Nikhil Kamath-led WTFund has invested in BYTES, a domestic firm which develops AI-powered Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) for two-wheelers.

The funding is part of WTFund's second cohort for 2024 and will support BYTES' goal of improving road safety using artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision. BYTES aims to address the high number of global road accidents involving two-wheelers, a significant portion of which are attributed to human error. The company plans to launch pilot programs with two-wheeler manufacturers and is also preparing to close a pre-seed funding round in the coming months.

A system to reduce collisions and fatalities

BYTES’ technology focuses on predicting and preventing accidents by detecting high-risk scenarios and providing real-time assistance to riders. This AI-powered safety system aims to reduce collisions and fatalities. The company's vision is to make safety an integral part of two-wheeler riding, rather than an afterthought. The recent funding will facilitate the integration of BYTES' system into real-world applications.

Global road accidents are a significant concern, with over 50 million occurring annually. Two-wheelers are involved in 60% of these accidents, and human error is a contributing factor in 90% of all crashes. The lack of adequate safety features increases the risk of fatality by 40%. BYTES seeks to address this critical issue through its advanced technology.

"At BYTES, our mission is to create a future where no two-wheeler accident results in a preventable loss of life. AI and vision-based intelligence will play a crucial role in ensuring that safety isn't an afterthought but an integral part of riding," said Prakhar Agrawal, Co-founder & CEO of BYTES.

New standard for two-wheeler safety

The partnership underscores the potential of AI in improving road safety for two-wheelers. BYTES is adopting a technology-focused strategy to improve two-wheeler safety.

"The support from WTFund is a strong validation of our work and will accelerate our efforts to bring AI-powered safety to millions of riders. Our focus is to bridge the safety gap for two-wheelers with a scalable, technology-first approach," added Aayush Kumar, Co-founder & COO of BYTES.

The pilot programs with leading two-wheeler Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) represent a key step in BYTES’ development. These real-world tests will allow the company to refine its system for broader adoption. BYTES aims to set a new standard for two-wheeler safety. The integration of BYTES' technology with OEMs marks a significant milestone in promoting safer riding practices.

Pre-Seed funding round

BYTES, currently in the process of securing its pre-seed funding round, is seeking strategic investors who share its vision of improving road safety through AI innovation. The additional funding will further support product development and broader deployment of BYTES' technology. This investment will be crucial for expanding the reach of BYTES’ AI-powered safety systems.