Seattle-area startup Fairway Bikes recently secured a $1.25 million seed round to support the development of its unique electric bike designed specifically for golfers. The company’s 3-wheeled golf e-bike aims to enhance the pace of play on the golf course while providing golfers with an opportunity to incorporate some exercise into their game. Fairway Bikes is positioned to bridge the gap between traditional motorized golf carts and manual pull carts, offering golfers a new and innovative way to traverse the course.
Fairway Bikes has formed partnerships with three golf courses in Washington state, including Suncadia Resort, Bear Creek Country Club, and Twin Lakes Golf & Country Club, to offer their bikes to golfers. The company has garnered interest from over 50 additional golf courses and intends to utilize the new funding to accelerate production and expansion efforts. Fairway Bikes was founded in 2021 by tech industry veteran and entrepreneur Jim Billmaier, with CEO Alex Wunderlich now leading the company towards its growth objectives.
In addition to securing funding, Fairway Bikes has welcomed Ty Collins, co-founder of Rad Power Bikes, as an advisor. Collins brings experience from his work on Rad Power Bikes, a Seattle-based e-bike company that he played a crucial role in launching in 2015. Collins praised Fairway Bikes’ golf e-bike as a purpose-built product that stands out in the golf-focused electric vehicle market, emphasizing the bike’s unique design and functionality. Other novel transportation options for golfers include the GolfBoard and Finn Cycle, each offering a different approach to on-course mobility.
The decision to develop the Fairway Bikes golf e-bike was based on recognizing trends such as the increasing number of golfers and the ongoing efforts to improve the pace of play in the game. The company envisions these trends as favorable factors driving its business forward. Fairway Bikes’ investor base includes prominent individuals such as Andrew Weber, CEO of Grayl, and Brad Griffith, founder of GameTime, as well as Scott McNealy, founder of Sun Microsystems, who serves as an advisor. With Wunderlich as the sole full-time employee, the company also boasts an experienced team including COO Frank Paganelli and CTO Alex Millie.
Fairway Bikes’ electric golf e-bike promises a unique and innovative solution for golfers looking to enhance their on-course experience. With a focus on improving pace of play and providing a fun and functional alternative to traditional golf carts, the company is well-positioned to capture a growing market of golf enthusiasts. The recent funding injection and addition of experienced advisors like Ty Collins demonstrate the company’s commitment to driving innovation and growth in the golf industry. As Fairway Bikes continues to expand its presence and offerings, it aims to revolutionize the way golfers approach transportation on the course, offering a new level of convenience and enjoyment for players of all skill levels.
