Damon Inc.

Damon Inc. is a Canadian electric motorcycle manufacturer and technology company. Founded in 2017 and based in Vancouver, British Columbia, the company gained prominence for developing high-performance electric sportbikes featuring proprietary safety and AI-driven technologies . Despite generating significant pre-order revenue and media attention for its ambitious designs, the company faced substantial financial difficulties, legal challenges, and production delays, ultimately failing to deliver production motorcycles to customers as of early 2026 .

History

Founding and vision

Damon was founded in 2017 by entrepreneur Jay Giraud, a former professional snowboarder and automotive startup veteran . The company’s initial mission was to address two major barriers to motorcycle adoption: environmental impact and rider safety. Giraud positioned Damon as “the Tesla on two wheels,” aiming to revolutionize the industry with electric powertrains and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) typically found in luxury automobiles .

Early success and hype

The company unveiled its first prototype, the HyperSport, to critical acclaim. By combining traditional performance metrics 200 horsepower, 200 mph top speed, and 200 miles of range with digital safety features, Damon quickly captured public attention . The company claimed to have secured over $90 million in bookings and reservations from approximately 3,000 prospective customers .

In 2021, Damon announced the HyperFighter, a naked streetfighter variant based on the HyperSport platform . The top-spec “Colossus” limited edition, priced at $35,000, featured a single-sided swingarm, Öhlins suspension, and Brembo brakes .

Business combination and public listing

Damon went public via a reverse merger. On November 13, 2024, Damon Motors amalgamated with a subsidiary of Grafiti Holding Inc., a company previously involved in scientific software. Following the transaction, Grafiti was renamed Damon Inc. and began trading on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “DMN” .

Financial decline and legal troubles

Despite the public listing, the company’s financial health deteriorated rapidly. Within months, Damon’s share price collapsed to less than one cent ($0.0075), putting the company at risk of delisting . On April 29, 2025, NASDAQ halted trading of Damon shares, and the company subsequently moved to the OTC Pink market .

By late 2025, reports emerged detailing the company’s severe struggles:

Lawsuits: Founder Jay Giraud was ousted and prepared a lawsuit against the company. Damon was also sued for unpaid rent in Vancouver, owing over $370,000 .
Investor disputes: Controversial investor Andrew DeFrancesco claimed the company owed him over $3.2 million in shares .
Staffing: The workforce reportedly collapsed from over 100 employees to just 13 .

As of early 2026, no customer had received a production HyperSport or HyperFighter motorcycle .

Models and technology

Damon developed two primary consumer models (HyperSport and HyperFighter), alongside a track-only variant (HSR). All models were designed around the company’s proprietary “HyperDrive” powertrain.

HyperSport

The HyperSport was the company’s flagship fully-faired sportbike. It was designed to compete with internal combustion superbikes from Ducati and Kawasaki. The top-tier HyperSport promised a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph) and a maximum range of 322 kilometers (200 miles) .

HyperFighter

Unveiled at CES 2022, the HyperFighter was a naked/streetfighter version of the HyperSport. It retained the powertrain but removed the fairings, exposing the monocoque chassis. It was offered in three trims: Unlimited 15, Unlimited 20, and the limited-edition Colossus .

Specifications (HyperFighter Colossus/Unlimited 20):

Power: 200+ hp (150 kW)
Torque: 200 Nm
Top Speed: 273 km/h (169 mph)
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): Under 3 seconds
Range (claimed): 230-233 km (143-145 miles)
Battery: 20 kWh liquid-cooled
Charging: DC Fast Charge (0-80% in 45 minutes)

HyperSport Race (HSR)

Announced in October 2025, the HSR was a track-focused model. Unlike the road-going bikes, the HSR was notable for its extreme lightweight construction, weighing just 155 kg (340 lbs)—significantly lighter than competitors. It utilized a 400v liquid-cooled architecture, carbon fiber wheels, and was designed for a 50-degree lean angle. The HSR was intended to showcase Damon’s “I/O” AI platform for OEM licensing rather than mass production .

Key technologies

Damon’s primary value proposition was its software and electronics suite, rather than just the electric motor.

HyperDrive: A monocoque (single-shell) powertrain system where the battery and motor serve as a stressed member of the chassis, reducing weight and increasing rigidity .
CoPilot: An advanced warning system utilizing cameras, radar, and sensors to monitor blind spots and detect potential collisions. The system would alert the rider via visual indicators and handlebar vibrations .
Shift: An electronically adjustable ergonomics system that allowed the rider to change the position of the handlebars, foot pegs, and windscreen while riding, switching between a “sport” posture and a “commuting” posture .

Pivot to software licensing

Facing industrial failure in motorcycle manufacturing, Damon announced a strategic pivot in late 2025. The company began marketing its “Damon I/O” platform the AI software and sensor fusion technology to other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and fleet operators. CEO Dominique Kwong stated that the goal was to evolve from a motorcycle builder into a provider of “the operating system for personal mobility’s future” .