Core Insights - The company, Nongxin Huliang, has evolved from a startup in 2016 with a vision to modernize agriculture into a unicorn in the smart agriculture sector, particularly through its "Pig Internet" platform, which holds over 35% market share in the livestock digitalization market and secured nearly 300 million yuan in funding by the end of 2024 [2][4]. Group 1: Business Model and Strategy - The primary need in the pig farming industry is cost reduction, achieved through smart technology and platform capabilities to increase pig yield, reduce mortality, and expedite market readiness [2][4]. - The company emphasizes production management over mere transaction facilitation, aiming to address high production costs through innovative digital solutions [15][18]. - The company has never relied on subsidies, maintaining a sustainable business model with a focus on customer retention, as evidenced by an increase in customer renewal rates from 75% to 87% [20][49]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - The integration of AI and big data has transformed the company's service offerings, allowing for direct data analysis and actionable insights for clients, enhancing operational efficiency [4][44]. - Robotics play a crucial role in transitioning from traditional farming practices to smart management, focusing on practical applications rather than humanoid designs [50]. - The company has developed a comprehensive data platform that supports real-time monitoring and management of livestock, significantly improving decision-making processes [45][47]. Group 3: Market Expansion and Future Opportunities - The company is exploring opportunities in related sectors such as poultry, ruminants (cattle and sheep), and aquaculture, leveraging its existing expertise in livestock management [28][30]. - The strategic approach includes either undertaking projects to build industry knowledge or investing in small teams to foster growth in new markets [31][34]. - Despite the expansion into new sectors, the company remains focused on optimizing its current operations in the pig farming industry, indicating a measured approach to growth [34][36]. Group 4: Impact of COVID-19 - The pandemic significantly impacted operations, with restrictions hindering on-site activities and client engagements, leading to a temporary decline in revenue growth [36][40]. - The company utilized the downtime during the pandemic to enhance product offerings and solidify its technological foundation, preparing for post-pandemic recovery [39][42]. - The experience gained during the pandemic has informed the development of more intelligent, remote management solutions for livestock farming [44].