36氪首发 | 夯实产业能力构建，智能洗碗机制造商「轻美电器」完成近亿元B轮融资

Core Insights - The article discusses the recent completion of nearly 100 million yuan in Series B financing for the smart dishwasher manufacturer Qimei Electric, led by New Light Capital and Gold Medal Home, with participation from Xiaomi. The funds will be used for the construction of a smart factory with a capacity of 1 million dishwashers, equipment upgrades, and R&D investments [1] Company Overview - Qimei Electric was founded in 2019 and focuses on the R&D, production, and sales of smart dishwashers. The company has established strategic partnerships with Xiaomi and Gold Medal Cabinet in 2023, offering products such as countertop dishwashers and full-size built-in dishwashers [1] - The company has developed solutions to address specific pain points of Chinese consumers, such as the diverse sizes of kitchenware, heavy oil residue on dishes, speed of washing, and the need for disinfection [3][5] Market Dynamics - The Chinese dishwasher market has evolved from explosive growth to a period of adjustment and recovery over the past decade. The market size surpassed 10 billion yuan for the first time in 2021 but entered a slowdown phase. Recently, the market has returned to steady growth due to government and brand subsidies, changes in family demographics, and consumption upgrades [1][2] - According to AVC data, the dishwasher industry is projected to grow from 8.7 billion yuan in 2020 to 13.2 billion yuan in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.9%. However, the current penetration rate in China is only about 4%, indicating significant growth potential [2] Product Innovation - Qimei Electric has introduced flexible basket designs that allow users to adjust for various Chinese kitchenware. The company has also developed smart dispensing and automatic door-opening technologies to meet user demands for precise detergent usage and drying effects. Additionally, Qimei offers a patented 135° washing and disinfection technology [3][5] - The company has achieved breakthroughs in storage solutions, allowing dishes to be stored in the dishwasher for up to six days without odor issues, thanks to a physical separation between the dishwasher and the drainage system [5] Future Plans - Qimei Electric is investing 500 million yuan in a new factory project in Zhangjiagang High-tech Zone, covering an area of approximately 76 acres and a total construction area of about 80,000 square meters. The project will include three smart production lines, injection molding workshops, metal processing workshops, and a digital national-level laboratory [5] - The company aims to position itself in the mid-to-high-end market with pricing between 5,000 to 6,000 yuan, competing with brands like Siemens and Fotile. Qimei plans to enhance its offline presence through Xiaomi's retail channels and integrate its products with Gold Medal Cabinet's kitchen solutions [7] - The founder believes that a penetration rate of 10% could signal a turning point for the industry, leading to explosive growth as more households adopt dishwashers [7]