NIO Capital Updates

 

▌NIO Capital Named Top 50 Influential VC Firms in China for 2024

 

NIO Capital has been recognized as one of the "Top 50 Influential VC Investment Firms in China for 2024" by the China Venture Capital Research Institute (CVCRI). This prestigious honor comes as part of CVCRI's annual assessment of the venture capital industry, which has been conducted since 2005 and now spans two decades.

 

The evaluation results, which directly reflect the market's recognition of the performance of investment firms and investors, play a crucial role in promoting greater standardization and transparency within the venture capital industry. CVCRI's rankings are widely regarded as a bellwether and barometer of the industry's trends and performance.

 

▌NIO Capital Recognized Among The Capital's "Top 100 Venture Capital Firms in China for 2024"

 

In a recent announcement, The Capital, a prominent online information portal specializing in financial news, has included NIO Capital in its prestigious list of the "Top 100 Venture Capital Firms in China for 2024."

 

This ranking aims to provide an accurate and reliable snapshot of the Chinese private equity investment market in 2024.

 

▌NIO Capital Honored in Multiple IPO Zaozhidao Rankings

 

NIO Capital has achieved notable recognition in the 2024 rankings released by IPO Zaozhidao, an online platform specializing in IPO information. The investment firm has been honored in several categories, including the Top 100 Investment Firms for IPO Exits in 2024, the Best Renewable Energy Investment Firms, and the Best ESG Investment Firms.

 

The Top 100 Investment Firms for IPO Exits in 2024 is a comprehensive assessment based on various dimensions such as the number and quality of a firm’s investment exits via an IPO, the firm's past performance, and self-declarations. NIO Capital’s ranking of the 24th place in this prestigious list underscores its impressive track record and expertise in investment.

 

Portfolio Updates

 

Milestones

 

▌Mavel Completes New Round of Funding to Accelerate Global Mass Production of Electric Drive Technology

 

Mavel, a leading player in electric drive technology, has completed a new round of funding. This marks a significant step forward in its mission to consolidate its position as a global leader in this field and to advance the mass production and globalization of its core technologies for the next generation of new energy vehicles.

 

Notably, NIO Capital previously led Mavel's A round of funding. With its extensive industrial resources and precise post-investment empowerment services, NIO Capital has consistently provided Mavel with suitable and effective support for its mass production and commercialization efforts in China.

 

▌HIWAY Plans to Start Production by Year-End as Headquarters Plant Tops Out

 

Automotive component provider HIWAY has staged a topping-out ceremony for the Phase One project of its headquarters plant, HIWAY Space. The facility is scheduled to commence production in December 2025, with an anticipated annual production capacity of 4.2 million automotive electronic components.

 

Upon its launch, the new production line will inject fresh energy into the automotive electronic components sector, further bolstering HIWAY's competitiveness within the industry.

 

 

▌RT Hightech Aims for 10,000-Ton Annual Output as Mass Production of Sodium-Ion Battery Materials Begins

 

RT Hightech, a leading producer of basic materials for batteries, has commenced mass production of its sodium-ion battery materials on a redesigned production line that was originally intended for producing Phosphate-based Cathode Materials. The company plans to produce up to 10,000 tons of sodium-ion battery materials annually.

Sodium-ion batteries offer versatility in application scenarios, extending beyond conventional power storage. They are particularly effective in extreme environmental conditions, withstanding temperatures ranging from 30°C to -40°C.

Recognizing the potential of sodium-ion batteries as a typical representative of new productivity, RT Hightech has invested over 500 million yuan since 2022 in the research and commercialization of sodium-ion battery materials.

This latest development underscores RT Hightech's commitment to driving innovation in the renewable energy sector and contributing to China's efforts in fostering strategic emerging industries and building a new, resilient, and sustainable power system.

 

▌Ronbay Technology Secures 3,000-Ton Sodium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Order for 2025

 

Ronbay Technology, a leading provider of battery materials, has announced that it has secured an order for 3,000 tons of sodium-ion battery layered oxide cathode material from a major client for the entire year of 2025.

Both parties have committed to collaborating closely to deepen their cooperation in the field of sodium-ion batteries. They also aim to explore new production processes and technological innovations to jointly advance the commercialization of this emerging technology.

 

▌BIBO Raises Over RMB 300 Million in Series B Funding

 

BIBO, a leading provider of intelligent chassis solutions, has completed its Series B funding round, raising over RMB 300 million. 

 

This latest injection of capital will enable BIBO to accelerate the mass production and delivery of its intelligent braking and suspension systems. Furthermore, it will facilitate strategic partnerships and project implementations in the field of intelligent steering, paving the way for the integrated development of the X, Y, and Z axes in smart chassis technology.

 

▌Pony.ai Becomes First in China to Test Driverless Follow Truck in "1+N" Platoon

 

The autonomous driving company Pony.ai has recently been approved to test a "driver out" configuration in the follow truck of a "1+N" platoon. This makes Pony.ai the first firm in China to obtain such a permit.

The company plans to soon commence testing its robotruck convoy on the cross-provincial expressway linking Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei Province. In this setup, while the lead robotruck will still have a safety operator in the driver's seat, the follow truck will operate without a driver—completely autonomous with no one behind the wheel.

This significant milestone for Pony.ai's pioneering robotruck business is expected to further reduce the costs associated with autonomous trucking.

 

 

Cooperation and Win-win

 

▌Seyond and Go Further.AI Partner to Revolutionize Functional Autonomous Vehicles Industry

 

Seyond, a leading provider of high-performance LiDAR sensors and solutions, has joined hands with autonomous driving firm Go Further.AI to reshape the landscape of functional autonomous vehicles. 

The two companies will deeply integrate their resources, focusing on functional autonomous vehicle applications, to build an efficient operating system for various scenarios such as last-mile logistics, smart shuttles, smart sanitation, and smart tourist attractions. This partnership aims to drive the global and large-scale application of functional autonomous vehicles.

 

▌PCG Power Joins Forces with Ganfeng Lithium and LOK Capital to Accelerate Global Energy Transition

 

PCG Power, a leading comprehensive energy management service provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Ganfeng Lithium, the world's premier lithium ecosystem company, and LOK Capital. This collaboration aims to harness the unique strengths and extensive resources of each partner to expedite the global transition to clean energy.

By aligning with the enduring trend of global energy transformation, the parties will jointly explore new business opportunities in both overseas and domestic markets within the photovoltaic and energy storage sectors. This strategic alliance will inject powerful momentum into the global energy transition, driving forward progress in sustainable energy solutions.

 

▌YKC Forms Strategic Partnerships to Boost EV Charging Ecosystem

 

YKC, a prominent EV charging network and energy management service provider in China, has forged strategic partnerships with Bazhou Fazhan Holding Group Co., LTD and Zhongcheng Yuanda.

Through its collaboration with Bazhou Chengfa New Energy Co., Ltd., a State-owned enterprise specializing in new energy investment and development under Bazhou Fazhan Holding Group, YKC will offer comprehensive design, development, and deployment services for a customized charging operation management system to the Bazhou municipal government.

Furthermore, YKC and Zhongcheng Yuanda will jointly develop the "Shunshun Chong Integrated Energy Management Platform." Leveraging YKC's cutting-edge charging IoT technology, the platform will provide Zhongcheng Yuanda with a tailored charging operation management system, significantly enhancing its charging service business.

 

 

▌Pony.ai and Sinotrans Renew Joint Venture to Accelerate Autonomous Truck Commercialization

 

Autonomous driving firm Pony.ai has renewed its joint venture, Cyantron, with Sinotrans, one of China's leading logistics and freight forwarding companies. 

Through this renewed joint venture and deepened strategic cooperation, Pony.ai and Sinotrans aim to rapidly accelerate towards their shared goal: the large-scale commercialization of autonomous trucks and the shaping of a new smart logistics industry.

 

▌AICT Signs "1+3" Strategic Cooperation Agreement with HKU Labs

 

AICT, a leading provider of smart transportation solutions, has signed a "1+3" strategic cooperation agreement with three prominent laboratories of the University of Hong Kong: the Multimedia Laboratory, the Green, FinTech, and Property Lab, and The Future Urbanity & Sustainable Environment Lab. 

The agreement aims to foster extensive collaboration between the parties in the fields of smart cities and intelligent transportation, with a focus on jointly developing cutting-edge high-accuracy AI (HAI) technologies.

 

Going Global

 

▌Sunman Energy Named to Global Cleantech 100 for Third Consecutive Year

 

Sunman Energy, a leading solar panel manufacturer, has been selected for the 2025 Global Cleantech 100 list by the international clean energy agency Cleantech Group, standing out among 18,773 nominated companies from 52 countries worldwide.

 

 

▌Pony.ai Plans to Provide Robotaxi Services at Hong Kong Airport with Plans to Expand into Urban Hong Kong

 

Pony.ai, an autonomous driving company, has unveiled its plans to offer driverless transportation services at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), a global hub for air travel. Additionally, the company has expressed intentions to broaden its robotaxi services into the urban area of Hong Kong. 

This revelation follows the Airport Authority Hong Kong's recent media showcase, which featured Pony.ai's state-of-the-art seven-seat, sixth-generation robotaxi among several autonomous vehicles.

 

▌AICT Showcases Smart Transportation Solutions at Intersec Middle East 2025

 

Leading smart transportation solutions provider AICT made a significant presence at the Intersec Middle East 2025, the world's largest business event dedicated to mapping the future of security, safety, and fire protection. 

The exhibition, held in Dubai, UAE, marked its largest edition since its inception, drawing in 1,200 exhibitors from 61 countries and welcoming over 47,300 professional visitors from 142 nations.

 

Sustainable Business

 

▌Sunman Energy Powers Textile Industry's Clean Energy Transition

 

Sunman Energy, a leading solar panel manufacturer, has completed a photovoltaic project with a textile factory in Sanming, Fujian and connected it to the grid.

 

The project is expected to generate 4,013,400 kWh of clean electricity annually, equivalent to saving 1,214.06 tons of standard coal, reducing soot emissions by approximately 0.13 tons, cutting CO2 emissions by 3,339.16 tons, and decreasing sulfur dioxide emissions by about 0.64 tons.

 

▌CALB Powers Kunming's First Mobile Hybrid Algae-Removing Boat

 

CALB, a leading new energy enterprise specializing in lithium battery technology, has provided core power battery technology for Kunming's first mobile hybrid algae-removing boat on Dianchi Lake. The boat is equipped with CALB's high-density lithium iron phosphate batteries, boasting advantages such as high power, long endurance, enhanced safety, and extended lifespan, with a total capacity of 94kWh. This collaboration sets a "green model" for environmental protection efforts on the lake.

 

 

Honors

 

▌Sunman Energy Becomes First CNAS-Certified Company Focusing on Lightweight Solar Panels

 

Sunman Energy, a leading solar panel manufacturer, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first company specializing in lightweight components to obtain CNAS certification.

 

The company's standardized photovoltaic laboratory has officially received accreditation from the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS), the most authoritative laboratory assessment body in China.

 

This certification signifies that Sunman Energy's technical capabilities meet rigorous standards. As a result, every test report issued by the lab now enjoys high credibility domestically and is recognized in over 100 countries worldwide.

 

▌CALB Wins Excellent Award at 25th China Patent Awards

 

CALB, a leading new energy enterprise specializing in lithium battery technology, has been honored with the Excellent Award at the 25th China Patent Awards. The accolade was given for the company's patent titled "Battery Module and Battery Pack" (Patent No. ZL202011563209.0).

 

The China Patent Award is the highest honor in the field of intellectual property in China, jointly established by the National Intellectual Property Administration and the World Intellectual Property Organization.

 

▌Hiway Included in 2024 Deloitte China Technology Fast 50

 

Automotive component provider Hiway has been recognized in the 2024 Deloitte China Technology Fast 50 (TF50).

 

Established in Silicon Valley in 1995 and launched in China in 2005, the TF50 program identifies rapid-growth companies globally. It has a reputation as an incubator for industry leaders, spotting them in their early stages.

 

▌BIBO Honored as 2024 Deloitte China Rising Star

 

BIBO, an intelligent chassis solution provider, has been recognized as a 2024 Deloitte China Rising Star. 

The selection is part of Deloitte China's Technology Fast program, which highlights tech startups that innovate, pursue excellence, and create long-term value under the theme "Supercharge Innovation and Quality Growth."

 

▌Seyond's High-Performance LiDAR Wins "2024 Annual Mass Production Leader in LiDAR" Award

 

Seyond, a leading provider of high-performance LiDAR sensors and solutions, has been recognized by Qiche Zhixin, an automotive technology information platform focused on smart cars and autonomous driving.

 

Seyond's high-performance wide-angle LiDAR, Robin W, won the "2024 Annual Mass Production Leader in LiDAR" award at Qiche Zhixin's annual ranking. The ranking aims to identify innovative products, leading technologies, and high-growth companies in the smart car industry.