Insider Brief
- Unitree Robotics completed China’s pre-IPO tutoring process in just four months, an unusually fast approval that signals strong government support for domestic tech, according to the South China Morning Post.
- The Hangzhou-based humanoid robot maker, advised by Citic Securities, is preparing an onshore listing and is reportedly targeting a valuation of up to US$7 billion on Shanghai’s Star Market.
- Unitree has raised about US$263.6 million to date and recently restructured into a joint-stock company, meeting governance requirements as China accelerates efforts to bolster technological self-reliance.
Unitree Robotics cleared a key regulatory hurdle on its path to an onshore listing, completing China’s pre-IPO tutoring process in just four months—an unusually fast turnaround that reflects Beijing’s push for technological self-reliance, according to the South China Morning Post.
Government filings show the Hangzhou-based humanoid robot maker passed its checks with the Zhejiang Securities Regulatory Bureau, closing a tutoring phase that began July 18, the China Securities Regulatory Commission’s website indicated. Citic Securities, China’s top underwriter and Unitree’s designated tutoring institution, advised the company on its fundraising plan and drafted a capital-use blueprint, according to a Nov. 10 document cited by the SCMP. The filing did not disclose how much Unitree aims to raise or when it plans to list.
Unitree is targeting a valuation of up to US$7 billion in a potential debut on Shanghai’s Star Market, Reuters reported in September, and has said it plans to file its formal IPO application between October and December. Corporate records reviewed by the SCMP show the company restructured from a limited liability entity to a joint-stock firm in May, a prerequisite for public listing. Citic Securities confirmed in its filing that Unitree now meets the corporate governance and accounting requirements expected of a listed company.
China’s IPO tutoring period generally lasts six to 12 months, the SCMP reported, citing Shen Meng, director at Beijing-based investment firm Chanson & Co. Unitree’s rapid completion signals robust official backing for advanced technology companies. Shen told the paper that some technology firms are receiving “exceptional government support” as Beijing prioritizes innovation-driven growth. He added that technology has become a central arena in global competition.
The accelerated path to market comes as China places unprecedented emphasis on technological independence in its next five-year plan for 2026 to 2030—a shift the SCMP notes reflects rising strategic pressure amid U.S.–China tensions.
Founded in 2016 by CEO Wang Xingxing, Unitree develops humanoid robots, quadrupeds and perception systems for consumer and industrial uses. According to Tianyancha data cited by the SCMP, the company has raised roughly US$263.6 million to date, including a 700 million yuan (US$99 million) Series C round in June. Its registered capital increased to 2.9 million yuan earlier this year.
Unitree’s investors include ShouCheng Holdings, a Hong Kong-listed car park operator under state-owned Shougang Group, which has also backed robotics firms such as Deep Robotic, according to a recent stock exchange filing.
