Marko Lehtimäki (Donut Lab)

Overview

Marko Lehtimäki is recognized as a visionary in the field of electric mobility, serving as the CEO and co-founder of Donut Lab. Donut Lab is a pioneering company in the design and innovation of in-wheel electric motors. Under Lehtimäki's leadership, the company has introduced the „Donut Motor,“ a revolutionary in-wheel motor that eliminates the traditional drivetrain, enhancing efficiency and performance in electric vehicles (EVs). The motor's unique design allows it to be embedded directly into the wheel, reducing weight and maximizing power output, which has attracted significant attention in the automotive sector.

Recent Developments

July 2025: Donut Lab secured €25 million in seed funding to scale its operations globally, focusing on expanding its technology across land, sea, and air vehicles. The funding round included Risto Siilasmaa, a prominent tech investor and former chairman of Nokia, as the new board member.
April 2025: Donut Lab launched a modular platform aimed at reducing the time and cost of electric vehicle development. This platform includes motors, batteries, and software designed to work cohesively across various vehicle types.
January 2025: Donut Lab unveiled its „Donut Motor“ family at CES, showcasing motors that offer unprecedented torque and power density. This family caters to various vehicle sectors, including hypercars, drones, and off-road vehicles.
November 2024: Donut Lab emerged from stealth mode with an announcement at CES, revealing its flagship technology that seeks to replace traditional powertrains, potentially setting new standards in the EV industry.

Personal Information

Attribute	Information
Full Name	Marko Lehtimäki
Born	Not publicly available
Nationality	Finnish
Occupation	CEO of Donut Lab, Tech Entrepreneur
Known For	Co-founding Donut Lab; Developing in-wheel motor technology
Net Worth	Not publicly disclosed
Education	University of Helsinki, 2004-2007

Early Life and Education

Marko Lehtimäki was born in Finland, though specific details about his birthplace remain under privacy. He attended the University of Helsinki from 2004 to 2007, where he likely developed foundational skills that would later influence his career in technology and engineering. His educational background played a crucial role in shaping his innovative approach to electric mobility and strategic business management.

Career and Notable Achievements

Marko Lehtimäki's career began in various startups before he co-founded Donut Lab, alongside roles at Aito Ventures Oy and Verge Motorcycles. He gained a reputation for his strategic vision in technical innovation, specializing in location-based services and management strategies. Lehtimäki's work at Verge Motorcycles contributed significantly to his insights in electric vehicle integration, ultimately inspiring the breakthrough technology of Donut Lab's in-wheel motors.

2019: Initiated concepts for Donut Lab, leveraging the complex form factor of motorcycle electric motors.
2020: Verge Motorcycles gained acclaim with the TS motorcycle, featuring a hubless rear wheel design.
2024-2025: Led the development and launch of Donut Lab's modular EV platform, significantly impacting the EV sector's R&D dynamics.

Current Work and Impact

Marko Lehtimäki is currently leading Donut Lab through transformative phases, focusing on scaling its technological innovations globally. Donut Lab's impact is profound in the EV sector, where it challenges conventional powertrain designs. The company’s modular approach simplifies integration processes, offering cost-effective and efficient solutions across diverse industries, from automotive to aerospace.

Marko Lehtimäki Verge

Marko Lehtimäki's association with Verge Motorcycles marks a significant chapter in his career. Verge, known for its advanced electric motorcycles, served as an incubator for Lehtimäki's innovative ideas, particularly the hubless wheel design that underpins the Donut Motors. Verge's influence is evident in Donut Lab's strategic direction, merging high performance with modularity.

Marko Lehtimäki Tulot

"Tulot," a Finnish term for "income," is often discussed concerning Lehtimäki's success with Donut Lab and Verge. Although specific earnings details are not public, his ventures indicate substantial financial backing and commercial viability, courtesy of strategic partnerships and funding rounds.

Conclusion

Marko Lehtimäki stands out as a transformative figure in the electric vehicle sector, pushing the boundaries of mobility innovation. His work at Donut Lab represents a pivotal shift in how electric vehicles are conceptualized, designed, and integrated into various industries. With continuous advancements and a visionary approach, Lehtimäki's contributions are likely to influence the next generation of mobility solutions, cementing his legacy in the field of sustainable technology innovations.