Alibaba

ByteDance

CATL

Huawei

Meituan

Tencent

Xiaomi

Most Followed

KrASIA Connection

100 AI Creators

China's Auto Sector

Inside China's Startups

Venture Roundup

Our Events

View All

Collections

News

Features

Insights

Ecosystem

Press Releases

DeepSeek

Li Auto

Luckin Coffee

Mixue Bingcheng

Pop Mart

Xpeng

On the Radar

Avatr has filed for a Hong Kong IPO. Backed by Changan Automobile, Huawei, and CATL, the EV maker delivered 56,729 vehicles in the first half of 2025 …

Events

Latest

About

Consumer

Robotics

Fintech

Collaborate

What sets the bar for convenience? Examine on-demand platforms, subscription models, and personalization transforming consumer expectations.

Consumer Economy

China

As diners reject pre-prepared meals, automation is taking over kitchens, promising the wok hei of tradition at lower costs.

China’s restaurant chains turn to robots after backlash against pre-made dishes

Decoding China&#039;s tech and business pulse

KrASIA

36Kr is China's most influential business and technology network, delivering high-quality content focused on China’s innovation and new economy trends since 2010. With its extensive traffic and network, 36Kr has built a comprehensive database and strong data analytics capabilities to provide insights into China’s technology landscape.

36Kr English

How are driverless systems redefining mobility? Uncover sensor technologies, regulatory frameworks, and AI driving cars without human intervention.

Autonomous Vehicles

How is the way we move evolving? Explore developments in autonomous transportation, electric vehicles, and more efficient urban transit.

Mobility

How do goods and people flow worldwide? Examine transport networks, logistics innovations, and policies shaping global connectivity.

Transportation

Once valued at more than USD 1 billion, the GWM-backed startup has ground to a halt, leaving staff in limbo.

Haomo.ai halts operations as employees told not to report to work

KrASIA Connection curates technology and innovation updates from China.

Photo of Nicolas Faquet, founder and CEO of Roojai.

How do markets shape wealth creation? Study portfolio diversification, asset classes, and strategies balancing growth and risk.

Investment

When do companies invite public investment? Understand listing criteria, underwriter roles, and regulatory steps defining initial offerings.

Why do firms join forces? Investigate synergy goals, valuation methods, and negotiations driving corporate consolidation.

Merger &amp; Acquisition

What happens after acquisitions close? Examine deal structures, operational improvements, and exit strategies molding corporate outcomes.

Private Equity

What fuels startup ecosystems? Review funding rounds, investor strategies, and market insights guiding entrepreneurial growth.

Venture Capital

Philippines

Singapore

Southeast Asia

Thailand

Bringing you the latest updates on funding deals and activities in the Asia Pacific.

Deals in brief: Roojai raises Series C funding, Cove acquires Casa Mia Coliving, nine China investments, and more

An alias used when humans and machines team up in our newsroom. Articles under this byline may be shaped with the help of AI, but are always vetted by a human before publication.

Sudo Lim

KrASIA tracks China’s tech and business stories, alongside key developments across the broader Asia Pacific region.

Header Section | KrASIA

Home

Sections

Header Section

Avatr has filed for a Hong Kong IPO. Backed by <a href="/company/changan-automobile">Changan Automobile</a>, <a href="/company/huawei">Huawei</a>, and <a href="/company/catl">CATL</a>, the <a href="/industry/ev">EV</a> maker delivered 56,729 vehicles in the first half of 2025 and grew revenue 98.5% to RMB 12.21 billion. The company has accumulated more than RMB 100 billion in losses, while a recent stake sale implied a valuation of about RMB 26 billion.

<a href="/company/mixue-bingcheng">Mixue Bingcheng</a> is piloting a breakfast menu in cities including Dalian, Xi’an, Nanning, and Hangzhou after surveying consumers about morning habits. Early items such as grain-based milk drinks are priced at RMB 5, and no large-scale rollout is planned. The trials come as Mixue expands its portfolio, adding fresh beer through its acquisition of Fulujia.

Nexperia warned that customers face imminent production stoppages as its China unit remains unresponsive after Dutch authorities asserted oversight powers. In an open letter, the chipmaker urged the subsidiary to restart communication or work through a third-party mediator. The Netherlands has since suspended its order while discussions with Chinese authorities continue.

Disney’s <em>Zootopia 2</em> generated more than RMB 213 million on its opening day in China, setting a national single-day record for an imported animated film, according to Maoyan Pro. It also became the country’s top presale animated release, with first-day presales exceeding RMB 189 million as of November 26.

<a href="/company/tencent">Tencent</a>-backed Soul App has filed for a Hong Kong IPO, reporting RMB 2.21 billion in 2024 revenue and sustained profitability, according to its application proof. The <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a>-powered social platform reached 11 million daily active users earlier this year, driven by its emotional intelligence model Soul X. Proceeds will be used to fund its AI R&amp;D, global expansion, and user growth.

Zong Fuli has stepped down as legal representative, chairwoman, and general manager of Wahaha Group a year after taking over from her late father, filings show. Former legal executive Xu Simin has assumed the roles. Zong retains a 29% stake as she faces ongoing court disputes in mainland China and Hong Kong with three half-siblings over alleged offshore trusts.

<a href="/company/alibaba">Alibaba</a> has launched its first <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> glasses in China with the Quark series, offering S1 and G1 models priced from RMB 3,799 and RMB 1,899, respectively. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 chip, the devices provide hands-free assistance and integrate with Alibaba’s app ecosystem. The launch adds new competition for Meta, <a href="/company/xiaomi">Xiaomi</a>, and Rokid as demand for smart glasses rises globally.

<p data-start="2458" data-end="2711"><a href="/company/catl">CATL</a> and Stellantis have begun building a EUR 4.1 billion LFP battery plant in Aragon, with production slated for late 2026 and capacity of up to 50 GWh. Spanish and Chinese officials called the project a milestone for Europe’s electrification push, as Chinese new energy firms expand manufacturing and supply chain ties across the region.</p>

<a href="/company/xiaomi">Xiaomi</a> has hired Zach Lu Zeyu, an engineer formerly with <a href="/company/tesla">Tesla’s</a> Optimus team, to lead its dexterous hand R&amp;D as the company expands its <a href="/industry/robotics">robotics</a> ambitions. Lu’s experience in manipulation and tactile sensing comes amid a broader recruitment push for robotics talent, with hundreds of openings across the company.

Google has advanced two AI glasses projects into POC-stage testing with Foxconn, Samsung, and Qualcomm. Separate from Project Aura, the devices are expected to use waveguide optics and could debut in 2026 Q4. The effort builds on Google’s Android XR platform and Gemini-based <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> as the company reenters the smart eyewear market.

<a href="/company/baidu">Baidu</a> has begun layoffs across several business groups, including search, cloud, and platform units, as it moves to streamline costs following a third-quarter loss. Employees said teams in multiple cities were cut and offered severance tied to tenure. The company also reorganized its <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> work into separate foundational and application model units under CEO Robin Li.

Photo of a Miniso pop-up in India, featuring the company’s latest products themed after Disney’s Zootopia 2.

China’s tech ecosystem serves as a driving force behind the world’s second largest economy, influencing global digital markets.

Explore East Asia’s thriving tech hubs, global electronics producers, and fast-evolving digital platforms shaping cross-border innovation.

East Asia

Miniso sells low-cost lifestyle goods, home essentials, and personal care items, making everyday products accessible to broader markets.

Miniso

How do ideas shape industries? Learn how content, design, and digital artistry influence branding, marketing, and cultural impact.

Creative

What entertains a connected world? Track shifts in film, music, and media consumption, as platforms and audiences redefine cultural experiences.

Entertainment

How do stores adapt to digital shifts? Explore e-commerce integration, inventory analytics, and omnichannel strategies for modern shoppers.

Retail

The tie-up gives Disney a timely marketing lift as it works to rebound from a challenging year at the box office.

Disney taps Miniso partnership to boost Zootopia 2 buzz

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cd0d29f7b9fd019c7c0d49a09a1ec8b1?s=96&d=blank&r=g

T. K. Lin

Strutt’s first product is a LiDAR-equipped personal mobility device that uses AI to go beyond the traditional wheelchair format.

Former DJI engineer launches Strutt to bring a human touch to mobility tech

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a6b9ace74da9df391d5f7ba1892f4393?s=96&d=blank&r=g

NetEase, a Chinese Internet services firm, offers online gaming, music streaming, and e-commerce platforms, engaging millions of digital users.

NetEase

How does interactive entertainment evolve? Assess gaming ecosystems, esports growth, and technology enhancing virtual play.

Gaming

The game clocked two million players within a day of its global release, but questions remain about its long-term revenue potential.

Where Winds Meet: Can it become China’s next global blockbuster game?

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/95a233416d3f865e26cf30c8378b6b83?s=96&d=blank&r=g

Avatr files for Hong Kong IPO

Latest Pulses

Most Recent

Disney taps Miniso partnership to boost Zootopia 2 buzz

Former DJI engineer launches Strutt to bring a human touch to mobility tech

Where Winds Meet: Can it become China’s next global blockbuster game?