Core Insights - The article highlights the transformative power of early investments in promising startups, exemplified by the stories of DJI and Hikvision, showcasing how personal relationships can lead to significant financial returns [2][6]. Group 1: DJI's Journey - DJI, founded by Wang Tao, faced early challenges, including team member departures and financial struggles, prompting his friend Xie Jia to sell his house to invest in the company [3][5]. - Xie Jia's investment in DJI, which amounted to an unknown figure but resulted in approximately 14% equity, later valued at around 14 billion yuan, illustrates the potential rewards of supporting friends in their entrepreneurial endeavors [5][6]. - By 2024, DJI's revenue surpassed 80 billion yuan, with its valuation exceeding 1 trillion yuan, marking it as a leading player in the Chinese manufacturing sector [9][12]. Group 2: Investment Trends in Hardware - The article notes a significant shift in the investment landscape for hardware companies, with DJI's successful fundraising in 2018 attracting over 100 institutions and raising 1 billion USD, despite the general skepticism towards hardware investments [12][14]. - Emerging hardware companies, such as YI Technology and Plaud AI, are gaining traction, indicating a revitalization of interest in the hardware sector, which was previously considered high-risk [13][14]. - The narrative emphasizes that the success of companies like DJI has instilled confidence in investors, leading to a renewed focus on hardware investments in China [14].