Rivian spinout Also was working on an e-moto project in Kenya — until it walked away
- ID
- 42583
- Status
- summarized
- Published
- 04 Nov 2026, 12:49 AM
- Fetched
- 04 Nov 2026, 1:31 AM
- Provider
- TechCrunch
- Category
- technology
- Original URL
- https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/03/rivian-spinout-also-owns-up-to-mistakes-in-delayed-e-bike-launch/
- Source URL
- https://techcrunch.com/feed/
Summary
- Score
- 2.0
- Created
- 04 Nov 2026, 1:32 AM
- Tags
- Audience
- startup_founders
What happened
Also, a micromobility startup spun out of Rivian in 2025, quietly did early-stage work on an electric two-wheeler pilot in Kenya and then walked away. The project had grant funding from the Shell Foundation and was meant to test a locally integrated e-moto platform, modular batteries, and distributed EV charging; Also said it completed only 'some early-stage work' and refocused on its core e-bike and autonomous-vehicle roadmap. The Shell Foundation said the grant will follow the project, while Also declined to give specifics.
Why it matters
For startup founders, the concrete detail is grant continuity: Also exited after early-stage work but said Shell Foundation funding would follow the project, so if you take pilot grant money, decide up front who owns or continues the work if you walk away. There is no direct Malaysia/SEA developer or AI relevance in this item.
Discussion angle
Should grant-funded pilots have explicit exit and continuity terms, given Also's exit and the Shell Foundation's statement that funding follows the project?