Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and dynamics faced by the autonomous driving sector, particularly focusing on the company SenseTime's subsidiary, Absolute Shadow, as it seeks external financing amidst a tightening market environment [4][5][20]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The autonomous driving battlefield is entering a critical phase, with significant events such as the announcement of a 3.6 billion financing round by another player, indicating a narrowing financing environment [5]. - Absolute Shadow is seen as a unique player outside the final competition circle, struggling to secure its position in a market dominated by tech giants and established automotive manufacturers [6][10]. Group 2: Company Positioning - Absolute Shadow is categorized among three types of companies in the autonomous driving landscape: those incubated by tech giants, those supported by automotive manufacturers, and those founded by star entrepreneurs [6]. - The company has faced challenges in becoming a core platform provider, with its product lines significantly reduced and a focus on specific platforms like Horizon and NVIDIA [24][26]. Group 3: Talent and Management Issues - The company has experienced significant turnover in its leadership, impacting its ability to meet the demands of long-term production cycles [27]. - Frequent changes in management have led to a disconnect between the algorithm and engineering teams, hindering the transition from theoretical models to practical applications [31]. Group 4: Customer Relationships - Absolute Shadow's customer base primarily consists of secondary suppliers, with its largest client, Nezha Auto, facing operational challenges that jeopardize future orders [28][29]. - The company has attempted to attract clients through innovative delivery models but risks being marginalized as competitors solidify their partnerships [29]. Group 5: Financial Viability and Future Outlook - The company has struggled with profitability, with most of its revenue coming from low-margin products rather than high-value autonomous driving solutions [31]. - Despite its challenges, Absolute Shadow retains potential value in areas like AI infrastructure and multi-modal interactions, although it has fallen behind in the autonomous driving sector [32][33].
被遗忘的商汤绝影