BYTES, a Bengaluru-based startup developing artificial intelligence-powered safety technology for two-wheelers, has secured funding from WTFund, an investment firm led by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. The amount of funding was not disclosed.
The company is creating an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that uses computer vision and AI to detect potential hazards and provide real-time alerts to motorcycle riders. The system aims to prevent accidents by identifying dangerous situations before they occur.
“Our mission is to create a future where no two-wheeler accident results in a preventable loss of life,” said Prakhar Agrawal, co-founder and CEO of BYTES. The company plans to integrate AI-based safety features directly into motorcycles and scooters.
BYTES is currently launching pilot programs with two-wheeler manufacturers to test its system in real-world conditions. The company expects to close its pre-seed funding round within the next two months to support further product development and deployment.
Two-wheeler safety remains a significant concern in India and globally. According to road safety data, motorcycles and scooters are involved in 60% of the over 50 million annual road accidents worldwide. The World Health Organization reports that human error contributes to 90% of these crashes, with the lack of safety features increasing fatality risks.
The development comes as automotive safety technology, traditionally focused on four-wheelers, begins expanding to two-wheelers. Several major motorcycle manufacturers have started incorporating basic safety features like anti-lock braking systems, but advanced AI-powered safety systems remain largely unexplored in this segment.
WTFund, which included BYTES in its second cohort for 2024, focuses on investing in early-stage technology startups. The fund has previously backed companies in sectors including fintech, healthcare, and enterprise software.