Whether you are a fan of sci-fi movies or simply watching how technology is changing the world, the story of Unitree Robotics is sure to capture your interest. This Chinese company from Hangzhou, which specializes in manufacturing humanoid robots, quadruped robots, and environmental perception systems, has just completed an important stage of its preparations to go public. And it did so in just four months, which is remarkably fast compared with the usual six to twelve months such a process typically takes.
Unitree Robotics, founded in 2016 by CEO Wang Xingxing, focuses on robots for both consumers and industry. Its products include humanoid robots that look and move like humans, dog-like quadruped robots, and specialized systems that help robots perceive the world around them. According to data from the Tianyancha platform, the company has so far raised approximately CZK 5,548,780,000 (USD 263.6 million) in total funding. Most recently, in June, it closed a Series C funding round worth CZK 2,083,950,000 (USD 99 million). The company's registered capital increased this year to 2.9 million Chinese yuan, equivalent to approximately CZK 8,700,000.
Rapid preparations to go public
The IPO preparation process, known as pre-IPO tutoring, began on July 18 and ended after just four months, according to the website of the China Securities Regulatory Commission. The company was guided through the process by Citic Securities, China's largest underwriter, which helped with the fundraising plan and a proposal for how the funds would be used. A document dated November 10 confirms that Unitree passed inspections by the Zhejiang Securities Regulatory Bureau. In May, the company converted from a limited liability company into a joint-stock company, a requirement for going public. Citic Securities stated in the document that Unitree now meets all corporate governance and accounting requirements expected of a publicly traded company.
This rapid progress is no coincidence. According to Shen Meng, director of Beijing-based investment firm Chanson & Co., some technology companies in China receive exceptional support from the government. This is related to China's strong emphasis on innovation in its five-year plan for 2026 to 2030, particularly amid tensions between the US and China. Unitree may therefore advance more quickly in the listing queue for Shanghai's Star Market, a stock exchange focused on technology companies.
Target valuation and plans
Unitree Robotics is targeting a valuation of up to CZK 147,350,000,000 (USD 7 billion), as Reuters reported in September. The company plans to submit its official IPO application between October and December. Exactly how much money it intends to raise and precisely when it will go public are not yet publicly known, but all indications suggest it will happen soon.
The company's investors include ShouCheng Holdings, a Hong Kong-listed company controlled by the state-owned Shougang Group. This company also supports other robotics companies, such as Deep Robotic. Unitree is therefore not alone—it is part of a larger ecosystem in which China is investing in robotics to become a leader in the field.
