Zypp Electric Ropes In Former SoftBank India Head As Senior Advisor

SUMMARY

Former SoftBank India and Airtel veteran Manoj Kohli joins Zypp Electric as Senior Advisor to strengthen leadership and guide IPO plans

Kohli brings 45 years of experience, having previously led SoftBank India's $15 Bn investments and Airtel's expansion to 400 Mn customers across 20 countries

The appointment comes as Zypp Electric reports 168% revenue growth to INR 292.7 Cr in FY24, with plans to expand its 22,000-strong EV fleet and last-mile delivery operations

EV two-wheeler startup Zypp Electric has appointed former SoftBank India head and Bharti Airtel veteran Manoj Kohli as its senior advisor, a move aimed at strengthening the company’s leadership team and accelerate initial public offering (IPO) plan.

Kohli, who brings over 45 years of experience across telecom, renewable energy, EVs and AI-led digital technology sectors, will focus on empowering the leadership team and creating a framework for business success as the company eyes public listing.

Kohli said, “My focus as an advisor will be on empowering the leadership team to achieve their ambitious goals while fostering a culture of excellence and integrity.”

Zypp Electric CEO Akash Gupta said, “His extensive experience developing global firms, combined with his enthusiasm for achieving sustainable breakthroughs, will be beneficial as we plan our expansion path.”

Prior to joining Zypp, Kohli served as the country head of SoftBank India, where he supported investments worth $15 billion across 25 AI-focused portfolio companies. As managing director and CEO of Bharti Airtel, he led the company’s expansion to 20 countries across Asia and Africa, growing its customer base to over 400 Mn.

Kohli is on several prestigious boards and advisory councils, including as an advisor on the National Startup Council under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and as Chairperson at Masters’ Union.

Founded in 2017 by Gupta and Rashi Agarwal, Zypp Electric’s revenue surged 168% to INR 292.7 Cr in FY24, though its net loss widened to INR 91.1 Cr. The startup has completed over 20.5 Mn emission-free deliveries for quick commerce, with total deliveries reaching 78 Mn across all categories.

The company currently operates a fleet of over 22,000 EVs and partners with major platforms including Swiggy, Zomato, BigBasket, and others for last-mile logistics. It has raised approximately $75 Mn to date from investors including Gogoro, Venture Catalysts, and IAN, with its most recent funding of $14 Mn coming from Japanese energy giant ENEOS.