A London start-up that insures cyclists through a community model where members share claim costs.
Laka is a bike insurance company built around the idea that cyclists look after each other. Instead of paying a fixed yearly price, members pay each month according to the claims the group actually made, and each person’s monthly payment is capped so it cannot shoot up. It covers bikes and cycling kit against theft or damage, and it also offers cover for light electric vehicles such as e-scooters.
Laka was founded by Tobias (often called Toby) Taupitz, who is its chief executive. Rouleur magazine says he grew up in Germany with a father who was an insurance broker, then worked as an investment banker in London, where the idea took shape. Tech.eu described Laka in 2020 as London-based, and when Rouleur wrote about it the team was around 32 people with offices in London, Bristol and Amsterdam (that article is undated, so treat the figures as a snapshot). Most of the staff are cyclists, and some claims handlers have worked in bike shops or as mechanics.
Laka’s website says it is a team that cares for its members, with shared cover built for cyclists whether they are riding or not. Its CEO has said its mission is “to create a community driven, transparent approach to insurance”, and he calls the model “a digital form of mutual insurance”. About 80% of members’ payments go back towards claims and about 20% keeps the business running, according to Laka’s own site. These are company statements.
Products named on Laka’s site include bicycle insurance, a health and recovery cover for accidents and injuries, Laka Club (cycle accident liability and legal cover plus discounts, for £1.50 a month), and commercial insurance. Laka says claims are often settled within a day, with no excess and no depreciation. Partners have included the Bund Deutscher Radfahrer (German Cycling Federation), which named Laka its official insurance partner in a 2025 report, and Olympic gold medallist Elinor Barker is a customer and ambassador. A May 2026 report says Laka bought VeloLife, a UK bike insurer linked to more than 100 independent bike shops, its fourth purchase since 2023.
Laka calls its members the “Laka Collective”, and it says fewer claims and better care save everyone money. We did not find a published graduate scheme, apprenticeship or internship, or any values list or pay details. If you love cycling and are curious about how insurance, customer service or technology work together, watch Laka’s careers page for openings.
Website: laka.co
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