alta Motors in 2013, referencing Northern California's "Alta California." Key hires like sales director Viktor Pritzker and Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard bolstered credibility, with early traction from prototypes and racing debuts.[1][4]
Alta Motors rode the early wave of electric vehicle adoption in niche motorsports, timing its launch post-Tesla Roadster (2009) when EVs proved viable for high-performance applications. Market forces like environmental regulations, battery tech advances, and rider demand for cleaner power favored it, influencing the ecosystem by pioneering off-road electrics—pushing competitors like Harley-Davidson to invest in Silicon Valley R&D after their 2018 partnership collapse. Its tech assets were later acquired by Bombardier Recreational Products, extending impact despite failure, and highlighting EV startups' role in accelerating industry shifts from gas dominance.[1][2][3]
Alta's downfall stemmed from niche market constraints, Harley-Davidson's opportunistic asset grab (valuing operations at "scrap metal" levels post-partnership), and inability to secure bridge funding amid high burn rates. Its legacy endures through acquired IP fueling BRP's electric off-road lineup and inspiring broader EV motorcycle adoption. Looking ahead, as battery densities improve and racing series go electric, Alta's pioneers—like Fenigstein—may resurface in revitalized ventures, while trends like sustainable motorsports amplify its foundational influence on high-performance dirt bike electrification.[2][3] This rise-and-fall arc underscores electric mobility's startup risks, yet validates its unstoppable momentum in two-wheeled transport.
Alta Motors has raised $40.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $27.0M Series C in June 2017.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2017 | $27M Series C | — | Endeavor Catalyst, Nazca Ventures, GIL Penchina, XG Ventures, Y Combinator, Marcos Galperin | Announced |
| Sep 1, 2014 | $13M Series A | — | Spero Ventures | Announced |
