HongShan is a VC firm focused on seed-stage, mid-stage, late-stage, and growth investments in the fintech sector. HongShan has offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Shenzhen. Over the past nine years, Sequoia Capital China has an impressive and diverse portfolio comprising about 300 dynamic companies that deliver high returns on investment using differentiated technologies and innovative business models, including Alibaba, VIPshop.com, Sina.com, Didi, JD.com, Ourpalm, Qihoo 360, Jumei, Momo, SINNET, Dianping.com, Meituan, Meilishuo, Toutiao, AutoNavi, Ganji.com, DJI, VanceInfo, Noah Private Wealth Management, Wanda Cinemas, Alibaba Pictures, Plateno Hotels Group, Deppon Logistics, ZTO Express, Beta Pharma, Snibe Diagnostic, BGI, WEGO, and Yuwell Medical.

HongShan

Tencent is an internet service portal offering value-added internet, mobile, telecom, and online advertising services. Its communications and social platforms Weixin and QQ connect users with each other, with digital content and daily life services in just a few clicks.  Tencent has maintained steady growth under its user-oriented operating strategies. It provides value-added internet, mobile, and telecom services, as well as online advertising under the strategic goal of providing users with ''one-stop online lifestyle services.'' Tencent’s Internet platforms in China – QQ (QQ Instant Messenger), WeChat, QQ.com, QQ Games, Qzone, 3g.QQ.com, SoSo, PaiPai, and Tenpay – aim to address the various needs of internet users, including communication, information, entertainment, e-commerce, and others. In September 2013, Tencent's market valuation rose to $101 billion, and as of November 21, 2013, QQ had 2 billion active users and WeChat had 650 million monthly active users. The numbers of active users for QQ mail, Qzone, Tencent Weibo, and QQ news were 274 million, 626 million, 220 million, and 150 million, respectively. Tencent was founded in November of 1998. In April 2000, the IDG and PCCW invested a total of $2.2 million dollars in the company. Tencent was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (SEHK) on June 16, 2004. Baidu, Alibaba, and Netease are Tencent's major competitors.

Tencent

CPE is a leading alternative asset manager, with asset classes spanning private equity, mezzanine and the public market. Founded in 2008 by a world class team of investment professionals and supported by over 200 domestic and international investors, CPE knows China like no one else and is a globally minded long-term value investor. The firm uses its sector expertise to generate deal flow and drive the value creation work during the post-investment stage. CPE follows a disciplined investment approach to preserve and grow its investors’ capital. The firm’s private equity portfolio of more than 100 companies is highly diversified by sector and stage of investment. CPE takes pride in its forward-looking investment philosophy and works hard to create value over the long-term for its investors and a better world. For more information, please visit www.citicpe.com.

BAI Capital is a leading venture capital fund in China. Since 2008, the team of BAI Capital has invested in more than 200 portfolios, including 17+ IPOs and 40+ unicorns. BAI Capital has two main focuses: China-based global companies and China’s structural transformation. BAI Capital seeks to partner with and empower outstanding Chinese companies and entrepreneurs that can leverage the multiplier effect of China’s technology, talent, and supply chain advantages and to expand globally in consumer retail and services, fintech, media and content innovation, Web3 and metaverse. On the other hand, at the turning point of China’s structural transformation, the fund will also seize major cross-cycle disruption opportunities in frontier and infra tech, electric vehicles and autonomous driving, and industrial upgrade driven by enterprise software development.   The investor base for BAI Capital includes institutional investors such as sovereign wealth funds, large insurance companies, internet giants and fund of funds globally, as well as Bertelsmann. BAI Capital has its background from Bertelsmann Asia Investments, part of the Bertelsmann Group.

BAI capital

All-Stars Investment is a specialized hybrid fund aiming to deliver superior long-term returns by investing in the “category leaders” and the “category killers” – companies with strong competitive moats, in the Internet and consumer brand space in Greater China.

All-Stars Investment

Cathay Capital is a leading international private equity firm active in cross-border investment. It supports the international expansion of middle-market companies in North America, China and Europe. Its team of 60 professionals based in New York, Shanghai, Beijing, Paris, Munich, and Silicon Valley leverages Cathay's business model and platform to create value for companies. With more than $1.5 billion in assets under management, Cathay Capital has completed buyouts and growth capital investments in 59 platform companies across three continents.

Cathay Capital

Co-founded by entrepreneur Adrian Cheng and veteran investor Clive Ng, C Ventures is a global venture capital bridging the West and the East, curating a global cultural ecosystem targeting Millennials and the generation Z with a focus on disruptive businesses in technology, lifestyle and media.

C Ventures

BA Capital is a venture capital firm focused on the consumer sector.

BA Capital

Legend Capital, a subsidiary of Legend Holdings Ltd., started its vintage year in April, 2001 with a mission to become a top-notch and the most respected venture capital investment manager in China.  Managing up to US$700 million across four funds, Legend Capital focuses on driving high-growth ventures with operations substantially based in China or on markets related to China.  Legend Capital mainly invests in early stage IT companies, specifically, in sectors of network applications and services, outsourcing and professional services, Infrastructure (IC design/key components), and mid-market growth stage companies in the fields of consumer goods, clean technology, health care, equipment manufacturing and modern services.  Among over 60 portfolio companies are Joyo.com (acquired by Amazon.com), SinoCom (0299.HK), Solarfun Power (Nasdaq: SOLF), Spreadtrum Communications (Nasdaq: SPRD), China Sunshine Paper (2002.HK), and VanceInfo (NYSE:VIT), Eyang (0117.HK), etc.  As an active investor, Legend Capital provides its portfolio companies extensive business resources and tailored services to assist with business development, company image building, and other critical company building activities on Chinese market so as to add value and maximize returns. Legend Capital is proud and thankful that it has the opportunity to blaze a trail with its innovative practice for China's venture capital industry.

Legend Capital

DST Global is an investment firm that focuses on late-stage ventures in the Internet sector. The firm has invested in several rapidly growing companies. Its offices are in Menlo Park, New York, London, Beijing, and Hong Kong. The firm was founded in 2009 by Yuri Milner, Saurabh Gupta, John Lindfors, Rahul Mehta, and Tom Stafford.

DST Global

Coatue is a privately owned hedge fund sponsor. The firm invests in the public equity markets globally focusing on investments in technology, media, and telecommunications in addition to other sectors. It employs a long or short strategy to make its investments.

Coatue

GSR Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on technology companies developing AI-enabled enterprise software, consumer platforms, and healthcare technology. The firm backs entrepreneurs building disruptive businesses that have the potential to dominate multi-billion dollar markets. GSR Ventures currently manages about $3.7 billion across its funds.

GSR Ventures

NIO Capital is a fund manager investing in themes reshaping the automotive, new energy and technology sectors. Established in 2016 and sponsored by NIO, NIO Capital leverages its unique access to global & Chinese innovation, comprehensive market understanding and flourishing ecosystem to create category-leading companies in fields such as electric vehicles, autonomous driving, shared mobility, new energy network, new materials and more.

NIO Capital

Cygnus Equity is a private equity and venture capital firm.

Cygnus Equity

Zero1 Capital helps SMEs across the world to thrive by reducing the financial burden of undertaking new growth projects.  They combine new Technologies like blockchain and advanced AI algorithms to build a platform that extracts new insights and allows them to make transactions in a fast, fair, secure, and profitable way. The funding provided will follow and evolve together with the production cycle, adjusting the price as milestones are achieved. This allows the suppliers to leverage the creditworthiness of their clients to lower the borrowing cost.

Zero1

''Founded in 2009, GSR United Capital focuses on equity investment in high-tech industries, focusing on investment and M&A opportunities in advanced manufacturing, next-generation information technology, industrial Internet/digital enterprise services and other fields. GSR United Capital manages both RMB master funds and industrial funds established with local governments. Since its establishment, GSR United Capital has received strong support from China's top market-oriented mother fund, government-guided fund, wealth management institutions, global 500 enterprises, listed companies and other institutions. Among them, investors with state capital background include Guochuang Yuanhe, Guochuang Kaiyuan, SDIC Unity Capital, China Merchants Venture, Suzhou Fund, Nanchang Industrial Control, Weifang Financial Holding Group, Dongguan Dongcheng, Zhangjiagang Jincheng Investment & Development Co., ltd, etc. Suzhou GSL Venture Capital Management Company, founded in 2011, is a private equity fund manager of the comprehensive fund of GSR United Capital (referred to as '''' GSR United Capital ''''), and completed the registration of private equity fund manager on May 20, 2014, with the serial number P1002246. ''''A+ stage is the main stage, the middle and late stage is the auxiliary'''' The company focuses on equity investment in high-tech industry, focusing on the strategy of ''''A+'''' stage, with a capital allocation ratio of 60%. The project in this stage is between ''''engineering'''' and ''''scale commercialization'''', which is the ideal range of ''''bargaining power'''' and can win a high proportion of relative returns. At the same time, 40% of the project will be allocated in the middle and late stages. The middle and late stages refer to enterprises with IPO expectations within 2-3 years, and the investment will be completed within 60 months in the early stage of the fund investment period (exit will start in the third and fourth years), which will be used as the basic plate for anchoring returns. GSR United Capital has invested in more than 100 high-tech start-ups, including Great Wisdom Software (financial information terminal, 601519), eCARBON (high thermal conductivity graphite heat dissipation material, 603133), TZTEK (Precision, 688003), METRON (Diamond wire material, 603133) 300861), GTEP (sludge treatment and recycling, has started the board meeting), Niu (electric two-wheeler, NASDAQ: NIU), LATTICELIGHTING (LED silicon substrate technology and application), Freetech (unmanned driving), Marknum Technology (big data), xMate (light collaborative robot), TAGEIDRIVER (autonomous driving), HUIRUI (high-precision metal 3D printing), DYSO (CNC machine tool parts), NEWLINK GROUP (energy Internet), and many cross-border enterprises Industries such as LianLian (online payment), Xingyun Group (cross-border supply chain), Tec-Do (outbound brand digital marketing, Guangzhou), LAVA (smart guitar, Guangzhou), Shoplazza (outbound SaaS independent site construction tools, Guangzhou), E-ports (Internet for shipping industry), Chenhaiyun (sea-going compliance), Whalehouse.tech (intelligent warehousing), Huoyan (ABM intelligent marketing), Giiso (intelligent writing) and other excellent projects, which have won excess investment returns and social reputation. At present, the withdrawn projects include Great Wisdom Software (Financial information terminal, 601519), which has been fully withdrawn through listing, with return multiple reaching 8.96x, invested by GSR United Capital Phase I; TZTEK (Precision Measurement, 688003.STAR), fully exited through listing with return multiple reaching 2.74x, invested by GSR United Phase II and Botong Jinshi; eCARBON (high thermal conductivity graphite heat dissipation material, 603133), through the listing of all exit, return multiple reached 5x, invested by GSR United Capital Phase I Institute; METRON (Diamond Wire Materials, 300861), which was partially exited through listing with a return multiple of 4.5X and was invested by GSR United Phase III and Botong Jinshi Institute; Lebo Technology (cross-platform screen investment tool), partially exited through equity transfer, with a return multiple of 4.35x, invested by Botong Jinshi. Giiso (Intelligent Collaboration), which was partially withdrawn through equity transfer with a return multiple of 4.35x, was invested by Botong Jinshi. Zerowaste Asia Pte Ltd (ZA) was invested by Hongcheng RMB Fund, a subsidiary of GSR United Capital, in January 2017. It is committed to developing, producing and selling leading additives for heavy metal treatment. Its products have the characteristics of simple process, high efficiency, safety and environmental protection, and low cost. The company's valuation has grown from $58 million at the time of the investment to $142 million. Since February 2020, GSR United Capital has made more than 30 investments in the main fund. For example, it invested in Yuejing Technology (audio and video collaborative production tool) in February 2021, and the current multiple has reached 3.14 times. In September 2020, it invested in ZHICHUBAO.COM (procurement management SaaS platform), and the current multiple has reached 2.82 times. In April 2020, it invested in Starsee Intelligence (AI enabled military defense), and the current multiple has reached 2.81 times. Nahuo Technology Co., Ltd. received a subsequent round of investment from IDG, ZHICHUBAO.COM received a subsequent round of investment from Shunwei Capital, and Boqing Technology received a subsequent round of investment from KeyTone Ventures and Leaguer Capital.''

GSR United Capital

Fiture

Fiture, a fitness technology company, is redefining the home fitness scenarios through intelligent hardware and AI-empowered fitness content.

<div>Fiture is a Chinese developer of an AI-powered smart mirror with interactive classes and customized training programs. In addition to its primary product, the company also sells other accessories such as yoga mats, yoga bricks, and elastic ring suits. The mirror, priced at USD 1,495 (CNY 10,060),  includes a 43-inch screen to display workout content including yoga, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), Pilates, and aerobic dancing. Fiture offers more than 5,000 fitness courses and is customizable for children, adults, and senior citizens. </div>

New products and new technologies are bringing high-end gym workouts to the home.

Connected Fitness

BodyPark's Business Combination with Fiture – Global Legal Chronicle

<div>
 
 Fiture is a Chinese developer of an AI-powered smart mirror with interactive classes and customized training programs. In addition to its primary product, the company also sells other accessories such as yoga mats, yoga bricks, and elastic ring suits. The mirror, priced at USD 1,495 (CNY 10,060),  includes a 43-inch screen to display workout content including yoga, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), Pilates, and aerobic dancing. Fiture offers more than 5,000 fitness courses and is customizable for children, adults, and senior citizens. 
 
 
 The company operates more than 10 stores in China including locations in Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu. As of August 2021, the company has monopoly status over China’s fitness mirror industry, with plans to expand the reach to include the US and Europe in the future.
 
 
 In April 2021, Fiture raised USD 300 million in a Series B funding round led by All-Star Fund, Legend Capital, DST Global, and Sequoia China, at a post-money valuation of more than USD 1 billion—reportedly the fastest fitness tech company to reach unicorn status. The company earmarked the funding for market expansion, producing more workout content, and offering free trials nationwide.
 
 
 
</div>

<div>
 
 Hydrow is a connected rower designed to simulate the experience of rowing on water while indoors and at home. The device is equipped with a screen that plays outdoor rowing workouts for users to perform. The rower uses a patented drag mechanism that is electromagnetic and computer-operated. A unique feature of Hydrow compared to the conventional indoor rowers is that its strokes are smooth and silent, which caters to urban living. Hydrow offers rowers under two models; its original rower that starts at USD 2,495 and 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/11656">
 “Hydrow Wave,”
 </a>
 a low-cost compact model that retails at prices starting from USD 1,495. The prices go upward depending on added equipment such as workout mats, heart rate monitors, foam rollers, resistance bands, and headphones.
 
 
 In addition to the rower, users can access live classes and a library of on-demand videos (both rowing and other exercises such as yoga) for a USD 38 monthly subscription. Hydrow also features a leaderboard to promote competitions within the community. The company has retail locations in the US and the UK. 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 Hydrow reported having more than 200,000 users as of March 2022. It also has partnerships with several organizations such as schools, clubs, resorts, residences, and gyms to supply its equipment.
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 Hydrow achieved 3x year-over-year (YoY) revenue growth in 2021.
 
 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/9187?industryIds=2">
 In March 2022,
 </a>
 Hydrow raised USD 55 million in Series D funding led by Constitution Capital. It planned to utilise the funding for further product development, to expand reach globally, improve brand awareness, and scale production to meet growing demand. Previously in 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/5691">
 September 2021,
 </a>
 the company raised an undisclosed amount, from celebrity investors. 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/4671">
 In August 2021,
 </a>
 it was also reported that Hydrow was in talks to go public via a merger with the special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC). The deal could have valued the combined entity at more than USD 1 billion, though the terms had not been finalised. Reportedly, the SPAC is also in talks with investors to raise private investment in public equity (PIPE). 
 
</div>

Hydrow

Studio offers a smart mirror that allows users to connect it with existing home workout equipment without having to purchase new equipment altogether. The system comprises a 43-inch vertical screen enabling users to follow along with training sessions available live and on demand. The screen also displays stats and other connected device data such as treadmill speed, a bike’s cadence, heart rate, and other metrics. Studio connects with other devices via Bluetooth and sensors.The Studio hardware is priced at USD 999 and the system requires an annual subscription fee of USD 199.99, with which users can access classes for a variety of workouts, including treadmill, cycling, strength, rowing, boxing, yoga, etc.In October 2021, the company partnered with Sole Fitness, a home-fitness equipment manufacturer, to offer connected workouts on Sole’s equipment including ellipticals, treadmills, indoor bikes, and rowers.

Studio

<div>
 
 CityRow uses water rowers with attached screens to play live and on-demand classes as well as game-based workout programs. Its mobile app, “City Row Go,” was introduced in 2018 as a platform to share on-demand classes, extending CityRow gyms, workouts, and programming to the masses. CityRow offers connected rowing equipment under two models, “CityRow Go Max” and “CityRow Go Classic,” available for USD 2,195 and USD 1,495, respectively. CityRow Go Max is equipped with a built-in, 19.5-inch sweat-resistant touchscreen with speakers and Bluetooth compatibility, while the CityRow Go Classic model features a Bluetooth-enabled LED-backlit monitor. Users can subscribe to its app for USD 29 monthly or USD 348 annually to access the content library. CityRow ships its products in the US, UK, and Australia (as of January 2022).
 
 
 In addition, the company also owns and operates rowing-focused boutique fitness studios across the US. Since its inception in 2014, CityRow has expanded to operate 11 such studios as of July 2021.
 
 
 CityRow repored a 375% year-over-year (YoY) growth in revenue in 2020. The company raised USD 12 million in a Series A funding round led by JW Asset Management, in July 2021. The company intends to primarily use the funds to introduce live streaming classes to its workout content in late 2021. In addition, CityRow also hopes to double the workforce to roughly 28 employees and launch 12 more franchise studios (out of 64 franchises sold) by 2022.
 
</div>

CityRow

Carbon Trainer offers a 4K LCD touch screen display with built-in sensors and accessories. Carbon Trainer is powered by AI and motion capture, which enables the system to track form and techniques as well as count reps. Carbon Trainer facilitates resistance training, conditioning- HIIT, strength training, bodyweight training, mobility, stretching, and yoga classes on demand. Users have the option of using weights from Carbon that are equipped with built-in sensors or attaching sensors provided by Carbon on regular weights for them to be compatible with the system. Carbon Trainer with a wall mount is available for USD 2,295, whereas the version with the aluminium stand is sold for USD 2,549. Both include a six-pack of smart sensors and two resistance bands. For USD 39 per month, users can gain access to live and on-demand classes.

Carbon Trainer

<div>
 
 Volava offers a range of connected at-home fitness devices that include a bike, a treadmill, and a heavy bag, available across Europe. Unique to Volava, all the devices are equipped with a leaderboard on the screen that allows users to compete with the community. All its devices offer access to on-demand and live classes. 
 
 
 In February 2021, Volava raised EUR 2 million (USD 2.4 million) in seed funding from Inveready, JME Ventures, and Wayra. The company intends to utilize the funds for continued business growth and expand its operations in national and international markets.
 
</div>

VOLAVA

Companies that offer other types of connected/interactive equipment not classified above such as interactive punching bags, aerobic trainers, climbing machines etc. These devices come with an attached display or a mobile app offering live and on-demand classes and workouts.

Companies that offer connected/interactive mirror devices with video playback and/or touchscreen features. Some devices include additional equipment and allow users to connect the smart mirror with existing equipment (ex: bikes and treadmills) to display live and on-demand workouts and other performance measures.

Companies that offer connected/interactive stationary rowing equipment, along with an attached display or mobile app offering live and on-demand classes and workouts.

Companies that offer connected/interactive treadmills, along with an attached display or mobile app offering live and on-demand classes and workouts.

Companies that offer connected/interactive stationary exercise bikes, along with an attached display or mobile app offering live and on-demand classes and workouts.

Offers digital means of monitoring vitals and personalized programs in connection to fitness

Uses AI/ML to track user workouts and provide effective programs to improve user experience

Fiture

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