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独家丨再融3.3亿,Airwallex今天估值80亿美元了
暗涌Waves· 2025-12-08 05:03
Core Viewpoint - Airwallex has successfully completed a Series G funding round of $330 million, achieving a valuation of $8 billion, which represents a nearly 30% increase from the previous round. This funding will accelerate its expansion in the U.S. and other key global markets [3][4]. Funding and Growth - The Series G funding was led by Addition, with participation from T. Rowe Price, Activant, Lingotto, Robinhood Ventures, and TIAA Ventures. Addition's founder, Lee Fixel, is known for his investments in technology and finance, having previously invested in companies like Facebook and LinkedIn [3]. - Airwallex's annualized revenue is projected to exceed $1 billion by October 2025, reflecting a 90% year-over-year growth, while its annualized transaction volume is expected to double to $235 billion [4]. - The company currently holds 80 licenses globally and supports businesses in over 200 countries, serving more than 200,000 customers, with a customer acquisition rate in Q3 doubling compared to the beginning of the year [4]. Strategic Developments - Airwallex plans to establish a second global headquarters in San Francisco, focusing on core products, engineering, strategic partnerships, and marketing teams, with plans to double its U.S. team to over 400 people within a year [4]. - The company aims to invest over $1 billion in the U.S. market from 2026 to 2029 for strategic positioning [4]. Historical Context and Challenges - Airwallex's journey began in a Melbourne café, and it has evolved into a prominent fintech unicorn, now on the verge of an IPO. The company faced multiple near-death experiences and rejections from investors, highlighting the challenges of building a global financial infrastructure [5][26]. - The initial investment of $1 million from Lucy Liu, made without formal contracts, marked the beginning of Airwallex's funding journey, showcasing a high level of trust and belief in the company's vision [7]. Key Partnerships and Investor Dynamics - The A round of funding in 2017 was critical, with Sequoia Capital and Tencent entering the picture. Despite initial hesitations from Tencent, a pivotal meeting with James Mitchell led to their investment, which opened doors to Asian and global markets [12][13]. - The refusal of a $1.2 billion acquisition offer from Stripe in 2018 demonstrated the company's commitment to its long-term vision, with a team vote overwhelmingly against the sale [19][20]. Financial Performance and Future Outlook - By 2023, Airwallex achieved profitability, maintaining an annual growth rate of over 100% since its inception in 2015. The company has successfully navigated through various crises and is now positioned for continued growth [25][26].
李骁军:存在手机里的52条年度感悟丨2025尾声
暗涌Waves· 2025-12-05 03:45
Part 01: Talent, Career, and Investment - When hiring or evaluating entrepreneurs, it is essential to have a growth perspective, focusing on their potential for future success rather than past achievements [5] - The core competitiveness of a company should be transferable to individuals, who must also be able to adapt their skills to new environments. It is crucial to identify individuals who can continue to shine over the next decade [5][6] - Investors' taste and cognitive ceilings are often determined by their exposure to the best entrepreneurs in the industry, emphasizing the importance of learning from top talent [5] - Talent often appears in clusters, and value distribution follows a power law [6] - Different industries and careers can be categorized into structures such as Winner-takes-all, Power law, and Fragmented, which influences investment strategies [7] - The best careers are those that are compounding, scalable, and capitalizable, as exemplified by Warren Buffett [7] - Individuals in their upward phase are typically more self-driven and easier to manage, while those in a defensive mindset after peak performance may struggle with new business challenges [7] - AI models provide insights into the importance of practical experience in generating cognitive models and maintaining focus on critical tasks [8][9] - Investors should balance the fear of missing out with the urgency of decision-making, understanding market sentiments and consensus [10][11] - The value of institutions often surpasses that of individuals in the financial services industry, with long-term career value tied to institutional growth [14] Part 02: Cultivation and Growth - Learning to breathe correctly can enhance calmness and awareness of one's body, emphasizing the importance of physical well-being [16] - Recognizing personal peak times can significantly impact mood and efficiency throughout the day [22] - The greatest recognition often comes from the strongest competitors, highlighting the importance of self-acknowledgment over external validation [25] - The core of each individual's model consists of faith, ability, and personality, with the need for continuous calibration in the AI era [26] - Choosing what not to pursue can be more critical than knowing what to pursue, as the motivations behind actions can differ significantly [27] Part 03: Life and the World - Understanding one's self-awareness over time is crucial, as is identifying absolute and relative value advantages in a changing world [39] - The concept of friendship is framed as mutual support for personal growth, emphasizing the relational aspect of success [42] - The quality of time spent and the ability to annotate experiences significantly influence personal development and cognitive models [47] - Major life decisions regarding where to live, career choices, and relationships greatly impact overall life quality [49] - The timing and rhythm of life are essential, with success often linked to how well one resonates with the pulse of the times [52]
“一进一退”创两项纪录,PAG的中国图景才刚刚展开
暗涌Waves· 2025-12-03 01:33
Core Insights - PAG has set two industry records in the Chinese private equity market over the past year, leading a controlling investment in Zhuhai Wanda Commercial Management for over 60 billion, marking the largest single investment in Chinese PE history, and achieving the largest exit transaction with the core business of Yingde Gas [2][3] Part 01: "Exit" - A Textbook Case of Buy and Build - PAG's operations with Yingde Gas exemplify a textbook-level "Buy and Build" case, starting with the privatization at a cost of 10 billion HKD in 2017, followed by management optimization and strategic acquisitions [5][6] - EBITDA increased from approximately 2.6 billion in 2016 to nearly 7 billion in 2023, with annual profits surpassing 3 billion [5][6] Part 02: "Entry" - Resilient Turnaround - PAG's investment in Zhuhai Wanda Commercial Management began in 2021 with a Pre-IPO investment of 5.3 billion USD, where PAG contributed 2.8 billion USD [8][9] - In 2024, PAG led a new consortium to complete a transaction valued at 66 billion RMB, becoming the largest shareholder of the newly formed "Xinda Alliance" [10][11] Part 03: Why PAG? - PAG is one of the few funds capable of executing large-scale acquisitions in China, demonstrating extreme discipline and resilience in its acquisition style [14][15] - The core team has an average tenure of 8-9 years, ensuring deep engagement and long-term support for portfolio companies [15][16] Part 04: Core Market, Core Configuration, Core Position - Despite macroeconomic challenges, PAG continues to invest decisively in the Chinese market, launching its first RMB fund with a size of 3.1 billion, focusing on M&A transactions [18][19] - PAG believes that local capital should drive the private equity sector in China, as the domestic market presents significant opportunities [19][20] Part 06: A Strategy of Special Opportunities and Distressed Restructuring - PAG's approach involves identifying opportunities in distressed situations, as seen in both Yingde Gas and Wanda Commercial Management cases [31][32] - The firm emphasizes understanding the business logic and cash flow sustainability of investments, rather than solely focusing on technological advancements [30][32] Part 07: PAG's Local Perspective - The current macroeconomic environment, characterized by lower interest rates, creates favorable conditions for M&A investments in China [35][36] - The Chinese M&A market remains largely untapped by financial investors, presenting a "blue ocean" opportunity for firms like PAG [38][39]
对话“供应链之父”李效良:未来的竞争不在企业间,而在生态系统间|暗涌看世界
暗涌Waves· 2025-12-03 01:33
「 供应链必须回答的新课题。 」 文 | 任倩 在全球化与地缘交织的复杂时代,"供应链"一词从未像今天这样,既代表着经济命脉的韧性,也暴露出 脆弱与不确定。过去全球化建立在效率优先、成本驱动的流动供应链之上,如今叠加国家属性,重新排 兵布阵已成为共识。 在这一领域,斯坦福大学商学院的李效良教授是其中一位备受关注的学者。他从事供应链研究40年,曾 提出的经典"3A"理论——敏捷(Agility)、适应(Adaptability)、协同(Alignment),成为无数企业与 政府制定战略的重要参考。这一理论在2004年金融危机、2011年日本大地震等事件中得到了残酷而准确 的验证。 "很多人当时只关心效率,追求'精益'的极致,"李效良回忆,"但一个链条拉得越长、越紧,它就越容易 断裂。"因此,"敏捷"是为了应对突发波动;"适应"是为了响应结构性变化;"协同",则是为了让链条上 的每一个环节,不再是孤立的利益追逐者,而是命运的共同体。但近年来,他观察到更深层次的变化: "我们的世界正在从一个'全球化的世界'转向一个'多个世界体系的共存'。" 他分析,疫情、贸易摩 擦、气候危机等都不是孤立的事件,它们共同指向一个核心 ...
极壳Hypershell完成两轮共7000万美元融资
暗涌Waves· 2025-11-27 00:43
Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of Hypershell, a consumer-grade exoskeleton brand, which has recently completed $70 million in Pre-B and B round financing, achieving a post-investment valuation close to $400 million [2][5]. Group 1: Company Overview - Hypershell was founded at the end of 2021 and is the first company to bring exoskeleton products from medical and industrial fields to the consumer market [3]. - The founder, Sun Kuan, has a diverse background in robotics hardware management, exoskeleton academic research, and overseas hardware brand creation [3]. - The team consists of experts in robotics, ergonomics, and AI algorithms, with experience from leading hardware and robotics companies [3]. Group 2: Product Development and Innovation - In 2023, Hypershell invented the world's first single-motor-driven exoskeleton system, significantly reducing the cost and weight of exoskeletons by half [5]. - The company launched its first consumer-grade exoskeleton product, Hypershell Go, on Kickstarter, raising $1.23 million and attracting 2,638 supporters, with 40% from the U.S. [5][6]. - The latest product, Hypershell X Ultra, features a second-generation AI motion intention recognition algorithm, providing 2.5 times the battery life under the same capacity [6]. Group 3: Market Strategy and Expansion - Hypershell has established sales channels in over 70 countries, with a cumulative shipment of tens of thousands of units [7]. - The company adopts a global market strategy, initially focusing on outdoor enthusiasts in mature outdoor cultures in Europe and the U.S. before entering the domestic market [9]. - The recent launch of Hypershell X in China marks the company's entry into the domestic market, leveraging established infrastructure [9]. Group 4: Funding and Financial Outlook - The recent $70 million financing will be used for various business needs, including R&D, product design, supply chain production, marketing, and talent recruitment [10]. - Hypershell has gained significant attention in the primary market, being recognized as a star startup due to its innovative consumer-grade products and global strategy [11][12]. Group 5: Competitive Landscape and Future Challenges - As the consumer-grade exoskeleton market grows, competitors like Cheng Tian Technology and Skip are emerging, making the future path for Hypershell uncertain [15]. - Sun Kuan emphasizes the importance of excelling in multiple areas, including user interaction, lightweight design, supply chain management, and precise scene definition to maintain a competitive edge [15]. - The potential for consumer-grade exoskeletons to evolve from niche products to everyday necessities is highlighted as a key challenge for the industry [15][16].
刘芹:伟大的公司不是赢下一场战役,而是永不离场丨2025尾声
暗涌Waves· 2025-11-24 01:05
Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the face of uncertainty, particularly in the context of investment and innovation in China [2][3]. Group 1: Investment Landscape - The current investment climate in China is marked by a collective anxiety about the future, with questions about whether to cling to past successes or venture into unfamiliar territories [3][5]. - The author reflects on the transition from traditional investment models to hard technology and biomedicine, highlighting the challenges faced by investors in adapting to new paradigms [5][6]. - There is a growing recognition among investors that maintaining a presence in the market and continuing to learn is crucial for long-term success [3][6]. Group 2: Optimism in Innovation - Despite a generally pessimistic atmosphere in the entrepreneurial and investment circles, there is a belief that China is entering a new phase of innovation, termed "Innovation 2.0" [9][10]. - The author expresses confidence in the resilience of Chinese entrepreneurs, drawing parallels between historical challenges and current opportunities for growth and innovation [11][10]. - The cultural narrative of perseverance and innovation in China is seen as a driving force behind the entrepreneurial spirit, suggesting that the current generation of entrepreneurs is well-positioned for success [10][11]. Group 3: Emergence of New Business Models - The article discusses the emergence of various sectors, including biomedicine and AI, and how they are reshaping traditional business models [12][13]. - The concept of "one-person companies" and "small teams" achieving significant market value is introduced, highlighting the potential for individual creativity combined with industrial-scale productivity [14][13]. - AI is expected to play a transformative role across industries, suggesting that its integration will redefine business operations and consumer interactions [14][15]. Group 4: The Power of Narrative - The ability to create compelling narratives is identified as a unique human trait that drives collaboration and innovation, distinguishing successful companies from their competitors [16][18]. - Historical examples illustrate how shared narratives have enabled large-scale achievements, reinforcing the idea that a strong vision can mobilize collective efforts [17][18]. - Companies like NVIDIA are cited as examples of organizations that have successfully built their identity around a forward-looking narrative, leading to significant market success [18][19]. Group 5: Infinite Game Philosophy - The article introduces the concept of business as an "infinite game," where the focus is on continuous evolution rather than winning a finite competition [20][22]. - Successful companies are characterized by their ability to learn from both successes and failures, viewing them as inputs for future growth [22][24]. - The emphasis on iterative learning and adaptability is framed as essential for navigating the complexities of modern business environments [24][26].
离开TikTok做爆款仿剪Agent,NemoVideo获IDG、锦秋近千万美元融资
暗涌Waves· 2025-11-21 01:05
Core Insights - NemoVideo, founded by former TikTok team members, has recently completed nearly $10 million in Pre-A and angel round financing, with IDG Capital as the sole investor in the Pre-A round [2] - The company aims to create a video production agent platform that evolves from a tool to a productivity community, focusing on video creators [2][8] - The founders emphasize that NemoVideo will resemble Canva in the video domain, concentrating on productivity [2][10] Company Background - The founders, Jin and Evy, have extensive backgrounds in entrepreneurship and product leadership, having previously worked at TikTok and other startups [3][4] - The founding team possesses insights into creator and merchant pain points, global market go-to-market strategies, and video editing tool design logic [4] Product Vision - NemoVideo aims to build a "video production agent community," initially targeting a niche market of overseas e-commerce influencers and freelance editors [8][9] - The platform will allow creators to develop their own agents that understand their unique video creation processes, enhancing efficiency and creating a data flywheel [8][11] Market Positioning - The target users are characterized by high content output demands with limited budgets for professional teams, leading to a need for efficient tools [9] - The founders believe that while CapCut has established itself, NemoVideo's AI-native approach will serve as a supportive partner for creators rather than a fully automated solution [10] Product Development - Currently in beta testing, the product is being refined to ensure it meets user needs before a formal launch [12] - Future features will include support for nonlinear creation paths and enhanced AI capabilities for inspiration and rough cuts [13] Community and Monetization - The current monetization model is subscription-based, with plans to shift towards results-oriented pricing as the community grows [14] - Creators will have the freedom to set prices for their agents based on the quality of the videos produced [14] Funding and Growth - The company has successfully raised funds in quick succession, indicating strong investor interest in the AI agent space [16] - The founders acknowledge the challenges of high valuations and expectations that come with significant funding [18] Team Expansion - The team currently consists of a small number of full-time employees, with plans to expand by hiring senior technical talent and growth-oriented individuals [21] - The recruitment strategy emphasizes finding individuals with entrepreneurial spirit rather than just experience [22] Market Outlook - The founders believe that while the current market for AI agents is competitive, there is still room for innovation and exploration in the niche video agent sector [19] - They note that the entrepreneurial landscape in China remains challenging despite the perceived opportunities in AI [20]
瑞幸“上岸”背后:IDG的“赌局”与新面孔
暗涌Waves· 2025-11-20 00:33
这本应是一次常规的业绩披露,但在当下的时间节点,其意义远不止于财报数字。就在几天前,瑞幸CEO郭谨一在厦门企业家日大 会上公开表示,瑞幸"正积极推动重回美国主板上市进程"。 事后瑞幸官方向媒体补充说明:"目前对于重返主板上市没有确定的时间表,现阶段的首要任务仍是践行业务战略、聚焦发展。"即 便如此,瑞幸所经历的巨大转折性,也足以在中国商业史上留下自己的名字。 "上岸",这个在中国语境中充满"历劫重生"意味的词汇,或许将成为瑞幸的现实。 距离2020年那场风波已过去五年。五年间,瑞幸从纳斯达克退市,支付巨额罚金,几乎被市场宣判死刑。而今,它却奇迹般地"逆 风翻盘":超29000家门店,成为实质上中国最大的咖啡连锁品牌;还把咖啡店开到新加坡、美国、马来西亚等国家;郭谨一更预 计,2025年公司全年营收将超500亿元人民币。 「 新消费,新投资,新叙事。 」 文 | 陈之琰 11月17日,瑞幸咖啡在美股盘前发布其2025年第三季度财报。Q3总营收153亿元人民币(21.4亿美元),同比增长50.2%。净利润达 12.8亿元人民币,同比实现扭亏为盈。截至当日收盘,瑞幸粉单报40.00元美元/股,相比其2020年在粉单 ...
高瓴、红杉一起投了一家出海销售Agent
暗涌Waves· 2025-11-18 01:05
Core Viewpoint - Dealism, founded by former COO of Youzan, Leo, has raised $15 million in angel funding to develop AI-driven sales agents aimed at enhancing sales efficiency by automating repetitive communication tasks [2][3]. Group 1: Company Overview - Dealism was officially established in July 2023 and focuses on creating a conversational sales agent known as the "Vibe Selling Agent," designed for ease of use by individuals [3]. - The company targets small and medium-sized businesses in North America and Latin America, including independent creators and local service providers [3][7]. - The current team consists of fewer than 20 members, with plans for global expansion [3]. Group 2: Product Features - The Vibe Selling Agent is not a traditional chatbot; it is a purpose-driven conversational agent that understands user identity and objectives, facilitating effective communication with clients [5]. - The agent is designed to learn from user interactions, adapting to individual communication styles and sales processes over time [5][6]. - The product is expected to transition from a subscription and usage-based pricing model to a results-based payment system in the future [9]. Group 3: Market Potential - The global market for sales professionals is substantial, with approximately 150 million sales workers and an annual expenditure of $3-5 trillion in the labor market [11]. - The agent aims to fill the gap for small businesses that face high customer service demands but lack the resources for professional teams [8]. Group 4: Industry Trends - Leo predicts that vertical AI agents will become a new form of productivity, significantly altering organizational structures and reducing workforce needs while enhancing productivity [14]. - The evolution of AI is expected to lead to a "deconstruction and reconstruction" of workflows across various industries, resulting in smaller, more efficient organizations [14]. Group 5: Competitive Landscape - The success of Dealism will depend on deep industry knowledge, innovative product interaction design, and the ability to act quickly in a competitive market [18]. - Investors like Hillhouse Capital and Sequoia China are betting on the potential of vertical agents as a new productivity paradigm [18].
灵宇宙获2亿新融资,要做AI世界操作系统
暗涌Waves· 2025-11-17 01:51
Core Viewpoint - Ling Universe has completed a 200 million yuan Pre-A round of financing, indicating strong investor confidence and a shift from being solely a hardware company to developing a comprehensive human-machine interaction system [2][3][4]. Financing and Company Background - The recent financing round included participation from various financial institutions and listed companies, with existing shareholders also increasing their investments [2]. - The founder, Gu Jiawei, has a notable background in AI and human-computer interaction, having previously led significant projects at Microsoft and Baidu [2][3]. Product Development and Strategy - Ling Universe aims to create an operating system ecosystem for the next generation of AI terminals, focusing on emotional interaction and proactive engagement rather than just hardware sales [3][4]. - The company’s LingOS operating system is designed to be adaptable across various devices, allowing for continuous evolution based on real-world interaction data [4][12]. Market Positioning and Globalization - Ling Universe is positioning itself as a leader in the AI terminal market, with aspirations for over 60% of its sales to come from international markets in the future [16][17]. - The company plans to leverage its previous experience with Luka to expand globally, focusing on understanding local needs and cultural nuances [18][19]. User Interaction and Experience - The company emphasizes the importance of family as a common usage scenario for its products, aiming to create devices that understand and respond to the unique dynamics of each household [21][22]. - Ling Universe is developing AI that can proactively engage users, enhancing the interaction experience by making the technology feel like a family member rather than just a tool [13][24]. Data and Technology - The company has accumulated a vast amount of interaction data from its previous products, which serves as a foundation for training its AI models, ensuring quick and accurate responses [23]. - LingOS is designed to support multiple AI forms, including portable and stationary devices, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for human-machine interaction [12].