Why we invested in Zyclora/ Bike Ocasión?
Article written by Carlos Fisch and Borja Rosales
In a world where sustainability and circular economy principles are increasingly critical, the re-commerce market is emerging as a key driver of responsible consumption. As consumers seek more affordable and environmentally conscious options, the demand for refurbished and second-hand products is rising, particularly in the cycling industry—the largest sporting market globally, with €69 billion spent in 2023. In this context, approximately 15 million bikes are discarded each year, often ending up in landfills. Bike Ocasión’s addresses this urgent need for sustainable consumption while leveraging technology and digitalization to create an accessible omnichannel solution. In 2023 alone, Bike Ocasión avoided the emission of 850 tons of CO2 and prevented over 60 tons of waste materials from entering landfills.
However, like any strong growth trend, there are challenges. Customers in the bicycle market expect not only competitive pricing but also reliability, product variety, and confidence in their purchases. Buying a second-hand bicycle can feel risky for many consumers, especially if the quality and longevity are uncertain, limiting the broader adoption of refurbished bikes. Additionally, scaling a re-commerce operation requires flawless operational execution, from refurbishment and inventory management to customer service. Companies must have robust systems in place to ensure a seamless, trustworthy experience.
At Seaya Andromeda we invest in companies that have the potential to drive intentional, additional, and measurable impact. Our in-depth analysis of the re-commerce and mobility sectors identified Bike Ocasion as the standout player, thanks to its best-in-class unit economics and scalable platform. The company has developed an impressive inventory of over 1,000 like-new bicycle references, supported by a rigorous refurbishment process led by a team of 25 professional mechanics. Coupled with strong product warranties, this has allowed Bike Ocasion to build trust and satisfaction among its customers, selling over 15,000 bicycles to date and cultivating a loyal base of cycling enthusiasts and professionals.
Additionally, Bike Ocasion demonstrates strong growth potential across Europe—a €30 billion market ripe for professionalization. With expected revenues of €13 million this year and an established presence in Spain, France, Italy, and Germany under the Zyclora brand, the company is well-positioned for further expansion. Our investment will enable Bike Ocasion to enter new European markets, expand its physical retail presence, and scale its refurbishment operations to meet the increasing demand for high-quality refurbished bicycles. Moreover, their commitment to waste reduction and sustainable mobility aligns seamlessly with our investment thesis, building on the success we achieved with refurbished cars in Clicars , sold to Aramis.
Meeting the Co-CEOs Juan D. Carretero Jiménez and Borja Mesonero-Romanos , we were deeply impressed by their shared vision and dedication to making cycling more accessible and sustainable, coupled with their outstanding business execution through profitable growth. Their experience in the sector, paired with their ability to navigate complex logistics and digitalization, positions them to lead Bike Ocasion into its next growth phase.
We are happy to announce our investment in Bike Ocasion , supporting Juan, Borja, and their talented team in their mission to revolutionize the bike re-commerce market across Europe. With this partnership, we look forward to helping them expand and reinforce our commitment to the circular economy and zero carbon mobility.
Managing Partner at Cerralvo Capital & Chairman of the Board at Teach for Mexico
4mo¡Muchísimas felicidades!
Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company
4moGrande Juan D. Carretero Jiménez !
Managing Director at Point Piper LLC
4moJuan/Borja - Go conquer Europe!
Sustainability & ESG Specialist | Arcano Partners
4moEnhorabuena!!!
Co-CEO Bike Ocasión | McKinsey alumnus | MIT MBA
4moExcited about this new phase! Thanks to Seaya Andromeda for the support and specially to Carlos Fisch and Borja Rosales