Core Insights - The article highlights the emergence of "DJI alumni" entrepreneurs who are leveraging their experience to drive innovation in various high-tech sectors, including 3D printing, energy storage, and robotics, contributing significantly to China's smart manufacturing upgrade [2][14]. Group 1: Talent Movement and Industry Impact - Tao Ye, founder of Tuozhu Technology, criticized DJI for investing in competitors, indicating a competitive talent landscape that has implications for industry dynamics [1][2]. - The departure of talent from DJI has led to the creation of numerous startups that are becoming key players in critical areas of China's manufacturing transformation [13][14]. Group 2: Growth of Tuozhu Technology - Tuozhu Technology, founded in 2020, has seen rapid growth, with annual revenue increasing from 2.7 billion yuan to over 5 billion yuan in just four years, capturing half of the global consumer 3D printing market growth [4][6]. - The company's first product, the X1, achieved significant crowdfunding success and was recognized as one of Time magazine's "100 Best Inventions" [6]. Group 3: Success of DJI Alumni Startups - Several startups founded by former DJI employees have emerged as unicorns, such as Zhenghao Innovation and Wuzhong Technology, which are addressing consumer pain points in energy storage and personal care [8][9]. - The "DJI alumni" have collectively attracted significant investment, with nearly 20 startups receiving funding in 2025 alone, marking a five-year high [10]. Group 4: Investment Trends - Major investment firms are actively pursuing "DJI alumni" startups, with Sequoia China leading the way with multiple investments across various stages [10]. - Investors are drawn to these entrepreneurs due to their proven technical capabilities and efficient execution, which are critical in the hard tech sector [10]. Group 5: The "DJI Methodology" - The unique training system at DJI has equipped its engineers with a comprehensive skill set, enabling them to excel in various fields and fostering a culture of high-quality product development [11][12]. - The global experience gained at DJI provides these entrepreneurs with a "cold start template" for entering international markets, enhancing their competitive edge [11][12]. Group 6: Future Outlook - The article suggests that the rise of "DJI alumni" startups is not just about individual success but represents a broader shift in China's manufacturing landscape, positioning the country as a leader in global hard tech competition [14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing dissatisfaction of DJI's founder, Wang Tao, towards the talent outflow to TuoZhu Technology, highlighting the competitive dynamics and management issues within DJI [3][15][16]. Group 1: Talent Flow and Management Issues - TuoZhu's founder, Tao Ye, criticizes Wang Tao's management style, suggesting that despite DJI's strong market position and profitability, talent continues to leave, indicating deeper issues within the company [4][18]. - The article notes that talent is increasingly choosing TuoZhu over DJI, which has led to a shift in DJI's approach towards TuoZhu, including special clauses in investment agreements [4][5]. - Tao Ye emphasizes the need for DJI to differentiate between loyalty and obedience to retain talent, suggesting that a lack of open communication has contributed to the talent exodus [4][6][18]. Group 2: TuoZhu's Rapid Growth - TuoZhu Technology, founded in 2020, achieved a remarkable revenue milestone of over 5 billion yuan within four years, surpassing DJI's growth trajectory [7][13]. - The founding team of TuoZhu consists of key former DJI employees, which has contributed to its rapid success and adoption of similar management practices [9][10]. - TuoZhu's innovative product development and strict supply chain management have allowed it to establish a dominant position in the 3D printing industry, with a market share of 29% and a projected revenue of 5.5 to 6 billion yuan in 2024 [13][10]. Group 3: DJI's Historical Context and Challenges - The article outlines Wang Tao's past experiences with talent retention issues during DJI's early years, which have shaped his management philosophy and contributed to current challenges [17][18][22]. - Wang Tao's critical view of the external environment and his management style, which some describe as harsh, have led to a culture of fear among employees, further exacerbating talent loss [23][28]. - The narrative suggests that Wang Tao's distrust of others has created a negative feedback loop, driving away both talent and potential collaborators [28][29].