Robot Rental Startup Qingtian ZHU Secures Funding, Eyes National Expansion
Robot Rental Platform Qingtian ZHU Gains Momentum with New Funding
In a significant development for China's robotics sector, Qingtian ZHU Technology has announced the completion of its seed funding round on January 15. The Shanghai-based startup, which operates a robot leasing platform, attracted investment from prominent backers including Hillhouse Capital, Fosun Creation Wealth, and Muhua Science and Technology.
Disrupting Traditional Robotics Access
The company, launched just last December with support from robotics leaders like Zhiyuan Robotics and Feiku Technology, is pioneering a new approach to robotic adoption. Rather than requiring businesses to make substantial capital investments in equipment, Qingtian ZHU offers flexible rental options through its "shared leasing + platform scheduling" model.
"This fundamentally changes how businesses interact with robotic technology," explains Jiang Qingsong, Chairman of Qingtian ZHU and partner at Zhiyuan Robotics. "Our platform removes the barriers of high upfront costs while solving the challenge of fragmented usage scenarios."
Rapid Market Traction
The concept appears to be resonating with Chinese businesses. In just three weeks since launch:
- Registered users surpassed 200,000
- Daily orders consistently exceed 200
- Major partnerships established with Meiyijia, Haidilao, and Yuyuan Group
These chain brands are already deploying rented robots for store traffic generation and promotional events. The platform's standardized insurance and training programs help ensure smooth operations for both providers and users.
Hillhouse Capital highlighted the model's potential: "We're seeing robotics transition from capital equipment purchases to on-demand services - much like cloud computing transformed IT infrastructure."
Future Growth Plans
Looking ahead, Qingtian ZHU has outlined an ambitious "1234 strategy" targeting:
- Partnerships with 10+ original equipment manufacturers by 2026
- Development of 200 service providers
- Expansion to over 200 cities nationwide
The newly secured funding will fuel this expansion while supporting enhancements to the platform's service infrastructure.
Key Points:
- Innovative Model: Shifts robotics from ownership to service-based access
- Market Validation: Strong early adoption with 200k+ users
- Strategic Backing: Supported by leading investors and robotics companies
- Growth Focus: National expansion planned through partnerships and infrastructure
