Bengaluru Startup BYTES Gets Funding from Nikhil Kamath’s WTFund for AI-Powered
- ByStartupStory | February 18, 2025
Two-Wheeler Safety BYTES, a startup based in Bengaluru, has secured funding from WTFund, an investment firm led by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. The company is working on an advanced two-wheeler safety system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help prevent accidents. While the exact amount of funding hasn’t been revealed, the investment will further support BYTES in developing its technology.
The startup is building an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) designed specifically for motorcycles and scooters. Using AI and computer vision, the system can detect potential dangers on the road and alert riders in real-time. The goal is to reduce accidents by spotting risks before they turn into collisions. “We want to create a future where no two-wheeler accident leads to a preventable loss of life,” said Prakhar Agrawal, co-founder and CEO of BYTES.
The company plans to integrate its AI-based safety features directly into two-wheelers. Currently, BYTES is running pilot programs with two-wheeler manufacturers to test its system in real-world conditions. The startup is also in the process of closing its pre-seed funding round within the next two months to accelerate product development and deployment.
Two-wheeler safety is a major concern, especially in countries like India. Globally, motorcycles and scooters are involved in 60% of the over 50 million road accidents yearly. According to the World Health Organization, human error is responsible for 90% of these crashes, and the lack of safety features on two-wheelers increases the risk of fatalities. While car safety technology has advanced significantly, similar innovations for two-wheelers are still in their early stages. Some manufacturers have started adding basic features like anti-lock braking systems, but AI-powered safety solutions like the one BYTES is developing are rare.
BYTES is part of WTFund’s second cohort for 2024, which includes 22 young entrepreneurs from nine startups. WTFund, led by Nikhil Kamath, provides grants of up to ₹20 lakh, along with mentorship and strategic support, to help early-stage startups grow. Kamath highlighted the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs: “There’s something about being young- the boldness, the energy, the willingness to take risks. WTFund exists to fuel that spirit.”
The second cohort features startups from various sectors, including tech, healthcare, education, and clean energy. Alongside BYTES, other startups in the cohort are working on innovative solutions like hydrogen storage, stress relief wearables, and AI tools for agriculture and autism detection.
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