Core Viewpoint - The conflict between the founder and investors of Berante Robotics highlights issues of governance and profit distribution, with the founder proposing an exorbitant salary amidst declining company performance [1][3][4][5]. Group 1: Company Performance - Berante Robotics has experienced a continuous decline in revenue and net profit from 2020 to 2023, with revenue dropping from 447 million yuan in 2020 to 200 million yuan in 2023, and net losses increasing from 53.83 million yuan in 2022 to 125 million yuan in 2023 [5][12]. - Despite a slight recovery expected in 2024, the company remains in a loss-making state [5]. Group 2: Founder’s Salary Proposal - The proposal for a fixed monthly salary of 2 million yuan for the CEO, Yin Rongzao, was aimed at incentivizing him to turn the company's performance around, but it was rejected by the board with a vote of 1 in favor and 4 against [1][4]. - Yin also proposed that all net profits of the company for the next ten years, minus one yuan, be allocated as his personal bonus, raising significant concerns among investors [12]. Group 3: Investor Reaction - Investors, particularly Junlan Investment, expressed outrage over Yin's actions, accusing him of exploiting the company and disrespecting shareholders [3][7]. - The public letter from Junlan Investment called for a restructuring of the company's governance to remove Yin from his positions [3][9]. Group 4: Governance Issues - Yin's control over the company was facilitated by a series of financial maneuvers that allowed him to consolidate power, including the modification of company bylaws to ensure that only employees under contract could serve as directors [12][13]. - This governance structure effectively excluded external shareholders from decision-making processes, leading to a significant power imbalance [12][18]. Group 5: Historical Context - The situation at Berante Robotics is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend in the Chinese venture capital landscape, where conflicts between founders and investors often arise over control and profit distribution [15][18]. - Previous cases, such as those involving other companies like Luckin Coffee and NVC Lighting, illustrate similar patterns of governance disputes and the consequences of mismanagement [17][16].