BYTES, a Bengaluru-based startup focused on developing AI-powered safety technology for two-wheelers, has secured funding from WTFund, an investment firm led by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. The funding amount has not been disclosed.

The company is building an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that leverages computer vision and AI to detect potential hazards and deliver real-time alerts to motorcycle riders. The system is designed to prevent accidents by identifying dangerous situations before they happen.

"Our mission is to create a future where no two-wheeler accident results in a preventable loss of life", said Prakhar Agrawal, co-founder and CEO of BYTES. The company plans to integrate AI-based safety features directly into motorcycles and scooters.

BYTES is currently launching pilot programs with two-wheeler manufacturers to test its system in real-world conditions. The company expects to close its pre-seed funding round within the next two months to support further product development and deployment.

Two-wheeler safety continues to be a major issue in India and around the world. Road safety data shows that motorcycles and scooters account for 60% of the more than 50 million road accidents globally each year. The World Health Organization states that human error is responsible for 90% of these crashes, with the absence of safety features increasing the risk of fatalities.

The development comes as automotive safety technology, traditionally focused on four-wheelers, begins expanding to two-wheelers. Several major motorcycle manufacturers have started incorporating basic safety features like anti-lock braking systems, but advanced AI-powered safety systems remain largely unexplored in this segment.

WTFund, which has included BYTES in its second cohort for 2024, specializes in investing in early-stage technology startups. The fund has previously supported companies in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, and enterprise software.