Core Viewpoint - The sudden announcement of a work stoppage at Haomo Zhixing has led to a complete halt in operations, raising concerns among employees about compensation and future arrangements [1][2]. Company Background - Founded in 2019, Haomo Zhixing emerged as a latecomer in the autonomous driving sector, entering a market that was transitioning from hype to rational pursuit [3]. - The company was established as a spin-off from Great Wall Motors, aiming to focus on autonomous driving technology amid industry transformation [4]. - Haomo Zhixing's leadership includes experienced executives from Great Wall Motors, reflecting the company's ambitious goals in the autonomous driving space [4][5]. Growth and Achievements - Haomo Zhixing quickly gained attention in the industry, developing a data intelligence system and launching its HPilot system across over 20 vehicle models, achieving over 1 billion yuan in revenue by the end of 2021 [7]. - The company reported a total driving distance of over 250 million kilometers by 2024, showcasing its rapid growth in user engagement [7]. Challenges and Decline - Despite initial success, Haomo Zhixing faced significant challenges, including delays in product delivery and the inability to launch its urban NOH feature, which contributed to its decline [8][9]. - The company began to lose favor with Great Wall Motors, which started exploring partnerships with other firms for smart driving solutions, further marginalizing Haomo Zhixing [9]. Financial Backing and IPO Plans - Haomo Zhixing has attracted substantial investment, raising approximately 2 billion yuan across seven funding rounds, with notable investors including Meituan and Hillhouse Capital [10][12]. - The company had plans for an IPO, initially targeting the Sci-Tech Innovation Board in 2023, but faced delays and is now considering a potential listing in Hong Kong in 2024 [13]. Internal Turmoil - Internal issues have been evident, with reports of layoffs and high-level executive departures, indicating a deteriorating organizational structure [14]. - Financial difficulties have emerged, with cash flow issues leading to delayed salary payments and challenges in meeting business targets [14]. Industry Context - The autonomous driving sector is experiencing a competitive landscape, with significant investment activity and a trend towards consolidation among major players [15]. - Haomo Zhixing's situation serves as a cautionary tale for companies reliant on single corporate partners, highlighting the risks of dependency in a rapidly evolving industry [15].
融了20亿的超级独角兽，停工了