GACW
GACW (Global Air Cylinder Wheels), with a valuation of $80.2 million, is raising funds on Dealmaker Securities. The company has reinvented the wheel by designing its patented Air Suspension Wheel. GACW’s wheel is an airless mechanical one made of steel with in-wheel pneumatic suspension. The green technology of GACW provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to pollutive rubber tires, and the testing of GACW’s wheel solution has been tested by global miners. Dr. Zoltan Kemeny founded GACW in November 2019. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $10,003 and a maximum target of $3.1 million. The campaign proceeds will be used for marketing, research and development, engineering and design, insurance, operations, travel, and legal and professional fees.
Investment Overview
Raised: $508,053
Deal Terms
Company & Team
Company
- Year Founded
- 2019
- Industry
- Transportation, Automotive, Aviation, & Aerospace
- Tech Sector
- Distribution Model
- B2B
- Margin
- Low
- Capital Intensity
- High
Financials
- Revenue +111% YoY
- $1,489,980
- Monthly Burn
- $240,000
-
Runway
- 1 months
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Synopsis
GACW has developed a patented Air Suspension Wheel (ASW), which is an airless mechanical wheel primarily made of steel with in-wheel pneumatic suspension. This product serves as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional rubber tires. GACW's primary customers include businesses in sectors such as mining, where their wheel solution has undergone testing by global miners.
The problem GACW addresses is the environmental and economic impact of conventional rubber tires. These traditional tires contribute significantly to pollution and incur high costs over their lifecycle due to frequent replacements and maintenance. Additionally, they pose challenges in harsh environments where durability and reliability are crucial.
GACW's solution is its Air Suspension Wheel, which eliminates the need for air and reduces the reliance on rubber. This design offers increased durability and reduced maintenance needs, making it suitable for demanding applications such as mining. By using steel and integrating pneumatic suspension within the wheel, GACW provides a product that aims to reduce the environmental footprint associated with tire production and disposal.
In everyday scenarios, consider the common experience of dealing with flat tires or the frequent replacement of worn-out tires. These situations not only lead to inconvenience but also contribute to environmental waste. GACW's airless wheel eliminates the risk of flats and significantly extends the lifespan of the wheel, reducing both downtime and waste. For industries like mining, where equipment reliability is critical, GACW's solution offers a practical alternative that aligns with operational needs and sustainability goals.
Price
GACW is offering Common Equity in its current funding round. The company's pre-money valuation is set at $80.2 million, with shares priced at $3.50 each. Investing through common equity provides investors with ownership in the company, typically granting voting rights and potential dividends. However, common equity holders are last to receive payouts in the event of liquidation, unlike preferred equity, which often includes priority in receiving dividends and liquidation proceeds.
For investors seeking significant returns, achieving a 10X return would require GACW to reach a post-exit valuation of approximately $802 million, not accounting for dilution. This would necessitate substantial growth in revenue and market share. Given the company's current revenue multiple of 53.9x, the valuation may appear high relative to its revenue figures. High revenue multiples can indicate that a deal may be overvalued, suggesting that the terms might be less favorable for investors. This underscores the importance of assessing the company's potential to grow and capture market share in its niche.
Market
The market for GACW's airless wheel technology is primarily within the U.S. Off-the-Road (OTR) tire market, valued at approximately $1.47 billion. This market is experiencing a growth rate of 6.7%, driven by increasing demand for durable and cost-effective solutions in industries such as mining and construction. These industries require reliable and resilient tire solutions to minimize downtime and maintenance costs, creating opportunities for GACW's products.
Key market drivers include a growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental impact reduction. Traditional rubber tires contribute significantly to pollution, prompting industries to seek greener alternatives. GACW's steel-based airless wheels align with these sustainability goals, offering an eco-friendly option that can appeal to companies looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
GACW's product targets a niche segment within the broader tire market. While traditional consumer vehicles may not immediately benefit from airless technology, sectors like mining, where durability and reduced maintenance are crucial, present significant opportunities. The company's ability to address specific pain points in these industries sets its product apart, offering a unique value proposition.
Team
GACW's leadership team is spearheaded by Dr. Zoltan Kemeny, who serves as President and Chief Innovation Officer. With over 13 years of relevant industry experience, Dr. Kemeny brings considerable expertise in engineering and innovation, crucial for the development and refinement of GACW's patented airless wheel technology. His role is pivotal in driving the company's product development and aligning technological advancements with market needs.
Harmen van Kamp holds the position of CEO, contributing 8 years of industry experience. While he is a first-time founder, his leadership is essential in steering the company's strategic direction and operational execution. His focus on business growth and market expansion is critical to GACW's objectives of increasing market penetration and scaling production capabilities.
The team's combined experience in engineering and business management aligns well with GACW's goals of introducing and scaling its innovative wheel technology within the industrial sector. Dr. Kemeny's technical expertise supports the company's commitment to product development, while van Kamp's leadership aims to navigate the complexities of market entry and expansion.
However, the team may benefit from additional expertise in areas such as large-scale manufacturing, supply chain management, and marketing. These skills could be critical for achieving future milestones, particularly as GACW seeks to enhance production efficiency and broaden its market reach. Addressing these gaps could strengthen the company's ability to meet its growth objectives and navigate the competitive landscape effectively.
Differentiation
In the OTR tire market, GACW faces competition from established players such as Michelin and Bridgestone, both of which offer a range of tire solutions for industrial applications. Michelin, a global leader in tire manufacturing, provides high-quality tires known for their durability and performance. Bridgestone also holds a significant market share with a focus on innovation and reliability in its tire products.
Compared to these competitors, GACW's airless wheel technology presents a unique proposition by eliminating the need for air and reducing reliance on rubber. This differentiation could appeal to industries where tire maintenance and durability are critical. However, as a smaller company, GACW may face challenges in matching the scale and distribution networks of larger competitors like Michelin and Bridgestone.
GACW targets a specific demographic within the industrial sector, focusing on businesses that require durable and cost-effective tire solutions. These customers typically operate in industries such as mining, construction, and heavy-duty transportation, where equipment reliability and reduced downtime are essential. The demographic includes companies that prioritize sustainability and are looking to minimize their environmental impact through innovative product choices.
The patented airless wheel technology positions GACW to meet the specific needs of these industrial customers, offering a product that addresses common pain points such as frequent tire replacements and environmental concerns. While the product may not appeal to the broader consumer tire market, its specialized focus allows GACW to carve out a niche within industrial applications, differentiating itself from traditional tire manufacturers.
Performance
GACW has demonstrated a notable year-over-year revenue growth rate of 110.8%, increasing from $756k to $1.49 million. This growth reflects the company's ability to expand its customer base and market presence, particularly in sectors like mining where its product has been tested.
Despite this revenue growth, GACW's financial performance is challenged by its current cash flow situation. The company reported a most recent monthly burn rate of $240k, which matches its cash on hand of $240k as of October 2024. This indicates a critical need for additional funding to maintain operations beyond the immediate term, highlighting the importance of effective cash management and potential future fundraising efforts.
GACW's net income for the most recent fiscal year was a loss of $1.51 million, an improvement from the previous year's loss of $2.46 million. This reduction in net loss suggests some progress towards financial stability, although the company remains unprofitable.
The company's total assets at the end of the most recent fiscal year were valued at $2.08 million, with short-term debt totaling $2.54 million. The absence of long-term debt suggests a focus on managing short-term liabilities, but the level of short-term debt relative to assets indicates a need for careful financial planning to ensure sustainability.
Risk
GACW faces several specific risks that potential investors should consider. One key risk is the company's high revenue multiple of 53.9x. This is considerably elevated compared to typical industry standards, suggesting that the current valuation may be overestimated relative to its revenue figures. Such a high multiple indicates that the investment may offer less attractive terms, with significant growth required to justify the valuation.
Another concern is the company's cash position and burn rate. GACW reported having $240k in cash on hand as of October 2024, with a monthly burn rate of $240k. This suggests a very low runway, potentially necessitating additional fundraising efforts in the near future to sustain operations. This financial pressure could lead to dilution for existing investors.
The company's capital intensity also presents a risk. High capital intensity implies that GACW requires substantial ongoing investment in manufacturing and production processes. This need for continuous capital inflow could strain resources and impact profitability, especially if the company does not achieve anticipated revenue growth.
Bullish Outlook
The bullish outlook for GACW is supported by several factors that highlight its potential for growth and market success. The company addresses a market valued at $1.47 billion, with a 6.7% growth rate, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and durable tire solutions in industrial sectors such as mining and construction. This growing focus on eco-friendly alternatives presents significant opportunities for GACW to expand its market share.
GACW's unique strength lies in its patented airless wheel technology, which offers a sustainable alternative to traditional rubber tires. This differentiation provides a competitive advantage in addressing environmental concerns and reducing maintenance costs for industrial equipment. The company's focus on sustainability aligns with emerging market trends, positioning it favorably within the industry.
Growth drivers for GACW include the potential to leverage emerging trends in sustainability and efficiency within industrial applications. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends by offering a product that aligns with the increasing environmental regulations and industry standards. Additionally, GACW's plans to expand into new industrial markets could further drive revenue growth.
GACW reported a robust revenue growth rate of 110.8%, increasing from $756k to $1.49 million, indicating strong market acceptance and customer acquisition. While the company currently faces financial constraints, this revenue growth showcases the demand for its innovative product and its ability to capture a growing customer base.
Bearish Outlook
The bearish outlook for GACW is influenced by several key factors that could impede its growth and market position. Firstly, the company's high revenue multiple of 53.9x suggests an overvaluation compared to industry benchmarks. This could pose challenges in attracting investors who might perceive the investment terms as less favorable given the company's current financial performance.
Market challenges also contribute to the negative outlook. GACW operates in a niche segment within the broader tire market, which may limit widespread adoption of its airless wheel technology. The need to convince industrial sectors to transition from traditional rubber tires to a new technology can be a slow and difficult process, potentially hindering rapid growth.
Compared to established competitors like Michelin and Bridgestone, GACW's smaller size and limited resources could result in disadvantages in terms of production capabilities and market reach. These larger competitors have extensive distribution networks and brand recognition that GACW currently lacks, which may impact its ability to effectively penetrate the market.
Financial concerns are another significant bearish factor. GACW's current cash on hand matches its monthly burn rate, indicating a precarious financial position. This situation necessitates urgent additional funding to maintain operations, raising concerns about the company's ability to sustain itself without diluting existing shareholders through further fundraising efforts.
Executive Summary
GACW is a company focused on providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional rubber tires through its patented airless wheel technology. The core customers are industrial sectors such as mining and construction, where durability and reduced maintenance are critical.
The company offers common equity with a pre-money valuation of $80.2 million and a price per share of $3.50. Despite a notable revenue growth of 110.8% from $756k to $1.49 million, GACW faces financial challenges, including a cash position of $240k and a matching monthly burn rate. This financial situation highlights the need for additional funding to sustain operations and growth.
The U.S. OTR tire market, valued at $1.47 billion with a growth rate of 6.7%, presents opportunities for GACW, particularly with increasing demand for sustainable solutions. GACW differentiates itself with its airless wheel technology, targeting a niche within the industrial sector. However, the company's smaller size compared to competitors like Michelin and Bridgestone may limit its market reach.
The bullish outlook for GACW is driven by market trends favoring sustainability and the potential for its technology to capture a share of the industrial tire market. Conversely, the bearish perspective highlights the company's financial constraints and the challenge of scaling production and market penetration.
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Company Funding & Growth
Funding history
- Total Prior Capital Raised
- $7,100,860
- VC Backed?
- No
Close Date | Platform | Valuation | Total Raised | Security Type | Status | Reg Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
03/31/2025 | DealMaker Securities | $80,235,400 | $508,053 | Equity - Common | Active | RegCF |
05/21/2024 | DealMaker Securities | $53,000,000 | $1,792,385 | Equity - Common | Funded | RegCF |
11/23/2022 | StartEngine | $39,970,598 | $942,173 | Equity - Common | Funded | RegCF |
04/08/2022 | StartEngine | $27,409,856 | $3,357,879 | Equity - Common | Funded | RegCF |
Growth Charts
Revenue History
Note: Revenue data points reflect the latest of either the most recent fiscal year's financials, or updated revenues directly from the founder, at each raise's close date.
Valuation History
Price per Share History
Note: Share prices shown in earlier rounds may not be indicative of any stock splits.