Chinese AI Robotics Startup Lexiang Tech Raises $28 Million
Suzhou Lexiang Intelligent Technology, a nine-month-old startup in China’s burgeoning embodied artificial intelligence sector, has secured RMB 200 million yuan (US$28 million) in a new funding round, signaling strong investor appetite for companies aiming to bring intelligent robots to the consumer market.
The Angel++ round was led by Zhongding Capital, with existing backer IDG Capital also participating, the company announced on September 28. This marks the third capital injection for the Suzhou-based startup since its founding in late 2024, bringing its total angel-stage funding to nearly RMB 500 million yuan.
Lexiang Tech said the proceeds will be used to advance research on core components, develop its robot control and motion technologies, and accelerate the mass production of its consumer-grade products.
The company was founded by Guo Renjie, a former executive at consumer electronics firm Dreame, and is backed by early investor ZhenFund. Lexiang Tech aims to combine its leadership’s experience in scaling consumer hardware with advanced robotics to capture a leading position in the highly competitive embodied AI space.
Building a Talent Base
Lexiang Tech has rapidly built its team to 90 people, with over 80% of staff focused on research and development. The company has attracted graduates from top global institutions including Tsinghua University, UC Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon University, along with talent from major AI research labs. Its core team blends this academic expertise with deep industry experience, including two senior executives who each possess two decades of experience in the consumer robotics industry, aiming to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and mass-market product development.
Early Market Traction
The company has begun demonstrating its technology and testing market reception for its initial products. Its tracked robot, a model nicknamed "WaWa" or W-bot, gained public attention at major tech events like the World Artificial Intelligence Conference for its precise motion control and interactive features. In a novel application, the robot served as a mascot for a Suzhou Super League soccer team in July 2025, showcasing its potential use in public and entertainment settings. This has led to commercial interest from sectors including retail, education, property, and pet care. An early prototype was auctioned on JD.com Inc. in June 2025 for RMB 29,799 yuan, providing an initial validation of its market value ahead of a larger-scale launch.
Dual-Platform Strategy
Lexiang Tech is pursuing a dual-platform strategy to address different consumer needs. The W-bot is designed for scenarios requiring mobility and payload capacity, while a second product, the Z-Bot, is a 60-centimeter-tall robot with 20 degrees of freedom intended for indoor home environments. Both products are in parallel development. Following the latest financing, the company plans to increase R&D investment and expand its product lineup, with the stated goal of transforming embodied AI from a "frontier technology" into a "mass consumption" category and establishing itself as a global leader.