Founder Magazine
In a quiet suburb of Goa, where the rustle of palm trees meets the roar of engines, a new chapter in India’s premium biking scene has begun. At its helm is Armaan Sheikh, a visionary entrepreneur with oil on his hands, fire in his heart, and a superbike in his soul. The 38-year-old founder of Velocity India Super Bikes LLP didn’t just want to ride superbikes—he wanted to revolutionize how India experienced them.
Armaan’s journey from a middle-class family to a respected name in the Indian motorcycling community is as thrilling as a twisty mountain ride. From risking job security to investing his life’s savings in an untested idea, his success story is powered by persistence, passion, and a precise sense of purpose.
Early Years and Entrepreneurial Calling
Born into a humble family, Armaan’s early life was defined by determination and practicality. A diploma in mechanical engineering landed him jobs in various private companies, but the cubicle life could never contain his spirit. Beneath the structured schedules was a man who craved freedom, challenge, and the open road.
“In 2014, I took a leap. I quit my job and started my first business,” says Armaan. That decision marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial legacy. While his first venture gave him the business acumen and resilience he needed, it was his love for motorcycles that kept calling out louder.
He began researching extensively—visiting bike shows, interacting with international club founders, and riding across India to understand what riders really wanted. After two years of groundwork, the idea for Velocity India Super Bikes LLP was born.
The Birth of Velocity
Established in January 2024, Velocity was launched with a clear, bold proposition: Don’t buy a superbike. Live the superbike lifestyle.
With an initial capital investment of ₹1 crore, Armaan founded the company in Bardez, Goa—a location strategically chosen for its scenic roads and emerging biking community. Velocity’s flagship showroom is nestled next to the SBI Bank in Cansa-Thivim and serves as both headquarters and clubhouse.
Unlike traditional rental services, Velocity operates on a membership-based model. Members, once onboarded, gain privileged access to a fleet of high-performance superbikes including Ducati, Kawasaki, BMW, and Triumph. But more than bikes, they get a ticket into a lifestyle defined by freedom, camaraderie, and adrenaline.
Reinventing the Wheel – The Business Model
Velocity’s approach to superbiking is disruptive in the best way. Here’s how it stands apart:
What It Offers
- Membership Access: Tailored plans offering time-based and event-based bike access.
- Events & Experiences: Track days, curated road trips, and Rider Talk Shows.
- Safety First: All members undergo orientation and basic skill assessment.
- Community-Driven: A close-knit network of passionate bikers and brand partners.
- Social Impact: Charity rides, women empowerment programs, and tourism support.
The model solves key problems:
- Affordability: Avoids the huge investment of buying and maintaining superbikes.
- Depreciation & Maintenance: All upkeep is Velocity’s responsibility.
- Lack of Access: Even aspirants can now experience riding a superbike responsibly.
- Exclusivity Without Elitism: Members don’t just ride—they belong.
Accelerating Impact—On Market and Society
Armaan’s startup has already begun to stir the market in big ways:
Market Disruption
- Introduced a first-of-its-kind subscription model in India’s biking sector.
- Created a niche between rentals and ownership—opening doors for new demographics.
- Boosted engagement for bike manufacturers, insurance providers, and gear brands.
- Offered platforms for co-branding, influencer marketing, and event sponsorships.
Social Influence
- Fosters a responsible riding culture through training and awareness.
- Provides a safe entry for women in an otherwise male-dominated space.
- Organizes charity rides to support causes ranging from education to environmental awareness.
- Contributes to local tourism, especially in scenic states like Goa, Himachal, and Uttarakhand.
The Entrepreneur’s Road—Challenges Faced
Building something so unique didn’t come without potholes. Armaan faced resistance on multiple fronts:
Misunderstanding the Model
People initially assumed Velocity was just another rental company. Months of branding, events, and clear messaging were needed to educate the market.
Financial Pressure
The capital investment required for premium bikes, insurance, infrastructure, and branding was substantial. “I learned to invest where impact is highest and build a lean yet scalable structure,” Armaan reflects.
Team Building
Finding people who shared the same fire for biking and business was tough. But Armaan eventually formed a team driven by passion, not just paychecks.
Regulatory Hurdles
Navigating transport regulations and ensuring insurance, safety, and legal documentation for each bike was complex. Armaan worked with legal consultants to establish a fully compliant and IP-protected framework.
Personal Sacrifices
“There were moments when I questioned everything—especially when early cash flow was tight,” he says. But the support of his family and the growing buzz around Velocity gave him strength.
Riding Ahead—Future of Velocity
The road ahead for Velocity is ambitious, and Armaan has a map:
1. All-India Franchise Network
Velocity is set to launch franchises in major Indian cities, offering local entrepreneurs the opportunity to run their own chapters while maintaining Velocity’s elite brand identity.
2. Premium Membership Tiers
Customized plans for different user types—corporate, tourist, influencer, and hobbyist riders—will cater to growing demand.
3. Rider Academy & Certification
A full-fledged training institute to enhance safety, skill, and technical expertise among riders.
4. Technology Integration
A dedicated app for bookings, rider analytics, and event management is in development.
5. International Tours & Experiences
Curated riding packages through Himalayan roads, desert trails, and coastal highways—aimed at both domestic and international biking enthusiasts.
6. Women-Centric Programs
Velocity plans to be India’s most inclusive riding club with dedicated women-only rides, gear partnerships, and mentorship.
7. Global Expansion
Armaan’s five-year vision includes exporting the Velocity model to countries with emerging biking cultures—starting with Sri Lanka, UAE, and Southeast Asia.
Inspiration and Vision
Armaan doesn’t point to a single idol. “My inspiration came from a mix of global biking culture, disruptive entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, and everyday riders who just want to experience the thrill,” he says.
He studied how companies like Netflix turned subscriptions into lifestyle brands. That insight became the heart of Velocity’s model.
More importantly, his vision isn’t just commercial—it’s cultural.
“Velocity is about redefining what it means to be a superbiker in India,” Armaan says. “It’s not about showing off—it’s about sharing the ride.”
Mr. Armaan Sheikh & Sushant Sawant receiving India Business Awards 2025 for India’s Ultimate Elite Superbike Club & Lifestyle Community — Velocity India Super Bikes LLP by Bollywood Actress Bipasha Basu
Learnings From the Journey
Every curve in Armaan’s journey has come with a lesson:
- Clarity is Power: Without clearly defining your business model, you’ll be misunderstood.
- Lean but Loud: Starting lean helps you survive, but investing in branding makes you visible.
- Team is Everything: Skills can be taught. Passion cannot.
- Always Educate the Market: If your idea is new, make learning part of the experience.
- Resilience is Fuel: Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint.
The Essentials of Launch
What did Armaan need to launch Velocity?
- A differentiated idea with scalability.
- A strong legal structure, including IP protection.
- Strategic financial planning for bikes, insurance, and infrastructure.
- Partnerships with bike manufacturers, service providers, and riding gear brands.
- An engaged social media presence and booking platform.
- And above all, passion and purpose.
A Movement in Motion
In under two years, Velocity India Super Bikes LLP has emerged as not just a company—but a movement. Armaan Sheikh, with his visionary leadership, has created a platform where riders don’t just chase speed—they chase belonging, responsibility, and excellence.
From a determined 28-year-old resigning his job to a 38-year-old transforming India’s biking culture, Armaan’s journey is proof that success doesn’t come from following the road—but from creating your own.
As Velocity accelerates toward a brighter future, the only thing more thrilling than the bikes is the story of the man who made them accessible to all.
