Barcelona-based Cooltra, a leading name in two-wheeled sustainable mobility across Europe, has officially acquired the business operations of fellow Barcelona-born urban cycling startup Kleta Mobility.
The move is part of Cooltra’s strategy to strengthen its service portfolio and deepen its market footprint across Spain, particularly in key cities like Barcelona and Valencia.
“For Cooltra, the integration of Kleta Mobility is a step forward in our growth strategy. This operation reaffirms our commitment to more sustainable, inclusive, and efficient urban mobility while enhancing our value proposition, diversifying our services, and providing real alternatives to private vehicle ownership,” said Timo Buetefisch, Co-founder and CEO of Cooltra. (Translated)
While many startups are securing fresh capital to scale operations, others – like Cooltra – are opting for strategic acquisitions to strengthen their position in competitive urban mobility markets.
Recent funding in the sector includes:
- In Sweden, Standab raised €3.6 million to expand its charging infrastructure network for micromobility vehicles across Europe.
- Belgium’s LIZY secured €75 million in equity and debt to scale its circular electric leasing model, highlighting investor confidence in sustainable fleet management.
- In Spain, TRIBBU attracted €2 million in funding to grow its shared-mobility platform, signalling an active domestic investment landscape that also benefits established players such as Cooltra.
- The Netherlands-based umob raised €3.5 million for its all-in-one mobility booking app.
- The UK’s Forest secured €15.3 million to expand its e-bike fleet
- Italy’s Maxi Mobility raised €1.2 million for its electric fleet-as-a-service platform.
Against this backdrop, Cooltra’s move represents a non-funding strategic consolidation, absorbing Kleta’s user base, assets, and employees to reinforce its market presence in Spain.
Overall, the deal reflects a European micromobility market in which scale, integration, and service diversification are becoming essential for sustainability – especially in urban transport ecosystems increasingly defined by electric, shared, and subscription-based models.
Buetefisch added: “At a critical moment for cities and the planet, we’re doubling down on the bicycle as the transport of the future. I want to thank everyone who made this possible. Their effort, passion, and commitment allow us to keep pedalling toward a cleaner, more human and connected future.” (Translated)
Founded in 2020 by Falk Siegel and Diego Casabe during the height of the pandemic, Kleta aimed to reduce barriers to city cycling with flexible, accessible mobility solutions.
Kleta’s roots in Barcelona mirror those of Cooltra, underscoring a shared commitment to local innovation in sustainable mobility. What began as a consumer-focused service has since expanded into B2B solutions, making the acquisition a strategic match for Cooltra’s multisector growth.
Founded in 2006, Cooltra has evolved into a dominant player in European micromobility, operating across multiple countries and offering electric scooters, bikes, and fleet services to both governments and private enterprises.
By folding Kleta’s assets and expertise into its broader operations, Cooltra gains not only scale but also a stronger foothold in the increasingly competitive bicycle-as-a-service market.
“The integration of Kleta’s production unit goes far beyond a business operation: it represents our firm commitment to bicycles as a driver of change towards more sustainable, inclusive, and efficient mobility. It is also a natural step in our growth strategy, adding talent, experience, and a community that shares our vision: we firmly believe that the future of cities moves on two wheels,” added Buetefisch in a public statement.
The integration will see Cooltra absorb Kleta’s fleet of over 2,000 urban bicycles- more than half of which are electric – alongside its existing customer base of 2,000 active users and a team of 13 employees.
All Kleta staff will retain their positions, seniority, and pay conditions.
Kleta’s offering was built around a subscription-based model for urban bicycles, tailored for both individual users and corporate clients. Subscribers could access quarterly or annual plans with perks like home repairs, theft protection, and accessory customisation.
The acquisition follows a difficult period for Kleta, which declared insolvency in September 2024 due to accumulated losses of €1.6 million and debts of €1.2 million with financial institutions.
Despite financial setbacks, the startup had managed to attract high-profile backers, including FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and NBA veteran Marc Gasol. The duo led two financing rounds worth €400k and €2 million respectively, demonstrating belief in the startup’s mission and potential.
With judicial approval now secured, the transition is expected to be completed in the coming days.
While Cooltra did not disclose the financial details of the acquisition, the company’s ongoing investment in expanding access to sustainable transport reinforces its ambitions to lead the urban mobility revolution – one pedal at a time.
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/10/cooltra-to-the-rescue-barcelonas-mobility-startup-kleta-rejoins-the-race-after-insolvency-wobble/
