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 : BFM 89.9 -- The Business Station

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

Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy, Mizuho Bank 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

Joanna Chen, Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, shares her take on the 2025 performance of the Asia Pacific auto sector and the outlook for 2026.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Chong Ja Ian, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, National University of Singapore, shares his take on the escalating China-Taiwan and China-Japan situation.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Warren Cheng, Executive Director of SBS Nexus Bhd, on the company’s upcoming listing on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Frederick Kleim, Managing Director of Episteme Consultants, discusses the United States' intent to obtain Greenland, even if it means using their military to do so.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Ridzwan Rahmat of Jane’s weighs in on a series of controversies rocking the Malaysian Armed Forces.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy, Mizuho Bank tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Joanna Chen, Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, shares her take on the 2025 performance of the Asia Pacific auto sector and the outlook for 2026.

9:35 AM

Ringgit & Sense

Terence Ng, Associate Director of Equities at AIIMAN Asset Management, on the stock-picking strategies and overcoming common investor mindsets.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

AppWorks' Alyssa Chen on their zero-equity accelerator model and why they’re seeing in Malaysia. She discusses the TW-MY-SG corridor and their specific "Request for Startups" in Manufacturing AI and Defense Tech.

11:00 AM

Tech Talk

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Malaysia Fintech: A Look Back at 2025, Look Ahead 2026 with Vincent Fong of Fintech News Malaysia

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Warren Cheng, Executive Director of SBS Nexus Bhd, on the company’s upcoming listing on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

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

3:05 PM

Beyond the Ballot Box

As a leftist within the DAP, Lim Yi Wei believes that her political party should return to its strong socialist/social democratic roots and not get dragged by the neoliberal tide. We speak to her about why that is important.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

How has cancer care been affected by insurance and TPA practices? We look at solutions that need to be prioritised in 2026.

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 Thursday