From Accountant to EV Pioneer: How Vivekananda Hallekere Built a ₹718 Crore Empire!

Vivekananda Hallekere stands at the forefront of India’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution as the Co-founder and CEO of Bounce Infinity. His journey from a chartered accountant to a pioneering entrepreneur reflects a deep commitment to sustainable urban mobility. Under his leadership, Bounce Infinity has emerged as a leader in manufacturing eco-friendly electric two-wheelers, transforming how Indians commute. 

Vivekananda Hallekere’s path began with a strong academic foundation in finance. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Vijaya College and qualified as a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. These credentials honed his business acumen, preparing him for the challenges of entrepreneurship. His early career included roles at Suchindra and Vivekananda and B S R & Co (KPMG), where he gained valuable experience in financial strategy and operations.

The Genesis of Bounce: From Motorcycles to Electric Scooters

In 2014, Vivekananda, alongside co-founders Anil Giri and Varun Agni, launched WickedRide with a modest fleet of eight motorcycles. The venture aimed to provide affordable mobility solutions in Bengaluru, India’s IT hub. Recognizing the growing demand for last-mile connectivity, they pivoted to establish Bounce in 2016. Bounce introduced India’s first smart urban mobility solution, offering dockless scooter rentals that allowed users to pick up and drop off scooters anywhere in the city.

By 2018, Vivekananda saw the potential of electric vehicles to address both environmental concerns and operational efficiency. This led to the creation of Bounce Infinity in 2021, a dedicated EV division focused on manufacturing electric two-wheelers. The transition from scooter-sharing to EV manufacturing marked a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey.

Mission and Vision: Driving Sustainable Mobility

Bounce Infinity’s mission is to provide sustainable mobility solutions through electric two-wheelers that reduce carbon emissions and enhance urban commuting. Vivekananda envisions a future where EVs dominate India’s roads, alleviating traffic congestion and pollution. He advocates for the “democratization of commuting,” believing mobility is a fundamental human need akin to food and shelter. This philosophy drives Bounce Infinity’s focus on affordability and accessibility.

Innovative Products: Redefining Electric Scooters

Bounce Infinity’s product lineup includes the e.1+, e.1, and e.1LE scooters, designed with advanced features to meet diverse consumer needs. Key features include:

  • Regenerative Braking: Enhances energy efficiency by converting kinetic energy into electrical power.
  • Swappable Batteries: Allows users to exchange batteries at charging stations or charge them at home.
  • Multi Riding Modes: Offers Eco and Sport modes for flexibility and battery conservation.
  • Anti-Theft and GPS Tracking: Ensures security and real-time monitoring.
  • Customizable Skins: Enables personalization with various color options.

A groundbreaking innovation is the “Battery as a Service” (BaaS) model, the first of its kind in India. This allows customers to purchase scooters without batteries and subscribe to battery-swapping services, reducing upfront costs. In 2025, Bounce Infinity unveiled a new scooter at the Bharat Mobility Expo, featuring fast-charging and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries with ranges of 80 km and 160 km. The company also launched the E1X scooter at ₹55,000, targeting budget-conscious buyers.

Achievements and Financial Growth

Bounce Infinity has achieved remarkable success under Vivekananda’s leadership. The company has raised $224 million over 18 funding rounds, with a recent $20 million infusion from existing investors. Its valuation stands at ₹718 crore, and it reported a revenue of ₹91 crore in FY23, a sixfold increase from previous years. With 38 employees and 29 institutional investors, including Accel and B Capital, Bounce Infinity competes with 383 active competitors, including Ola Electric and Ather Energy.

Leadership Style: Customer-Centric and Innovative

Vivekananda’s leadership is defined by his business acumen and passion for customer satisfaction. Peers praise his ability to solve problems flexibly and engage with stakeholders, from customers to government bodies. He oversees business development, marketing, and sales while fostering a culture of innovation at Bounce Infinity. His strategic partnerships, such as with Bharat Petroleum for eDrive stores, enhance the company’s charging infrastructure.

Vivekananda’s commitment to social impact is evident in initiatives like leasing scooters to gig workers for e-commerce and food delivery. This program addresses the needs of India’s growing gig economy, providing affordable transport options for workers.

Awards and Recognition

Vivekananda’s contributions have earned him significant accolades. In 2020, he was felicitated by Karnataka Chief Minister Shri. B. S. Yediyurappa for his role in youth empowerment and economic growth. He was also named to Entrepreneur India’s Tech 25 Class of 2021, recognizing his impact on India’s tech ecosystem.

Recent Developments: Expanding Reach and Accessibility

Bounce Infinity continues to innovate and expand. In 2025, the company reduced the price of its E1+ scooter by ₹24,000, making it more affordable (BAV Electric). The E1 scooter is now available on Flipkart, broadening its market reach (BAV Electric). Additionally, Bounce Infinity extended its BaaS model to Crayon Motors’ 3W brand “Singham,” enhancing its battery-swapping network.

The company also introduced a battery-swappable version of the Infinity E1 scooter, further simplifying EV adoption. These efforts reflect Vivekananda’s focus on accessibility and innovation in a competitive market.

Future Prospects: Shaping India’s EV Landscape

While specific plans remain undisclosed, Bounce Infinity’s trajectory suggests continued growth. India’s EV market is expanding, driven by government initiatives like FAME II and increasing consumer demand for sustainable transport. Bounce Infinity’s focus on affordability, advanced technology, and strategic partnerships positions it to capitalize on these trends. Vivekananda’s vision extends beyond business success; he aims to create a movement toward cleaner mobility, impacting society and the environment.

Vivekananda Hallekere’s journey from a chartered accountant to a leader in India’s EV industry is inspiring. Through Bounce Infinity, he has redefined urban mobility, making electric scooters accessible and sustainable. His leadership, marked by innovation and customer focus, has earned him accolades and positioned Bounce Infinity as a frontrunner in the EV market. As India embraces cleaner transportation, Vivekananda’s legacy as a pioneer in sustainable mobility will continue to shape the future.

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