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Header image source: Agebox.
Over the past decade, growth hormones have gained ground as a common option for parents aiming to support their children’s height development, often considered alongside calcium supplements, exercise, and adequate sleep. However, these hormones are tightly regulated medications with specific usage criteria. In today’s height-conscious culture, these constraints are becoming more apparent.
In response, new entrants have surfaced in the consumer healthcare space, targeting children who do not meet the clinical criteria for short stature but still aspire to grow taller. One such company is Agebox, a US-based brand whose leading product is iKids-Growth, an IGF-1 growth factor sensitizer. Since launching in China in late 2022, the product has been used by over 40,000 children and maintains a reported repurchase rate of 70%. The local team has grown from a few dozen to several hundred employees.
In a recent interview with 36Kr, Agebox’s Asia Pacific head Ryan Luo and product specialist Ben Wang discussed the company’s trajectory and its role in the height-growth market.
Luo noted that understanding this market requires distinguishing between user segments. Conventional height growth treatments focus on children whose predicted adult height falls below the third percentile (P3)—approximately 161.3 centimeters for boys and 150.4 cm for girls.
Still, Luo emphasized that children above the P3 threshold may also have legitimate aspirations. “It’s more of a pursuit of quality of life,” he said, suggesting that increased height can influence future outcomes in areas like employment and relationships.
Agefu is aimed squarely at this broader demographic. “We analyzed data from more than 40,000 users in China over the past two years. Most of our users fall between the P3 and P75 range, with a median at the 25th percentile. That tells us we’re on the right track.”
The product’s formulation is designed to extract active compounds from food to enhance the body’s sensitivity to IGF-1, a hormone key to bone development. According to the company, this enables height gain in a controlled and evidence-based manner.
Wang explained the underlying biology: the body’s GH–IGF-1 axis regulates physical growth. After the pituitary gland releases growth hormone, the liver produces IGF-1, which then stimulates cartilage growth at the ends of bones, facilitating skeletal development.
iKids-Growth aims to enhance this process in two ways: by increasing the number and responsiveness of growth hormone receptors on liver cells, thereby boosting IGF-1 production, and by improving the sensitivity of cartilage cells in the growth plates to IGF-1. This dual mechanism is intended to support healthy growth without compromising a child’s long-term development.
“Our R&amp;D philosophy is to use food-grade ingredients to deliver clinically effective outcomes. We apply pharmaceutical-level efficacy standards in developing dietary supplements,” Wang said.
Agebox has initiated six clinical studies in China to assess the efficacy of its IGF-1 sensitizer. These studies span 45 institutions and include participants with rare conditions like Silver-Russell syndrome, as well as children who are not clinically short but exhibit slow or delayed growth.
“We want Agebox’s products to solve real problems,” Wang said. “Frankly, many height growth products on the market lack clear mechanisms or clinical backing. Some are little more than placebos. China doesn’t need another placebo. Clinical research is the best way to show whether a product actually works.”
Despite limited investment in traditional advertising, the product has gained visibility. “We believe that the clear demand and tangible results speak louder than advertisements,” Luo said. “There are many height growth products on the market, but most fail to significantly improve a child’s height SDS (standard deviation score) when used within safe dosage limits.”
A product that can safely enhance IGF-1 efficiency through the body’s natural growth pathways, without accelerating puberty or limiting future growth, has a clear value proposition.
Agebox’s expansion in China began with small-scale trials involving employees’ children, followed by the launch of its first clinical study and broader distribution in May 2023.
“We’ve avoided traditional consumer marketing. Instead, we’ve focused on scientific validation through cell studies, animal trials, clinical research,” Luo said. “On the user side, we partner with height management institutions, content creators, private networks, and premium maternity retailers. Our goal is to establish a new mindset among parents: injections for P3 and below, Agebox for P3 and above.”
China marks Agebox’s first major market outside the US, but the company plans to expand to Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia in 2025. Luo said demand for height growth solutions is particularly strong in Asia, where dietary supplements are widely accepted. In South Korea, for example, some treat height improvement as part of medical aesthetics.
Although iKids-Growth was only launched in the Asia Pacific in 2022, Agebox was founded in 2009 in the US. It developed a phenotypic drug discovery (PDD) platform using primary cells, particularly for conditions involving multiple biological pathways, such as endocrine and neurological disorders.
The PDD platform generates biodata by analyzing how dietary extracts affect cellular activity and metabolic functions. With this data, Agebox has formulated more than 50 targeted supplements.
In addition to its IGF-1 product, Agebox is also developing supplements for managing uric acid levels in children and supporting those with autism spectrum disorder.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3352612520243844">article</a> was written by Hu Xiangyun for 36Kr.
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Growth for all: Agebox’s IGF‑1 sensitizer is designed for kids above clinical thresholds

Deep Tech

Biotechnology

China

… direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites.
Each channel serves different consumers. Specialty dealers like SiteOne and John Deere account for 35 percent of sales, offering high-end models priced above USD 2,500, with tailored installation and after-sales support.
Big-box retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s make up 40% of the market. These stores stock midrange mowers priced at USD 800–1,500 and draw DIY buyers with seasonal discounts of up to 25 percent.
Online sales make up the remaining 25% and are growing. Amazon has created a dedicated category for robotic mowers, while D2C platforms help brands drive traffic and brand recognition.
One manufacturer noted that ideally, US sales should be evenly split between online and offline. But on Kickstarter, 90 percent of their revenue still comes from e-commerce, with minimal offline presence.
“High-ticket items like robotic mowers require long-term service and customer trust. US retailers won’t take on unknown brands lightly, and if they do, it comes with high listing fees. That’s why cross-channel marketing is essential right now,” the person said.
Segway-Ninebot and Dreame are ahead in this regard. Both have partners in North America and Europe, with some distributors proactively requesting product trials.
Xu Peng, Segway-Ninebot’s vice president and board secretary, told 36Kr the company is leveraging its existing Segway brand recognition. It is working with US influencers and lawn care creators to produce demo videos and hands-on reviews.
The partnership with Lowe’s will begin with online sales and expand to physical stores.
“Breaking into the US market takes time. But once users are educated, we believe the long-term opportunity here is even bigger than Europe,” Xu said.
In April, Segway’s Navimow topped Amazon’s bestseller list in Germany.
Agilex has introduced clear price tiers within its Luba line for different lawn types. As of the first quarter of 2025, two Luba models ranked first in robotic mower categories on Amazon in Germany, France, and the US. The Luba 2 AWD 10000H alone generated over USD 4 million in monthly US sales within a month of launch.
Dreame’s robotic mower business remains Europe-focused, capitalizing on its vacuum cleaner distribution network. In the US, it uses online campaigns to drive traffic to retail partners.
“Dreame’s strength is in supply chain execution,” an industry insider said. “They are fast to ship and adapt, which gives them an edge in retail rollout.”
As competition heats up, distribution partnerships are becoming harder to secure. A growing consensus is forming: companies that lock in strong retail channels early will have the best chance of building regional dominance.
That spells trouble for startups. Product innovation alone will not be enough. They must scale their distribution quickly. With peak mowing season approaching, the window to act is closing. In this race, speed may be the deciding factor.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3339191106713609">article</a> was written by Huang Nan for 36Kr.

US lawns are the next big play for China’s robotic mower brands

… improvements in legroom and headroom, and its rear seats recline up to 135 degrees. But the long hood and sloped rear compromise trunk depth and height.
Other feedback came from shorter drivers.
A female customer around 160 centimeters tall noted the hood and dark trim beneath the windshield obstructed her view. “I can see if I raise the seat, but then I can’t reach the pedals comfortably. The SU7 didn’t have this issue.”
With a small trunk and suboptimal ergonomics for some, the YU7 trades utility for aesthetics. It may suit urban commuters more than families.
That opens the door for rivals.
In July, <a href="/company/li-auto">Li Auto</a> will launch the six-seat Li i8, followed by the five-seat i6 in September, which targets the same segment as the YU7.
Leaked images of the i6 suggest Li Auto is prioritizing family needs: a shorter hood for better visibility, and a boxier rear for improved storage.
Just as crucially, Li Auto has built up a reputation and strong brand affinity among families, giving its EV lineup an advantage with the largest buyer demographic in China’s car market.
As demand for the YU7 intensifies, the electric SUV market is entering a more complex phase. What began as a wave of launch-day excitement is now evolving into a broader contest across user preferences, pricing strategies, ownership experience, and production capacity.
Tesla remains the leader, supported by brand loyalty and consistent delivery. Xpeng, HIMA, and others are tweaking prices to regain momentum. Meanwhile, Li Auto is preparing a targeted push with the i6 in September, aimed squarely at the family segment that Xiaomi has yet to capture.
Ultimately, the winners will be those who can interpret consumer needs accurately, scale production without missteps, and continue advancing technically while keeping costs in check.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3357878854715141">article</a> was written by Xu Caiyu for 36Kr.

Xiaomi’s YU7 preorder frenzy signals a new phase in China’s EV race

East Asia

Transportation

Electric Vehicles

Mobility

On June 30, <a href="/company/dji">DJI</a> launched its latest delivery drone, the FlyCart 100 (FC100), designed for heavier payloads, faster charging, and improved safety and intelligence. The FC100 introduces two modular payload systems, third-party compatibility through DJI’s Payload SDK (PSDK), and enhanced application support, aiming to raise the standard for professional aerial delivery across various industries.
Purpose-built for complex, all-weather transport missions, the FC100 is targeted at use cases including emergency response, firefighting, power utilities, engineering, logistics, and maritime environments. It follows the debut of the first-generation FlyCart 30, which was introduced in August 2023.
Key upgrades in the FC100 include a higher payload capacity. In single-battery mode, it can carry up to 80 kilograms, up from 30 kg in the FC30. In dual-battery mode, payload increases from 40 kg to 65 kg at sea level. At 3,000 meters, it maintains a capacity of 70 kg in single-battery mode and 50 kg in dual-battery mode. Both models have a maximum flight altitude of 6,000 meters, with a vertical ceiling of 1,500 meters.
The FC100’s aerial winch systems reflect user feedback and operational demand. It now offers two dedicated configurations: a flagship winch version and a simpler dual-battery version.
The flagship model features a 30-meter retractable cable, a high-torque reel system with a hoisting speed of 1.2 meters per second, an active hook, real-time weight sensing, emergency cable detachment, and snag-free retrieval. The dual-battery version, designed for open-field operations, omits the reel system. It enables low-altitude delivery, with ground crews manually unloading cargo. This version retains weight sensing, automatic swing suppression, and a one-button circuit breaker. Compared to the FC30, the winch system is a complete redesign with dual motors, longer internal cable, greater power, faster lift speed, and a new active hook. The two winch systems are not interchangeable.
For obstacle detection, the FC100 builds on the FC30’s radar and stereo vision setup by adding LiDAR (light detection and ranging), millimeter-wave radar, and a quad-vision system. The LiDAR sensor generates denser point clouds for improved 3D terrain mapping. The quad-vision system boosts environmental awareness, while millimeter-wave radar has been refined for better precision. With a maximum takeoff weight of 149.9 kg, nearly 60% more than its predecessor, the FC100 also features a redesigned parachute system that can safely deploy from 80 meters and limit touchdown speed to under seven meters per second. Additional safety improvements include cargo avoidance, low-altitude restrictions, and augmented reality overlays that highlight nearby people and vehicles.
The FC100 uses a 41 ampere-hour battery and supports three charging methods, including fast charging to reduce downtime. It maintains hot swap functionality and offers optional battery insulation for cold weather operations.
Image transmission has been upgraded to 20 kilometers via DJI’s O4 protocol, with added support for 4G-enhanced transmission and signal relays for obstructed areas. Dual-operator control remains available, offering greater flexibility across use cases.
A new delivery app provides guided loading and unloading points, multi-angle assisted views, and automated point-to-point delivery. DJI’s DeliveryHub platform supports global operations management and third-party video integration. The drone is also compatible with the PSDK E-Port Lite, which opens access to a 3,000-watt interface and allows cloud-to-cloud system integration.
DJI is stepping up its international deployment of transport drones. In high-uptake markets such as Japan, the US, South America, and Europe, the company is piloting low-altitude logistics networks that focus on efficiency and safety through advanced technology.
Broadly, global use cases include mountain construction, utility work, firefighting, and emergency transport.
“DJI continues to meet industry demands with technical innovation. Over the past two years, transport drones have become indispensable in rescue missions, highland power work, and engineering logistics, gaining strong validation from professional users,” said Zhang Xiaonan, DJI’s senior director of corporate strategy and spokesperson.
“With the new FC100, we’ve prioritized payload, endurance, and safety while introducing a more flexible winch system. We hope more users can benefit from enhanced efficiency, safety, and adaptability in aerial delivery.”
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3358711080257544">article</a> was written by Peng Xiaoqiu for 36Kr.

Meet the FlyCart 100: DJI’s new drone built for rugged missions

Drones

… <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3338868054913536">article</a> was written by Xie Yunzi and Zheng Huaizhou for 36Kr.

Maia Active finds second wind with Anta’s backing and a yoga-first strategy

Anta

Retail

Consumer Economy

Chinese solar companies in the US are in a bind as sweeping legislation backed by President Donald Trump could bar them from receiving tax credits and subsidies that have spurred US solar manufacturing.
The 1,000-page "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" has been progressing through Congress, although it is still several steps away from enactment. A Senate draft was unveiled on June 16 after the House narrowly cleared an earlier version on May 22, meaning a compromise might need to be reached before a final bill is passed and sent for the president's signature.
But if enacted as envisioned, the bill would extend tax cuts and increase the national debt ceiling. It would also significantly change the tax credit system for the renewable energy sector, with new requirements for foreign entities of concern, or FEOCs. And these changes have China-linked solar companies worried.
"There are two groups of Chinese companies at the moment," said Ocean Yuan, president of solar distributor Grape Solar. "One group is completely giving up the US market due to the unsurmountable hurdles. The other group insists on knocking the door open by patiently working with local US partners."
Under the planned provisions, any entity that has more than 25% ownership by a Chinese company, or has ties to a Chinese military entity-listed firm, would be excluded from tax credits for clean electricity investments, clean fuel production and manufacturing next year. The bill would also accelerate the phase-out timeline for some of those tax credits for all producers by several years, to 2028.
Chinese companies like Jinko Solar, Trina Solar, and JA Solar invested millions of dollars to establish factories in the US over the last three years on the back of tax credits accrued under the Joe Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
The investment credits were designed to boost investments in domestic clean energy development. Scaling back or removing them, critics say, will hamper the development of green industries in the US. At the same time, Chinese solar companies say the FEOC rules pose significant challenges for them and have expressed little hope for any amendments before the Senate votes on the bill.
"The bill is impacting our current operations and also our future plans, we're not sure if we should continue to invest," said one executive who requested anonymity to speak freely. "It has made it very complicated for us and our customers."
Disqualifying projects that do not meet the new Chinese ownership criteria could sideline initiatives already in development.
Further complicating matters, the tax bill also includes a clause that would disqualify companies from receiving tax credits if the components made received "material assistance" from foreign entities of concern. That could include components in a solar module like cells or polysilicon that are manufactured or designed by an FEOC, according to analysts.
The Senate draft includes a formula for calculating whether a project received "material assistance" from a foreign entity.
Currently, the manufacturing credits, called 45X, are given to factory owners based on each component produced. Under the present legislation, a solar module can receive USD 0.07 per watt, or USD 70,000 per megawatt. While those remain unchanged for non-Chinese companies, if a module uses foreign components exceeding the acceptable amount, the company might not receive the credits.
China produces 96% of the world's polysilicon, a key material for solar panels.
"The bill takes an aggressive approach toward trade, the language in the bill right now forces the decoupling," another Chinese solar representative said. "It really limits the supply of product that can qualify" for credits.
Yuan said there has been strong interest among upstream Chinese suppliers in setting up shop in the US since Trump started raising tariffs this year, but the bill has made them pause.
"For newcomers, when they see the problems of these large companies, they will hold off their investment plans until they figure out a safer way to engage in the US market," he said.
Advocates of targeting foreign entities of concern say that doing so will reduce overreliance on geopolitical rival China and ultimately bolster the American solar supply chain.
Most of the world's biggest solar players are from China, which has buoyed the industry through heavy subsidies. This has helped China adopt renewable energy sources but has also undermined prices and wiped out profits. The excess of solar panels domestically has pushed companies to look at overseas markets, including the US, where energy demand is growing thanks to an <a href="/industry/ai">artificial intelligence</a> push.
The US added 8.6 gigawatts of new solar module manufacturing capacity in the first quarter of this year, the third-most new manufacturing capacity in a single quarter, according to Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) data.
Even before Trump’s trade war with China, during which the US leader raised tariffs on Chinese imports to as high as 145% earlier this year before reducing them to 30%, Chinese solar companies faced major headwinds in the US.
Solar imports from China already faced high tariffs in the US, prompting the companies to set up production bases in Southeast Asian countries. US manufacturers filed a petition alleging Chinese companies in those countries were flooding the market with cheap products.
The US International Trade Commission finalized <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Trade-war/US-to-set-tariffs-on-solar-cells-from-Southeast-Asia-as-high-as-3-521">tariffs as high as 3,500%</a> on solar products from Chinese manufacturers shipping from Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper warned that the draft legislation would make it difficult for US manufacturers to do business and could threaten an energy shortage that would increase electric bills.
Ron Wyden, a Democrat and US senator, described the Senate draft as a "stake in the heart of American solar manufacturing."
"The manufacturing isn't going to happen here. It's going to happen in China," Wyden said. "Hundreds of thousands of jobs in manufacturing are now in danger."
This article first appeared on <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Trump-administration/Trump-s-Big-Beautiful-Bill-threatens-to-pull-plug-on-China-solar-players">Nikkei Asia</a>. It has been republished here as part of 36Kr’s ongoing partnership with <a href="https://www.kr-asia.com/nikkei-teams-up-with-36kr-in-asia-tech-news-coverage/">Nikkei</a>.

Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" threatens to pull plug on China solar players

Energy

Li Auto unites R&D and sales to counter Xiaomi’s YU7 momentum

Omoway, an electric motorcycle maker, has completed its seed and angel funding rounds, raising a combined eight-figure USD sum. The funding was jointly led by ZhenFund, HongShan, and Hui Capital, with founder He Tao and the core team also participating. The funds will support mass production and ongoing R&amp;D efforts.
Founded in 2024, Omoway was established by former <a href="/company/xpeng">Xpeng Motors</a> co-founder He, alongside Jiao Qingchun, a former vice president at Xpeng. The core team includes Xiao Zhiguang, former head of Xpeng’s autonomous driving unit; P7 design director Zhang Lihua; and Chen Bifeng, former head of Vivo’s Indonesia operations, who now leads Omoway’s regional market expansion.
On June 20, Omoway introduced its first smart electric motorcycle prototype, the Omo X, at an event in Jakarta, Indonesia. The vehicle drove itself onto the stage in autonomous mode.
According to 36Kr, the production version of the Omo X is scheduled to be unveiled later this year, with a market launch in Indonesia expected in 2026.
Omoway is positioning Indonesia as its entry point into the global market.
Southeast Asia represents a significant portion of the global motorcycle market. According to 36Kr, research indicates that the region accounted for 24% of global sales in 2023, with an ownership base of 250 million vehicles and 12.42 million units sold that year. Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand led the market.
In Indonesia, motorcycles serve as essential daily transport due to limited public transit options and the high cost of car ownership. The country is the world’s third largest motorcycle market, with over 120 million motorcycles in use, equating to roughly one for every two people. In 2024, motorcycle sales surpassed 6.3 million units. Internal combustion engine models, primarily from Japanese and South Korean manufacturers, reportedly dominate more than 96% of the market.
Over the past two years, Indonesia's electric two-wheeler market has expanded rapidly, supported by a more developed local supply chain. Government policies promoting the transition to electric vehicles have helped electric motorcycle sales grow nearly 400% in 2024, although the overall penetration remains limited.
“Indonesians tend to commute long distances and ride frequently,” Omoway’s head of finance and capital Cai Yujie told 36Kr. “Many people not only use motorcycles for daily commutes, but also travel across cities on weekends, often for four to five hours each way. As a result, there’s high demand for performance in terms of load capacity, speed, range, and versatility. Current electric bike models mainly serve short distance travel, like students or stay-at-home parents. But the heavy-duty electric motorcycle segment still lacks strong contenders with robust product capabilities, supply chain control, and localization strategies.”
Founder He said the team carried out a yearlong market study in Indonesia, visiting both urban and rural areas across Java and engaging with local distributors and users. Omoway has since built preliminary partnerships with several regional dealers. Drawing on its automotive supply chain experience, the company claims to exceed traditional two-wheeler quality standards while managing production costs. Local manufacturing operations have already begun.
Omoway’s first electric motorcycle was customized for the Indonesian market, incorporating automotive-grade smart driving technologies adapted for two-wheelers.
The Omo X runs on Omoway’s proprietary Halo full-domain smart development architecture. Its Halo Pilot system uses visual sensing and self-balancing features to support stability at low speeds. The system also offers adaptive cruise control, one-touch parking, and remote summon functionality.
On the safety front, Halo Pilot uses advanced sensing algorithms, artificial intelligence, and big data models for real-time environmental monitoring. It includes multidirectional collision alerts and a collision assist brake (CAB) system, which applies braking when it detects imminent threats the rider does not respond to, reducing potential impact severity.
In terms of design, the Omo X introduces a convertible frame that enables users to switch between step-through, straddle, and touring modes.
Omoway maintains two headquarters: one in Guangzhou for R&amp;D, and another in Jakarta for production and sales.
“Indonesia is just the beginning,” He said. “Our ultimate goal is to bring highly intelligent products into every household. In the future, our self-developed automotive-grade technologies will be deployed across broader mobility applications. Localization will be the cornerstone of our global expansion strategy.”
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3353467104588677">article</a> was written by Leslie Zhang for 36Kr.

Former Xpeng execs launch Omo X smart e-motorbike in Indonesia

Xpeng Motors

Indonesia

Southeast Asia

… sense, stablecoins may become more than just a payment tool—they could form the foundation for how value is moved, settled, and grown in a digitized world.
This article was published in partnership with <a href="https://www.htx.com/ventures">HTX Ventures</a>.
<hr style="margin-bottom: 20px;" />
About the author: This article is authored by Alec Goh, head of HTX Ventures, the global investment arm of HTX, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. Goh leads strategic investments in high-potential digital asset projects, with a focus on infrastructure, compliance-first DeFi, and stablecoin ecosystems. Previously, he spearheaded the firm’s M&amp;A and investment efforts, contributing to its global expansion and some of the industry’s most notable exits. With a background in global finance and deep experience in structured transactions, Goh bridges institutional capital with the next generation of Web3 innovation.

Reimagining financial infrastructure: How stablecoins are quietly reshaping global value flows

Cryptocurrencies