BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  Open For Business  >  Fueled for Expansion: iMotorbike’s $10M Growth Playbook

Fueled for Expansion: iMotorbike’s $10M Growth Playbook

Gil Carmo, CEO, iMotorbike | Sharmeen Looi, CMO, iMotorbike

13-Mar-25 10:00

Fueled for Expansion: iMotorbike’s $10M Growth Playbook

With a $10 million Series A in the bag and backing from Gobi Partners, 500 Global, Headline, and Endeavor Catalyst, what’s next for iMotorbike?

Since launching in 2016, iMotorbike has evolved from a classifieds site into a full-fledged e-commerce platform for buying and selling pre-owned motorcycles. In this episode of Open For Business, co-founders Gil Carmo (CEO) and Sharmeen Looi (CMO) share how their 2021 pivot introduced a 6-day return policy, warranties, and financing options, transforming iMotorbike into a trusted one-stop center for motorcycles.

Now, with fresh capital, they’re scaling in Malaysia (Johor & Penang), doubling down on Vietnam, and expanding into Taiwan, while also growing their showroom network and inspection centers. We explore their 3X annual growth, their TikTok-driven marketing strategy, and how they’re setting the stage for profitable expansion and a potential IPO or M&A exit.

Here are 6 AI-Generated highlights from the conversation:

  • From Classifieds to E-Commerce – Pivoted in 2021 to a full-service platform, streamlining buying, selling, and financing.

  • $10M Series A Funding – Backed by top VCs, fueling regional expansion into Vietnam, Taiwan & Malaysia.

  • 3X Yearly Growth & Scaling Strategy – Tripling revenue annually, targeting 5X growth in 2025.

  • Physical Showrooms & Inspection Centers – Expanding beyond digital with 46,806 sq. ft. showrooms & 15 inspection centers.

  • Marketing & Community Growth via TikTok – 1.6M+ TikTok views, engaging riders through events & Telegram groups.

  • The Road Ahead: Profitability & Expansion Plans – Aiming for profitable showrooms, future Series B funding & IPO/M&A exit.

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  marketsCars/MotoringSMEentrepreneurs

Tags:  used motorcyclesSeries A fundingSoutheast Asia mobilitymotorcycle marketplacee-commerce startup





Play / Pause

Listen now : The 6AM Stretch: Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our...

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Prof. Amin Saikal of The Australian National University discusses whether diplomacy is still on the table as US-Iran tensions escalate.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

: Soh Lian Seng, Head of Tax at KPMG in Malaysia, discusses the New Incentive Framework and influencer tax.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Nizam Abdul Razak, Founder & CEO of Monsta Studios Sdn Bhd discusses Papa Zola The Movie’s RM60 million success and the making of a Malaysian animation powerhouse.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Professor Datin Paduka Dr Fatimah Mohamed Arshad, Food Security Chair, UPM talks about the National Food Security Policy 2030 and proposed National Food Security Act.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

(REPEAT) We dive into the local and international news that matters to you.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) We take a look at the FBM KLCI as well as regional capital markets.

9:35 AM

People, Planet, Profit

We cover the latest news and views in the ESG space to help businesses thrive with impact.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

In an F&B landscape often defined by rapid burnout and aggressive discounting, Arieni Ritzal has taken a different path. Since her last visit to the studio, Gula Cakery has evolved from a boutique success into a disciplined enterprise with 19 outlets and a projected RM20 million in sales for 2025.

11:00 AM

Marketing Mojo

René Menezes, Leader, Kult

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Running a business built on local craft and grit is a cornerstone of Malaysian culture. But as the nation prepares for the massive influx of Visit Malaysia 2026, "passion" alone may no longer be enough to scale. While MSMEs represent 97% of all registered businesses and contribute 38% of the national GDP, many remain tethered to a cash-heavy past that limits their growth. In this episode of Open For Business, We sit down with Previn Pillay, Country Manager of Visa Malaysia, to discuss the invisible infrastructure required to move a business from a simple roadside transaction to a total digital transformation.

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Nizam Abdul Razak, Founder & CEO of Monsta Studios Sdn Bhd discusses Papa Zola The Movie’s RM60 million success and the making of a Malaysian animation powerhouse.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Beyond the Ballot Box

4:05 PM

Health & Living

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

A countdown of the 5 biggest stories of the day, to catch you up on all you need to know!

6:00 PM

Talkback Tuesday

8:00 PM

BBC World Service